What crime is committed for knowingly or willfully abusing a child without causing significant harm?

The crime committed for knowingly or willfully abusing a child without causing significant harm is classified as a 3rd Degree Felony. This classification acknowledges the severity of the conduct involved in child abuse while reflecting that there was no significant harm inflicted on the child.

In many jurisdictions, laws categorize crimes based on the nature of the offense and the harm caused. While felonies typically involve more severe penalties than misdemeanors, a 3rd Degree Felony is generally considered less serious than 1st or 2nd Degree Felonies, which often involve aggravated circumstances or significant harm to the victim. A 1st Degree Misdemeanor is also less severe than a felony and involves conduct that does not rise to the level of felony charges, particularly in cases where harm is absent.