How many years is the penalty for assaulting a peace officer by throwing bodily fluids?

The correct answer reflects that assaulting a peace officer by throwing bodily fluids is classified as a specific type of assault that carries a defined legal consequence. In Minnesota, this offense is taken seriously because it poses a health and safety risk to law enforcement personnel who are actively performing their duties.

When someone throws bodily fluids at a peace officer, it demonstrates not only an assault on the officer's physical integrity but also an attempt to demean or intimidate them. The law recognizes the unique role of peace officers and establishes penalties that reflect the seriousness of such actions. The two-year penalty aligns with the intent to deter this behavior while still recognizing it may not carry the same level of severity as more violent forms of assault.

Other options present longer duration penalties, which may apply to different or more severe assault offenses, or lesser penalties that do not adequately reflect the offense's seriousness. Therefore, the two-year penalty effectively serves the dual purpose of justice for the offense and maintaining respect for those in law enforcement roles.