When does assault become a gross misdemeanor in relation to utility employees?

Assault becomes a gross misdemeanor when the victim is identified as a contractor or employee of a utility company. This legal distinction emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals who are performing essential services, particularly in the context of utility operations, where employees may be working in public or hazardous environments. The law recognizes that assaults against these workers can endanger not only their safety but also the stability and reliability of critical services they provide.

Options highlighting factors such as non-working hours, the presence of a crowd, or prior knowledge of the victim do not inherently elevate the severity of the assault to a gross misdemeanor. The focus is placed specifically on the victim's role as a utility employee or contractor, reflecting societal values regarding the safety of individuals engaged in necessary public work.