What Is the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

When you’re accused of harming another person, you may face serious charges. You may have been accused of assault, battery, or even both. Now, you’ve been arrested and booked, and your court date is coming up fast.

But what is the difference between assault and battery? You may have been charged with one but not the other, or you may face separate charges for both. If you’re not sure what that means for your future, talk to your criminal defense lawyer at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ about your options for avoiding the consequences of these charges.

Assault vs. Battery

When we think of assault and battery, we often think of the two together. But assault and battery are two separate charges, and the penalties can differ. So what’s the big difference?

To be charged with assault, you don’t have to have harmed the other person. Assault refers to knowingly threatening bodily harm or battery to another person. Battery refers to causing bodily harm to another individual, or contacting another person physical in a way meant to provoke or insult them.

Penalties for Assault and Battery Charges

Unfortunately, the penalties for both charges can be harsh. Assault is a Class C misdemeanor, while battery is a Class A misdemeanor. That means fines, community service in some assault cases, and up to a year in jail.

But aggravating factors can impact your case. For example, you may have been accused of assault with a deadly weapon. You may be facing harsher, more long-term penalties. You may even face felony charges, which look even worse on your criminal record. You may face years in prison, depending on the details of your case.

Talk to a Lawyer About Getting Your Charges Dismissed

When you’re accused of breaking the law, you need help getting those charges reduced or dismissed. But that’s tough when you need answers to questions like, “What is the difference between assault and battery?”

If you’re not sure, you may need a lawyer from Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ to step in and help your case succeed. When you’re ready to defend your case in court, call 312-519-3171 or fill out the online contact form below to learn more about our services.