The Difference Between Assault and Battery

Many people hear the phrase “assault and battery” and think of it as one legal term. However, assault and battery are two distinct legal terms used to talk about violent crimes, each with its own set of definitions.

In the United States, assault is often defined as the threat of violence against another person, as indicated by a sudden show of force. Alternately, battery is defined as an act of physical violence against another person that was meant to inflict harm. In order for an act to qualify as battery, it is necessary that

• The act in question is a violation of a person’s rights or physical space
• The act results in a harmful interaction with another person
• The act was intentional and was meant to cause harm

The two are often grouped together, however, as an act of assault often precedes an act of battery in violent acts.

In the case of both assault and battery, there is a difference between simple acts and aggravated acts. When talking about assault, simple assault varies from aggravated assault in that aggravated assault typically involves the use of a potentially deadly weapon, and the acts of the perpetrator displayed a disregard for the life and well-being of the victim.

Similarly, aggravated battery is used to describe acts of battery that have resulted in a victim’s permanent disfigurement or disability, and is usually classified as a felony.

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Assault and battery are both serious offenses, and if you have been the victim of either of these violent acts, you deserve to be compensated for your suffering. For the representation you need, contact Cincinnati personal injury lawyer Shawn M. Stepleton today at 513-321-7733.