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Assault & Battery |
What is Assault & Battery?
Assault and battery charges are two different crimes committed by an
individual against another individual. Assault & battery charges
are generally classified as misdemeanor offenses with the punishments
ranging from county jail time to informal probation with permanent
marks on your criminal record.
Elements of the crime
- Battery is any physical contact with someone or act that will knowingly cause harm against that individual
- Assault is the attempt or threat to commit battery
Therefore, someone can be arrested for assault even if the victim isnt physically touched.
If you are convicted
If you are accused of assault and battery you may have to face both
criminal and civil trials. If you are found guilty in the criminal
proceedings you will have a mark on your permanent record if you are
not a minor and you may have to:
- Serve jail time, probation, or parole
- Pay a fine
- Take anger management classes
Factors affecting the sentence
- Severity of the offense
- Prior convictions
- Injuries caused during the offense
- Current probation or parole status
Civil Consequences
On the civil side, if you are found to be liable for your actions, you may have to pay for the victims:
- Injuries plus pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Losses from missed work
- Other damages
In all criminal matters it is
recommended that you seek professional legal assistance to protect your
interests. A lawyer who has experience in this area of law can give
legal advice that will assist you with the matter and will ensure that
the judicial process is properly followed. |
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