The Difference Between an Assault Charge and a Battery Charge

 Posted on June 12, 2017 in Assault & Battery

Assault and battery is a common criminal charge. We often see the charges linked together as if they are the same offense. However, in the state of Illinois, these are two distinct charges that many times go hand in hand with each other but do not have to.

Criminal assault in Illinoisis defined as an act or conduct that places another individual in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm. Whereas, a battery is the actual unwanted, unsolicited physical conduct which usually immediately follows an assault. Still, there can be a battery without the accompanying assault charge—the same way one can be charged with assault without being charged with a battery.

Why Does the Difference Matter?

The difference between the two matters because the available defenses differ based on the crime or crimes with which you are being charged. For example, self-defense is a common defense to a battery allegation; however, self-defense is not a traditional defense to a pure assault charge.General defenses to assault and battery charges include:

• Defense of property;
• Self-defense or defense of another;
• Consent of the victim to the contact (battery charge specific); and
• Lack of a legally reasonable apprehension about an impending battery (assault charge specific).

Are the Penalties for an Assault the Same for a Battery?

This is a question for your Chicago criminal defense attorney. There are many variables that can affect the sentence of either an assault or a battery. Those variables include:

• Whether the assault had a sexual component;
• Whether the battery included a deadly weapon; and
• The types of injuries the victim sustained.

A “simple” assault is a class C misdemeanor under Illinois law. This can carry a fine of up to $1,500 and up to 30 days in jail. However, if one of the above-mentioned aggravating circumstances is present, then the fines can become significantly harsher. For example, if you are convicted of felony aggravated assault and battery, you may be facing a class 4 felony that carries a potential punishment of up to three years. Other aggravating factors can affect your sentencing, like having a prior record.

I Have been Charged with Assault and Battery, How Do I know if it is a Felony?

The first stepyou need to takeis to consult your experienced Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley. Our dedicated legal team defends misdemeanors as well as felony criminal charges of assault and battery. A Criminal conviction may alter the course of your life for good. Therefore, do not try and defend yourself alone. Contact us at 847-253-3100, 24 hours a day, so that we can get to work defending you and your rights.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt.+12%2C+Subdiv.+5&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=20887500&SeqEnd=22225000