Many people think the terms assault and battery are synonymous. However, under Illinois law, they are two separate criminal offenses. Assault is defined as the threat of bodily harm that causes fear of harm to the victim. Battery is actual physical harm to another person. The penalties for these crimes can range from fines to jail time. In some cases, there are factors that elevate the crime to aggravated charges, which result in harsher punishments. A conviction for aggravated battery can impact a person’s professional and personal life. An experienced criminal defense attorney can explain the potential implications, and provide quality representation needed to avoid a conviction for this type of violent crime.
Simple Battery Charges
Basic battery charges in Illinois involve insulting or provoking physical contact or intentionally causing bodily harm to another. A few examples of actions that constitute battery include:
- Pushing another person
- Hitting and injuring someone with an object
- Grabbing and ripping someone’s clothing in anger (clothing is an extension of the person)
The basic charge of battery is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
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