Battery

Battery is unauthorized, illegal use of force against another person. Battery is generally grouped with assault and is labeled assault and battery, although assault can involve the threat of physical force while battery requires actual physical contact. There are various types of battery which vary by state.

Whether the battery is considered a misdemeanor can depend on who is assaulted or whether the assailant has a deadly weapon. For instance, aggravated battery can include shooting someone or battery against a protected class such as a police officer, healthcare provider, social services worker or elderly person. Common defenses against a battery charge can include self-defense, coercion or defense of others. If you have been arrested for battery you need to talk to a criminal attorney who can review your case and help you determine how to proceed.