Q: What is the difference between assault and battery?

Even though assault and battery are often grouped together and assumed to be one crime, they are actually two different acts. Frequently, they are committed together, although they can be performed separately.

Assault is defined as the act of threatening bodily harm, which creates a reasonable fear of being hurt in the victim. Battery, on the other hand, is the act of causing bodily harm to another person. If you touch another person in a harmful, violent, or offensive manner, then you may be cited for committing battery.

If you would like to learn more about assault and battery, contact the Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Thomas A. Bruno & Associates today at 217-328-6000.