Assault and battery are often grouped together and used interchangeably. However, assault and battery are two separate offenses which have very different meanings. Assault is defined as the threat or attempt of causing injury to another, with the apparent ability to carry out the threat. Battery is defined as the intentional touching of another, against their consent. Battery involves any of a variety of forms of physical contact. Depending upon the particular charges, the extent of injury to the victim (if any), the defendant’s criminal record and whether a deadly weapon was used, one may face felony or misdemeanor charges for an assault and/or battery offense and need an assault and battery attorney.
There are a number of specific offenses relating to assault and/or battery in Florida:
- Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assault with Intent of Committing a Felony
- Battery
- Aggravated Battery
- Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- Domestic Violence Battery
- Domestic Violence Battery by Strangulation
- Sexual Battery
- Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm
- Assault or Battery against a Police Officer