Historically, assault and battery were two crimes that might, or might not, be committed at the same time. Assault referred to the intentional threat of harm or intentionally causing a person to be fearful of experiencing harm. Battery referred to intentional physical contact with a person that had not given his/her consent. Today these two crimes are prosecuted in almost all jurisdictions as one crime, although the courts may still prosecute the two offenses separately if they desire. Exact charges vary by jurisdiction, for a Lawyer in Louisville, KY, with experience in defending assault and battery charges; contact Durrett & Kersting Law, PLLC.

A charge of Assault and Battery encompasses a wide range of offenses; from simple assault where there is an altercation but no weapon is used and no serious injury occurs, to assault in the first degree whereby the perpetrator intentionally causes serious harm to another person by using a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon. There are multiple levels of degree defined in most jurisdictions; the level of injury and whether a weapon has been employed in the offense will determine degree. Other related charges include threatening, endangerment, and intimidation. The circumstances surrounding the charge of assault and battery will determine the level of offence and resulting punishment, from misdemeanor to felony, from probation, fine and community service to jail time. If this is you first offense, the courts may be more lenient in your charge and punishment but if you have been charged in the past, your punishment may be more severe. You need an attorney that understands the complexities of the law and can help you structure an adequate defense. A charge of assault and battery in a domestic situation can be even more complicated. Many jurisdictions place more emphasis on a charge when there is a domestic relationship involved. This relationship may be husband and wife, mother and daughter, father and son, or roommates depending on how the law defines relationship in your jurisdiction. Often a domestic charge of assault and battery will bring more severe charges and resulting penalty.