An assault is the offer to injure someone. The difference between an assault and a battery can be simply stated as this. An assault is when you take a swing at someone and miss. A battery is when you take a swing at someone and hit. The most common charge therefore, is “Assault and Battery”.
An assault is more technically defined as an offer to inflict an unlawful touching. Assault and Battery can therefore be a swing at someone or it can be inappropriately pinching someone. Depending on the facts of the assault or battery, there are numerous defenses: Self-Defense, accident, mistake or a complete denial. Battery is the unlawful touching.
If you have been charged with any type of assault, it is important to have an attorney who is familiar with the charge and knows how to aggressively defend against it. Contact the Ross and Enderlin law firm for experienced representation.