Assault and Battery FAQs

What is the difference between assault and battery?

Assault is defined as the threat, attempt, or intent to cause physical injury or harm to another person. For example, if someone threatens to hurt another person so that the other person is afraid for their physical well-being or throws a punch and misses, these are considered assault. Assault and battery both occur when the threat or attempt is completed and physical harm occurs. Both assault and battery are serious charges that can permanently alter the lives of those convicted. If you are currently facing assault and battery charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, and Ravid & Associates, P.C. can help.

Are assault and battery a misdemeanor or a felony?

In most cases, assault and battery will result in misdemeanor charges unless there are specific circumstances surrounding the assault that elevate the charges to felony ones. These can include committing assault and battery against your romantic partner, using a deadly weapon, or intending to kill or cause serious bodily injury to the assaulted person. In addition, if the assault and battery are committed in conjunction with other crimes like kidnapping, intent to kidnap, or robbery, the charges may be felonious.

What are the penalties for assault and battery charges in Michigan?

The penalties for assault and battery charges are up to 93 days in jail, $500 in fines, and up to two years of probation. These penalties are worsened if you use a weapon during the assault, have past offenses of the same crime, commit the crime in the context of domestic violence, or if you inflict considerable bodily harm to the other person. In these cases, your charges may be elevated to felony charges and carry with them longer prison time and heftier fines. If you have any additional questions about the penalties for assault and battery or would like to set up an appointment with one of our experienced Detroit assault and battery criminal defense attorneys, please contact Ravid & Associates, P.C.