Illinois criminal law divides criminal conduct into two main categories: Crimes against property and crimes against a person. If a thief broke into a home and stole money, but nobody else was home, then the thief committed an offense against property. However, if the same thief confronted someone on the street with a gun and stole their wallet, the crime is robbery and is considered an offense against a person.
Assault and battery are both offenses against a person. Because assault and battery are often discussed in the same context, many people believe they always happen together or are the same crime. However, assault and battery are two distinct legal offenses that describe different behaviors and carry different penalties.
What is Battery?
The crime of battery is committed when one person, without legal authority or justification, intentionally causes bodily harm to another person or makes physical contact in a way that insults or provokes the victim. Serious physical harm does not have to take place in order for someone to be successfully prosecuted with battery. A single slap, punch, or even finger poke in the chest could be considered battery.
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