What is the difference between assault and battery?

Assault and battery are distinct offenses in Pennsylvania law. Assault occurs when a person acts in a way that causes another person to believe they are in immediate danger of physical harm. For example, threatening to hit a person with a closed fist could be considered assault. Battery, on the other hand, occurs when a person carries out an unlawful physical attack on another person. This would include actually striking or hitting the person. In Pennsylvania, assault is considered a misdemeanor and battery is classified as a felony. If a person is convicted of assault, they can face up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. If, on the other hand, a person is convicted of battery, the penalty can involve the potential of a sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. In certain cases, assault and battery can be combined into the same charge. If a person threatens to hit another person and then follows through with the threat, they could be convicted of assault and battery. In this case, the person would be found guilty of both offenses and could face more serious legal consequences.

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What is the difference between assault and battery?

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