What is the difference between an assault and a battery?

In Florida, the law classifies both assault and battery as violent crimes. The main difference between the two is that assault does not require physical contact, while battery does. Assault in Florida generally consists of either making an intentional or threatened threat of violence, or making specific gestures that would put a reasonable person in fear of harm. No physical contact is necessary for an assault charge in Florida. Battery, on the other hand, requires actual physical contact. It is considered a more serious offense than assault and usually requires the prosecutor to prove that an act of physical violence has been committed. This includes hitting, kicking, shoving, or even throwing something at another person. It is important to note that in Florida an assault can be charged as a battery if the incident was serious enough to cause bodily harm. Additionally, both offenses are punishable by jail time and fines, as well as probation. Potential sentences for both offenses vary depending on the severity of the crime.

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What is the difference between an assault and a battery?

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