Assault and battery are among some of the more common violent crimes with which defendants are charged. As is the case with most violent crimes, the potential consequences of a conviction for assault and/or battery are typically significant.Let’s start by defining the two terms ‘battery’ and ‘assault’ in the legal sense:

• ​​​​Battery: Refers to a charge of actual, harmful physical touching or force. Battery is a willful, violent act that causes physical harm.
• Assault: Refers to the attempted doing of physical harm to another person. Contrary to popular belief, the legal definition of assault does not require that any actual physical harm to be perpetrated against a victim. Assault requires some act that would put a reasonable person in fear for their safety. Threats and attempts to physically injure someone qualify as an assault.

If you or a loved one has been accused of either of these crimes, the consequences can be serious and should not be underestimated. Prosecutors are rarely lenient with violent offenders in Louisiana. Regardless of if you believe you committed a violent crime or not, it is almost guaranteed the State will seek harsh consequences for the alleged actions.