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Do you know the difference between assault and battery in Maryland?

Written by
ruxandra
June 17th, 2016

Assault and battery are a combination of the threat and the physical harm done. The severity of the injury caused to the victim can decide if the charges are an assault or a battery case. According to the common law, it could either be a felony or a misdemeanor. To help you with your case you can get the help of an assault lawyer in Maryland.

Assault vs. battery in Maryland

In Maryland, the assault crime can be committed in different ways, such as:

  • Attempting battery
  • Committing battery
  • Placing another in apprehension of battery

Assault vs. battery A in Maryland comparison chart

AssaultBatteryJustificationDefense or self-defenseDefense, self-defense, necessityCommon lawInternational tortInternational tortImportant aspectThe threat of violence is enough for the assault. Physical contact is not necessary.Physical contact is necessaryPurposeThreatenCause harmNature of the crimeNot necessarily physicalPhysical

Any reasonable threat to an individual is assault, while the battery is defined as the use of force against a person with the purpose of causing bodily harm without their consent. As a simpler definition, assault is the attempt to commit a battery crime.

Battery and assault legal definition

The assault can cause a person to be afraid of violence (but without any violence inflicted on the victim). The battery is considered the trespass into the personal space of a person without their approval, causing them bodily harm. If you were the victim of an assault or battery, you should contact an assault victim attorney from Annapolis. With the help of a professional, you can receive assault compensation for the emotional or physical injuries you have suffered.

Physical injury

The crime of assault doesn't require an actual injury to the victim, according to the assault legal definition of Maryland. Attacks where the victim suffers an injury will result in a more severe punishment for the criminal. If you were the victim of assault, you could be entitled to assault compensation and with an assault victim attorney from Annapolis, you could prove the guilt of the person that hurt you.

Example of assault and battery

For example, throwing a rock at someone with the purpose is hitting that person is:

  • Assault if the rock misses.
  • Battery if the rock hits that person.

It will not matter if the victim was aware that a stone was being thrown at them or not.

The assault conviction can have severe consequences for the aggressor, such as a substantial fine, time in prison and a criminal record. If you were the victim of assault or battery, it would be much easier to prove the guilt of aggressor with the help of a law specialist. Contact the best assault lawyer in Maryland at (443) 569-3950 or at email chris@annapolisaccidentattorney.com. A Get the best representation possible and let us fight for your justice.