What Is the Difference Between Assault and Battery in Indiana?
Although assault and battery charges are often paired together, they’re actually two separate charges in the state of Indiana. Assault is when someone tries to make the victim believe that they’re in danger, and battery involves acting on that threat and actually causing the victim bodily injury.
Penalties for assault and battery can vary depending on the severity of the crime. Occasionally, assailants may receive misdemeanor criminal charges, but often, the result will be a felony charge of some level. Fighting an assault and battery charge in court can be essential if you want a chance at a better future.
A Terre Haute violent crime lawyer from Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm can investigate your case and help build a strong defense to support you in court. We’ll negotiate on your behalf and try our best to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Assault and Battery Penalties in Indiana
Both assault and battery charges can vary in severity. Although domestic battery in which an assailant touches a family member in an angry manner may lead to a Class A misdemeanor, aggravated battery that leaves a victim with permanent disfigurement can lead to a level 3 felony.
A Class A misdemeanor can have penalties of up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine, and a level 3 felony will have penalties between three and sixteen years in prison and an advisory term of nine years.
Similar to battery charges, assault charges will range in severity and in penalties. Usually, assault and battery charges are paired together. An assault and battery charge when paired together may result in the most severe penalty, which is a level 1 felony. A level 1 felony can result in twenty to forty years in prison and an advisory term of thirty years.
Contact a Terre Haute Violent Crime Attorney
It’s essential to speak to an experienced attorney if you’re facing charges for a violent crime such as assault or battery. Fighting your charges may be the only chance you have to reduce your prison sentence or keep your record clean.
If you’re ready to speak with a Terre Haute violent crime lawyer from Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm to discuss the details of your case, fill out the contact form below or call 1-812-232-7400 to schedule a free consultation.
