Like assault charges, battery crimes are divided into the categories of simple and aggravated. A person commits the crime of simple battery when he or she:
Intentionally makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another; or
Intentionally causes physical harm to another.
Simple battery is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, probation, and restitution. However, simple battery can be elevated to a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature if the victim was pregnant, over 65, a police officer, a caregiver, a school employee, or if the crime was domestic in nature. Like aggravated assault, aggravated battery is also very similar to its less-serious version, simple battery, except that it involves maliciously inflicting a serious injury to the victim, such as loss of a limb, loss of use of a limb, or serious disfigurement. Aggravated battery is a felony and is punishable by one to twenty years in prison, fines, and restitution. As with all violent crimes, the penalties for a battery conviction are too severe to risk and require the assistance of qualified legal counsel. Call our firm today at 770-887-1209 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of Banks, Stubbs, and McFarland’s top violent crime defense attorneys.