- Gaynell Williams, LLC.
What is the Difference Between an Assault and a Battery in Louisiana?
Updated: Nov 20, 2020
What are Assault and Battery? How do they differ?

A battery is defined as the harmful or offensive touching that a person does not want to occur. An assault is defined as the intent to commit a battery or the intentional placing of another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery. A battery is distinguished from an assault in that a battery generally involves touching while an assault does not. Battery and assault are related because they usually occur at the same time.
A criminal battery would also include acts that cause a substance or an object to touch another. Some examples of battery would be directing an animal, like a dog to attack another, thereby causing the animal to attack, and spitting on another. Other examples of battery include touching another person in anger or in a rude manner, throwing a bottle or an object at another person, striking him, or hitting a person with your fists or an object.
The proceeding examples, while not exhaustive, illustrate the nature of a battery where one intentionally uses force or violence against another.
Some Assault and Battery offenses are listed below.
Battery Offenses
Simple Battery
Aggravated Battery
Aggravated Second Degree Battery
Second Degree Battery
Battery of a Police Officer
Battery of a School Teacher
Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee
Battery of the Infirm
Disarming of a Peace Officer
Assault Offenses
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer
Unlawful Use of a Laser on a Police Officer
Simple Assault
Assault with a Motor Vehicle
Assault of a School Teacher
If you are in need of a DWI/DUI, criminal defense, expungement, or personal injury lawyer, please contact Gaynell Williams today at 504-302- 2462 for an appointment so that an aggressive criminal and personal injury lawyer who will be committed to your case can assist you today. Evenings and weekend sessions are available by appointment. We will work around your schedule.
This information has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. Please consult your attorney in connection with any specific situation under federal and/or Louisiana law and the applicable state or local laws that may impose additional obligations on you and/or your family member. © 2018-2020 Gaynell Williams LLC Attorney at Law.