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What is Felony Battery?

By Jan Hill
Updated: Jan 28, 2024
Views: 29,323
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Felony battery in the American justice system is the illegal touching of another person that results in a physical injury. Since a felony is the most severe classification of crimes, felony-level battery often involves extreme physical force that may result in some type of permanent injury. This type of touching with the intent to cause grave physical harm may also be known as aggravated battery. In many areas, this crime may be punishable by a minimum of one year in a prison or penitentiary, depending on the severity of the crime.

For a crime to qualify as felony battery, the act must typically have been committed with the intent to do serious harm or restrain, such as in the case of rape or murder. The touching must usually be done in a painful, harmful, offensive or violent manner without the consent of the victim. When the act is done with a dangerous weapon, such as a gun or a knife, the crime may be considered felony battery. When an individual who has previously been convicted of battery commits the crime again, or if significant physical harm is inflicted upon a child or elderly person, felony battery charges may result.

Battery is sometimes confused with assault. Assault involves the threat of physical harm, but unless an individual actually touches another with the intent to do harm, the act may not constitute battery. Assault is sometimes combined with battery, especially in cases of assault with the intent to kill. A battery is frequently preceded by an assault, giving rise to the common phrase, "assault and battery."

Punishment regarding violent crimes such as felony battery is commonly quite strict. Even if it is a first offense, there may be jail time or a significant probation period enforced. Simple battery, which is a lesser offense, is usually classified as a misdemeanor. It commonly becomes felony battery with the addition of a weapon. The use of the weapon may have been real or only threatened. Most sexual crimes include elements of battery, since they typically involve acts that are performed without the consent of the victim.

A convicted felon commonly receives somewhat harsher penalties than someone found guilty of a misdemeanor and may have some of his freedoms taken away. Individuals who are repeat offenders might receive more severe treatment. In some areas, those receiving felony convictions for battery may not be allowed to vote, hold public office or serve on jury panels.

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Discussion Comments
By bythewell — On Jun 06, 2011

@Koiwigal - I'm sorry to hear that you have been threatened with violence in the past.

Personally I think anyone who threatens violence should be treated seriously, because you never know when they are going to make good on their threats. And by seriously, I mean they should also be held accountable.

It might seem like the wounds left by violence heal quickly, but emotional scars, left by an attack of a human being on another human being, can last a lifetime.

By KoiwiGal — On Jun 03, 2011

Although I knew the rough definition of battery I had no idea that assault could consist of someone just threatening to harm someone else. I thought it had to be some kind of attack.

Although attacking someone with threats is still a kind of attack I suppose.

It would have to be a very dire threat with the expectation that they mean it. Maybe even with relation to some kind of blackmail.

As someone who has been threatened with violence, even though I have never really been on the receiving end of it, I'm quite glad that this is the case.

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