In plain language a battery is an unlawful touching of another against that other person’s will. A simple battery can be anything from a shove to a punch. Simple or misdemeanor battery is defined as the unlawful touching or striking of another person against that person’s will. The crime of simple battery is punishable by up to one year in the county jail and one year of probation. A simple battery can be committed by touching another person, therefore the other person does not have to be injured for you to be charged with battery.
For an example of simple battery in self defense, think of how you might react if someone should start an argument and you feel threatened, or they attempt to steal something from your hands. You might be included to shove or strike them. This is defensible, even if you are charged.
If the person alleging victimhood of your battery is a specified official such as a police officer, EMT, Firefighter, or Probation Officer, you will most likely be charged with a 3rd Degree Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison unless you can prove self defense or another reason.
Felony battery is the touching or striking of a person against that person’s will and unintentionally causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the other person. A Felony Battery is a third degree Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. If you inflict great bodily harm, it then qualifies as an aggravated felony battery.
Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm is a second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. If you are accused of Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm you are facing a sentence of at least 21 months in prison. A defendant could be found guilty of Aggravated Battery if the person committing the battery uses a deadly weapon, intentionally causes great bodily harm, or commits a battery on a pregnant female.