{"id":352005,"date":"2023-09-29T16:12:41","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T21:12:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/battery-against-a-police-officer.html"},"modified":"2023-09-29T16:12:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T21:12:41","slug":"battery-against-a-police-officer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/battery-against-a-police-officer.html","title":{"rendered":"Battery Against a Police Officer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Battery Against a Police Officer<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

An assault and\/or battery is when you hit or touch someone in an unwanted, offensive manner. Even threatening or attempting to do so can lead to criminal charges. But assaulting a police officer is generally a more severe offense. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Assault and battery are often used together, so it can be difficult to distinguish between the two crimes. Some state laws define these terms differently.<\/p>\r\n

However, assault<\/a> usually refers to a threat of physical force that causes fear in the alleged victim. On the other hand, the crime of battery<\/a> is the offensive physical contact itself. As an offense, battery is generally defined under the larger umbrella of assault.
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Those convicted of this crime may face fines or jail time, depending on the severity of the offense. Even a conviction of simple battery can lead to serious penalties. If you commit assault or battery against a police officer, you are much more likely to receive a prison sentence. That’s why getting a criminal defense lawyer<\/a> is an urgent matter in these cases.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains the offenses of assault and battery<\/a> against a police officer. They are considered crimes against justice<\/a> since they interfere with law enforcement.<\/p>\r\n

Assault and Battery Against a Police Officer: Elements of the Crime<\/h2>\r\n

As with other crimes, the prosecution must prove certain elements<\/a> to convict a defendant of assault against an officer. These elements include all of the following:<\/p>\r\n