Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
Assault and battery have typically been treated as separate, but related, crimes. However, in some states the definition for one or both of the crimes has changed over time, and in some places the two have been combined into a single offense. Please choose a state from the map or the list below for state-specific definitions and statutes for assault and battery, plus in depth overviews of select states' assault and battery offenses, penalties, and more.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.