Most people think of “battery” as something that requires significant physical contact – so it can take them by surprise to find themselves facing charges over something they never considered worthy of police involvement.
In reality, battery can include the infliction of actual physical harm on another person – but it can also include just minimal, but unwanted, physical contact. To that end, any offensive touching that is done without the victim’s permission can lead to charges.
What does simple battery look like?
Here are some examples of battery that might surprise you:
- You’re in a fight with your boyfriend and he says something insulting, so you slap him. Even if he’s 6’5” and you’re 4’7” and did no real harm to him, that’s still a crime.
- You get into a verbal altercation with someone else in the bar and something prompts you to spit on the other person’s clothing or shoes.
- You are annoyed at someone who is being loud in the theater, so you throw your popcorn at them and some of it lands in their hair or lap.
- You are in an argument with a co-worker and – even though you know you shouldn’t – you punctuate your words by poking them in the chest.
- You’re at a family event and you’re told by a relative not to hug their child, but you force a hug on the youngster anyhow and their parents press charges.
- You see someone filming you in public and laughing, so you respond in anger by knocking the phone out of their hand.
Maybe some of these seem far-fetched, but criminal charges have been brought on less. That’s why it’s very important to understand the risk you take when you let your temper take control. If you’ve made a mistake, however, experienced legal guidance may help.