How Does Illinois Differentiate Between Battery and Aggravated Battery?
Unlike assault crimes, Illinois law requires battery offenses to involve physical contact of a harmful, insulting, or provoking nature. Any person who initiates this type of contact can face criminal penalties, including jail time and fines. In more extreme situations, the perpetrator can even face felony charges for aggravated battery.
What is the Illinois Definition of Battery?
720 ILCS 5/12-3 furnishes the Illinois definition of battery. Under this section, a person commits battery if they knowingly and without legal justification:
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Cause physical harm or injury to another person; or
Initiate contact of an insulting or provoking nature with another person.
What is the Illinois Punishment for Battery?
Section 12-3 also explains the Illinois punishment for battery. Under this section, battery is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois.
If a person is convicted for this class of misdemeanor, they can face a maximum of 12 months in jail and $2,500 [...]