To cause or to attempt to cause physical injury to another person.  Assault and battery are actually two separate charges and if convicted of both of them, penalties can apply for each offense.  This crime can be counted as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the state in which you are charged and the person assaulted, including the severity of injury.  There are many kinds of assault, from verbal assault or simple assault to aggravated assault.   Battery can be anything from simple batter to sexual battery.  A good lawyer can help defend you, watch out for your rights and even get you acquitted of all charges.

The punishment for assault & battery can vary anywhere from a $1000 to a $10,000 fine or 1 month to 3 years in jail or both at the same time.  If you assault a public worker, such a peace officer, fire fighter, road worker or EMS worker the penalties are more severe than the basic $1000 and/or 30 days of jail time.  If the battery involves a sexual component, it can increase the severity of the crime even further.  Remember to exercise your right to an attorney.  Refrain from speaking or admitting guilt.  The only person on your side is your lawyer.