What is the definition of “battery”?
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What is the definition of “battery”?
Asked on July 3, 2012 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The legal definition of battery is any willful or unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another. For example, hitting someone in the face with a closed fist is a willful use of force on the body of another person. The conduct must be intentional conduct-- accidentally hitting someone won't generally qualify as a battery. The level of the offense will depend on any aggravating circumstances. A basic battery can be charged as a misdemeanor. If someone is hurt badly, the charge can be elevated to a felony level offense.
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