In Illinois, assault and battery are two separate criminal offenses that are often confused. Assault refers to the threat or attempt to cause harm that makes another person reasonably fear being physically injured. Battery, on the other hand, involves actual physical contact that causes harm or is considered insulting or provoking—such as hitting, pushing, or striking someone.
Both charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the incident and whether weapons, injuries, or prior convictions are involved. Understanding the difference is important when determining eligibility for expungement or record sealing, since battery—especially when aggravated—is usually treated more severely under Illinois law.
