What is criminal assault?

Answer 1

Depends on the state. In some states, assault is the threat of force or violence and battery is the actual act of using force or violence. In Missouri, we have no separation, so "simple assault" here is 3rd degree assault, which can be you threatening to hit someone, or you touching someone without permission or actually striking them without causing serious bodily injury.

Answer 2

The definition of assault is placing a person in apprehension (aware) of imminent (soon), offensive, unprivileged, unlawful, and offensive touching. A threat with present capabilities to make good on the threat.

Answer 3

Criminal battery is when one or more people intentionally cause bodily injury to one or more other people, usually by hitting them with their hands or feet or with tools like knives, hammers, bats, or guns.

Answer 4

If they hit you, that's battery.

Assault requires only a "threatening movement" - actual contact is not required.

Another View: Use caution if relying on the above answer - The definition of "assault" can, and does, vary and the above interpretation is not universal in all states or jurisdictions.

Answer 5

Assault in common law is defined by imminent harmful or offensive contact with a person. This is creation of an apprehension by the offending party.

Answer 6

ANY form of unwanted touching.

Answer 7

Attempted Assult is going to assult someone but don't or get found out and still don't do it.