Valparaiso Battery Defense Attorneys

In Indiana, battery is defined as the intentional act of making contact with another person in a rude, insolent or angry manner without their consent. The severity of battery charges can vary greatly, depending on the circumstances surrounding each case.

In Indiana, the crime of battery can range from a misdemeanor to serious felony:

• Class B misdemeanor battery: Improper and intentional touching in a rude or angry manner that does not cause injury.
• Class A misdemeanor battery: Improper and intentional touching that results in injury or committed against a nonhousehold but related member of a person living in a foster family home.
• Level 6 felony battery: Battery that involves intentionally, recklessly or knowingly putting fluids or waste on another when that fluid is infected with diseases such as HIV, hepatitis or tuberculosis. A Level 6 felony battery can also include batteries that result in bodily injured committed against certain victims.
• Level 5 felony battery: Battery resulting in serious bodily injury or involving a deadly weapon.
• Level 4 felony battery: Battery committed against an endangered adult that results in serious bodily injury.
• Level 3 felony battery: Battery resulting in catastrophic injury or against a person under 14 by someone over 18.
• Level 2 felony battery: Battery resulting in the death of a person under age 14 by someone over age 18 or against an endangered adult.
• Domestic battery: Improper touching of a family member or a member of the household. Domestic battery can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor up to a Level 2 felony depending on the circumstances.
• Aggravated battery: Intentional infliction of grave injury that poses a substantial risk of death, often resulting in disfigurement or the loss of function of a body part.

It is important to note that battery does not always require physical contact. Actions such as throwing an object that results in contact or the deliberate exposure of someone to harmful bodily fluids can also constitute battery in Indiana.