Battery is generally a harmful or offensive contact with another person, without the person’s consent. Battery may be the basis for a criminal charge or offense. The definition and penalties for battery vary from state to state, and are usually located in a state's penal or criminal code (statutes). In some states the crimes of assault and battery are merged into one criminal offense.
Battery is also recognized in tort law as an intentional tort, and may result in civil liability (money damages) in a lawsuit against a person who commits battery.
In Maine, the term 'battery' is not used in the criminal statutes; instead, Maine law refers to 'assault' to describe what might be considered battery in other states. Assault in Maine is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. The Maine Criminal Code outlines various degrees of assault, with penalties ranging from a Class D crime for simple assault, which can result in up to 364 days in jail and a fine, to more severe penalties for aggravated assault, which is a Class B crime and can lead to up to 10 years in prison and higher fines. Additionally, Maine recognizes assault as a civil cause of action, meaning that a victim can sue the perpetrator in civil court for monetary damages. This is separate from any criminal charges and is intended to compensate the victim for injuries and other losses resulting from the assault.