Assault and battery charges often stem from fist fights or other altercations that get out of hand. These charges are serious and could result in felonies on your record.
Although assault and battery are often lumped together, in California, they are two distinct crimes. Assault is defined as an attempt to use force or violence on another person. Battery is the actual use of force or violence on another person.
Battery is more commonly charged, and, depending on the injury, it can be considered either a felony or a misdemeanor.