[johnb838]

Isn't it called Aggravated Assault these days? As in, an attack is an assault. If the attack is 'aggravated' by actual physical contact it becomes Aggravated Assault. I think they changed it because "Battery" means the act of battering, whereas A.A. can be any kind of contact. A take-down, grabbing an arm or a shirt, even an unwanted kiss can be considered an aggravated assault.

[AnAmericanMother]

Aggravated assault is an assault committed in one of two ways: (1) with a deadly weapon (something likely to cause serious injury - can be feet or fists in certain situations) or (2) with the intent to murder, rape or rob. Simple assault is any other assault.

The difference between assault and battery is that in battery actual physical contact has to be made, but in assault you need only attempt to commit the violent injury and need not actually "connect" - e.g. pointing a pistol at someone or winding up with a baseball bat at someone without ever delivering can be agg assault. Aggravated battery is a harmful touching that causes serious bodily injury.

Local laws are different, and your mileage may vary. Any law enforcement types or lawyers out there feel free to chime in.