What is what does it mean to be charged with battery?

Being charged with battery generally means you are accused of intentionally causing physical harm or offensive contact to another person without their consent. It's a criminal offense, and the specific definition can vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Key aspects of a battery charge include:

• Intentional Act: The act of causing harm or offensive contact must be intentional, not accidental. This doesn't necessarily mean you intended to injure the person, but that you intended to make the contact.

• Physical Harm or Offensive Contact: This can range from visible injuries like bruises and cuts to unwanted touching that is considered offensive by a reasonable person. Even something that doesn't leave a mark can constitute battery.

• Lack of Consent: The person did not agree to the contact. If they consented (e.g., participating in a boxing match), it's generally not considered battery.

• Defenses: There are potential defenses to a battery charge, such as self-defense, defense of others, or lack of intent.

The severity of the charge (misdemeanor or felony) and the potential penalties (fines, jail time, etc.) often depend on the extent of the injury caused and the defendant's prior criminal record. You may want to also look at assault to understand the difference between assault and battery.