Carolina Joy

Comparison of sexual assault and sexual battery charges under US law

Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Battery: How the Charges Differ (2026)

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice, and is not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) offers confidential, 24/7 support. If you’re facing a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. […]

Criminal defense attorney meeting with prospective clients in a modern law office while reviewing legal case files and discussing defense strategy.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Explained: What They Do & How to Choose One

Editorial note: This article explains general information about the legal profession and is not legal advice. It’s not a substitute for researching a specific attorney’s credentials or speaking with one directly about your situation. What Is a Criminal Defense Attorney? A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals or organizations accused of a […]

Criminal defense attorney consulting with a client about an assault or battery charge using legal case files, justice scales, and courtroom materials in a courthouse meeting room.

Do You Need a Lawyer for an Assault or Battery Charge? (2026 Guide)

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. Whether you need a lawyer, and what your options are, depends on the specific facts of your case and your state’s laws. Do You Need a Lawyer for an Assault or Battery Charge? In most cases, yes, even a misdemeanor assault or […]

Illustration explaining aggravated murder, manslaughter, robbery, and burglary under US criminal law

Aggravated Murder, Manslaughter, Robbery & Burglary Explained

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. Definitions and penalties vary significantly by state. If you’re facing a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. “Aggravated” Isn’t Just for Assault and Battery As covered in our glossary guide to aggravated assault, the term signals that a base offense was […]

Attorney advising a client about a domestic battery case while a blurred domestic dispute appears in the background with legal documents, a judge's gavel, justice scales, and criminal law references.

Domestic Battery Explained: Laws, Charges & What to Do

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts for informational purposes and is not legal advice. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) offers confidential, 24/7 support. For guidance on a specific charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. […]

Attorney explaining legal options to a client during a criminal law consultation with legal documents, a judge's gavel, justice scales, and law books in a professional office.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Press Charges? (2026 Guide)

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. Do You Need a Lawyer to Press Charges? No, reporting a crime and cooperating with a police investigation doesn’t require a lawyer. As covered in How to Press Charges, the actual process of filing a report, giving a statement, providing evidence is […]

Attorney explaining criminal case deadlines to a client during a legal consultation with a clock, legal documents, judge's gavel, and justice statue representing time limits for pressing charges.

Can You Press Charges After the Fact? Time Limits Explained

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) offers confidential, 24/7 support. For guidance on your specific situation, speak with a criminal defense attorney or a local victim’s advocate. Can You Press Charges After […]

Forensic physician documenting non graphic injuries on a medical chart while a criminal investigator reviews evidence in a forensic examination room.

What Counts as Bodily Harm? Legal Definition & Examples

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. The exact legal threshold for “bodily harm” varies by state. If you’re facing a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. What Is “Bodily Harm” in Legal Terms? Bodily harm is physical injury or impairment to another person’s body, and it’s a […]

Attorney observing a nonviolent physical confrontation in a legal consultation setting with law books, justice scales, and legal documents illustrating whether pushing, slapping, or shoving may be considered assault.

Is Pushing, Slapping, or Shoving Someone Considered Assault?

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. Whether a specific act legally qualifies as assault or battery depends on the facts and your state’s statute. If you’re facing a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. Which Everyday Acts Actually Count as Assault or Battery? Most of the acts […]

Attorney and client reviewing a criminal case file during a legal consultation while discussing whether pressing criminal charges is the right decision.

Is It Worth Pressing Charges? Pros, Cons & What to Expect

Legal disclaimer: This article explains general considerations and is not legal advice, and it isn’t a substitute for guidance from a victim’s advocate or attorney familiar with your situation. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. For general process questions, see How to Press Charges. There’s No Universal Right Answer Whether it’s worth pressing charges […]