Criminal battery charges can occur whenever one individual intentionally touches another person without that individuals consent. It does not need to result in any bodily injury, as a matter of fact it can even include touching anything that is in contact with another person's body. This could include touching another person's hat, purse or shoes with intent to cause that person harm or cause fear. In most areas there is no requirement that actual harm occurred, however the prosecutor will have to prove that the accused had intent or a desire to cause the other individual some type of harm. Battery is different than assault, although the two terms are often confused. Criminal battery charges require that contact was actually made, no matter how slight. Assault charges can occur if the intent to cause physical or bodily harm was expressed but the actual contact did not occur. Aggravated battery occurs when there is serious bodily harm caused to the other individual and it is a felony crime whereas simple battery may be a misdemeanor.