Assault—720 ILCS 5/12-1
Assault may be charged when someone knowingly engages in an act that causes another to fear imminent physical harm. Assault can occur even without any physical contact. These types of cases can vary widely in classification, from Class C misdemeanors to Class 4 felonies.
A simple assault can be enhanced to an aggravated assault when it involves allegations of the use of a deadly weapon or where the act occurs in a public place.
Battery—720 ILCS 5/12-3
Battery involves causing bodily harm or making physical contact with another of an insulting or provoking nature. Where assault deals with the threat of harm, battery concerns actual injury or physical contact.
As with assault, battery can be elevated to aggravated battery in instances involving a firearm or other weapon, serious injuries, and vulnerable victims.