---
title: "What is the difference between assault and battery in Rhode Island?"
description: "Rhode Island law combines assault and battery into a single statutory framework, though the underlying concepts differ. Assault is the threat of imminent physical harm or the attempt to cause harm;..."
url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-assault-and-battery-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is the difference between assault and battery in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law combines assault and battery into a single statutory framework, though the underlying concepts differ. Assault is the threat of imminent physical harm or the attempt to cause harm; battery is the actual unwanted physical contact or use of force. In practice, Rhode Island charges include simple assault (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-5-3), felony assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, and domestic assault. The specific charge depends on whether actual contact occurred, the severity of any injury, whether a weapon was involved, and the relationship between the parties. Defense work begins by identifying which specific charge applies.