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Laws applying to domestic violence can vary according to location and according to the type of battery inflicted.
In Indiana, the crime of battery is defined as knowlingly or intentionally touching someone in a rude, insolent or angry manner, and is a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail).
If the battery results in bodily injury to another person, it is upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor (fine up to $5,000 and up to 365 days in jail).
Battery with injury committed by a person who previously was convicted of battery against the same victim is a Class D felony (fine up to $10,000 and six months to three years in jail).
Battery resulting in serious bodily injury or committed with a deadly weapon is a Class C felony (fine up to $10,000 and two to eight years in jail).
A person who commits battery involving bodily injury against a person who is or was a spouse of the offender, who is or was living as if a spouse of the offender, or has a child in common with the offender, commits domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor.
A person who commits domestic battery and has a prior conviction for that crime commits a Class D felony.
Other charges can apply in domestic violence cases, such as criminal trespass, if the batterer violates a restraining order and comes after the victim; intimidation, using a threat or implied threat; harassment, including making phone calls and e-mails; stalking; and criminal confinement, if the batterer prevents the victim from leaving or takes the victim to another location without permission.
Source: Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
