In Wisconsin, assault and battery are two separate charges, although they are often spoken of as a single crime. Assault describes an action by one person that gives another person reason to believe their physical well-being is at risk, while battery describes an act of force used with the intent to inflict injury.
Assault in the context of a minor bar fight may be charged as a misdemeanor, but if the alleged act results in a serious physical injury, it may be charged as a felony. Felony assault charges carry extremely harsh penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Even a misdemeanor charge carries severe consequences, and a conviction will haunt you in the form of a permanent criminal record.