Your Legal Advocate In Illinois Domestic Violence Cases

No family or couple gets along all the time. However, when arguments turn violent and lead to physical abuse, you may face serious legal consequences. Illinois has strict laws that lay harsh punishments on people charged with domestic violence or battery.

You need an attorney who understands how serious domestic violence can be in terms of your freedom and immigration status. At Consumer Law Group, our attorneys have over 30 decades of combined experience helping clients through their domestic violence cases in Illinois. With offices in Chicago, Berwyn, Aurora and Wheeling, we are readily available to help clients throughout the state.

How Is Domestic Violence Defined In Illinois?

Certain violent acts committed against family or household members in Illinois are classified as domestic violence. The aggressor and the victim must be current or former spouses, parents, children or stepchildren, people in a relationship or have a child in common. Domestic violence also applies to people with disabilities, their caregivers, and those who are not related but share a home.

Domestic Battery Definition And Consequences

Domestic battery is a criminal offense in Illinois committed by intentionally causing physical harm or provoking physical contact with a family or household member. Domestic battery uses the same criteria for the relationship between the aggressor and the victim as the Illinois domestic violence statute.

Domestic battery is charged as a Class A misdemeanor for a first-time offender. If the defendant has a prior domestic battery conviction, the crime is a Class 4 felony. A Class A misdemeanor has a maximum sentence of less than one year in prison and a $2,500 fine in addition to potential immigration consequences. A Class 4 felony conviction risks up to six years in prison and a $25,000 fine in addition to potential immigration consequences.

Aggravated Domestic Battery Definition And Consequences

If the battery results in great bodily harm or a permanent disability or disfigurement or can be defined as strangulation, a criminal charge for domestic battery turns into aggravated domestic battery. The charge also applies when the defendant strangles the victim during the battery.

In Illinois, aggravated domestic battery is a Class 2 felony that may result in three to seven years in prison and a large fine. In certain circumstances, such as with repeat offenders, the prison sentence can be three to 14 years and a fine of up to $25,000.

Protect Your Future Today!

You need someone to fight on your behalf. Building a solid case is vital to your future and freedom. You can trust our domestic violence attorneys at Consumer Law Group to stand by your side. Contact us to schedule your free consultation by calling 312-766-7777 or completing our online contact form.