Domestic battery charges can destroy your life - even before conviction. Illinois treats domestic violence seriously, and a charge alone can result in an emergency order of protection, removal from your home, and restrictions on seeing your children. At Stavros Law Offices, we defend against domestic battery allegations aggressively while protecting your rights and your future.
Domestic Battery in Illinois
Under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2, domestic battery occurs when a person:
- Causes bodily harm to any family or household member, OR
- Makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature
Family or household members include: spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepchildren, people who share a child, people in dating relationships, roommates, and certain other relationships.
Penalties for Domestic Battery
- First offense: Class A Misdemeanor - Up to 364 days jail, $2,500 fine
- Second offense: Class 4 Felony - 1-3 years prison
- Third+ offense: Class 2 Felony - 3-7 years prison
Aggravating Factors
Domestic battery becomes a felony if:
- Prior domestic battery conviction
- Victim is pregnant
- Strangulation involved
- Great bodily harm caused
- Violation of order of protection
Immediate Consequences
Even before trial, you may face:
- Arrest and bond conditions
- Emergency order of protection
- Removal from your home
- Restrictions on child custody
- Firearm seizure
- Employment consequences
Defenses to Domestic Battery
- Self-defense - You acted to protect yourself
- False allegations - Unfortunately common in contentious relationships
- Lack of intent - Accidental contact
- Insufficient evidence - State cannot prove its case
- Witness credibility - Challenging accuser testimony
No Contact Orders and Orders of Protection
We help clients navigate protective orders, seek modifications when appropriate, and avoid violations that can result in additional criminal charges.
Why Choose Stavros Law Offices
- Experience with domestic violence cases
- Understanding of family dynamics
- Aggressive defense while respecting all parties
- Available 24/7 for emergency situations
Protect Your Rights Today
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact us immediately.
Call (847) 520-4810
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