The state of Illinois is very clear: a domestic battery conviction can lead to you being unable to own/possess firearms.
Going over what it means for a domestic battery conviction to restrict your firearm ownership rights, and speaking with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer will help you obtain the legal outcome you are seeking.
What Is Considered Domestic Battery In The State Of Illinois?
Domestic battery is when a person knowingly, and without any form of legal justification, performs one of the following acts:
- Makes humiliating and/or insulting physical contact with a family or household member.
- Causes bodily harm to any family or household member.
Just as an example, if someone punches their husband in the face and then spits on him, this would be considered an act of domestic battery. And, the penalties for domestic battery, in the state of Illinois, are as follows:
- A period of up to one year in jail.
- A fine of up to $2,500.
- A permanent criminal record.
The above are the standard penalties for domestic battery. If the accused has prior convictions, they will likely face more substantial penalties. This is also true if the battery was especially severe.
What Does A Domestic Battery Conviction Mean For Your Ability To Own Firearms?
A domestic battery conviction can lead to your firearms being removed. This means that the guns you legally purchased can be taken away from you in the event that you have been convicted of domestic battery.
One example of the above is as follows: if you own three pistols, then those pistols can be taken away, regardless of how much you paid for them or the fact that they are legally yours.
On top of that, your FOID card – the card that lets you own firearms – will likely be revoked. You will be forced to relinquish the firearms you currently own, while being unable to acquire any new firearms.
How Can An Order Of Protection Affect Your Ability To Own Firearms?
The state of Illinois relies on Karina’s Law to protect victims of domestic battery. And, as a result of Karina’s Law, if an order of protection is filed against you, you may lose your FOID card as a result.
Right after an order of protection has been filed against you and your FOID card has been removed, law enforcement may come into your home to remove the firearms you have legally purchased.
The above can occur even if you have not yet been convicted of domestic battery. Just having an order of protection filed against you is enough to trigger the removal of your firearms and the loss of your ability to own them.
In the event that an order of protection has been filed against you, you should speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney as soon as you possibly can. Responding to an order of protection as soon as possible will make it easier for you to obtain the best possible legal outcome.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
You have a future that deserves to be defended. We at Glasgow & Olsson will fight for the future you deserve.
Our team has helped thousands of people who have been charged with crimes in Illinois. When we take cases, we do so to win. This means we take cases to trial. We don’t arrange plea bargains unless it is in the best interest of our clients. As proactive lawyers, we fight aggressively and support our clients throughout their entire case up to and including appeals. Protecting your life and freedom is always the goal, and with our decades of experience practicing law, we know how to get results. This is why we are regularly invited to appear as a legal contributor on popular radio and news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox NEWS.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
If you’re facing a domestic battery matter in Illinois, let the team at Glasgow & Olsson take care of it.
Our firm was built on trust. We stand by that trust in every courtroom, for every client, in every moment.
Speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney today to learn how we can get you the results you deserve.