A couple who lives in Long Grove, Illinois, just got married last year. They enjoy spending time together and so far have had a relatively stress-free marriage. They do not have many arguments, but it is usually about sports when they do fight. The wife knew that she was marrying someone obsessed with college football. However, she did not realize that it would negatively affect their marriage to the extent that it currently does. With football season in full swing, she is learning what it is like to be a “football widow.”
Her husband wants to take her to a sports bar in their neighborhood to watch the game. She is already irritated because her husband had turned down many activities she wanted to do because of football. When they arrive at the sports bar, her husband immediately begins drinking and getting rowdy. Usually, he is an even-tempered, nice guy. During football, though, he gets aggressive and will even start yelling obscenities at other people. She keeps telling him to stop, but he won’t, and it is embarrassing her. In the heat of the moment, she grabs her water glass and hits him across the face with it as hard as she can, giving him a mild concussion. Now she is facing assault charges for hitting the person she loves.
Assault Charges for Sports Bar Brawls
Sometimes we assume that assault and battery only occur when a stranger comes up and tries to beat someone else up. However, many assault and battery charges arise from disputes between friends, family, and others who love each other. When the assault or battery is serious enough, police may even arrest someone, and prosecutors may bring charges. Assault occurs when someone inflicts physical harm or threatens or attempts to commit an action that would cause physical harm.
Battery involves making offensive contact with someone else. You do not need to physically hurt someone to be charged with battery. A slap across the face that does not leave marks or bruising can be considered battery because it is an offensive and unwanted contact. In the case discussed above, the prosecution would probably bring assault charges because the woman inflicted physical harm upon her husband.
Prosecutors can charge assault and battery differently depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime. It is ultimately up to the prosecutor to decide which charges to bring. If the husband decides that he does not want his wife to face criminal charges, the prosecution will take that under consideration. However, prosecutors work for the people of Illinois and have a duty to represent the people of Illinois. Just because a victim does not want to proceed in a domestic violence case, does not mean that the State will drop the charges. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the best outcome possible for your case.
Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Lawyer
At Glasgow & Olsson, our award-winning criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of success in many high-profile state and federal criminal cases. Contact Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how our legal team can fight for your rights if you have been wrongfully charged with domestic battery.