Being accused of domestic violence is a life-altering event that can destroy your personal and professional reputation, limit your freedoms, and leave permanent legal and financial consequences. In Illinois, the penalties for domestic violence are severe, and even an accusation alone can impact your career, family relationships, and future opportunities. Choosing the wrong attorney or one without substantial experience in these complex cases could mean the difference between protecting your future and losing everything.
At Glasgow & Olsson, we understand that your life, freedom, and reputation are at stake. Our firm is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and proven success in Illinois courtrooms. When we take a case, we don’t look for the easiest way out – we fight to win.
Understanding the Stakes: Domestic Violence Laws in Illinois
Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, domestic violence is defined as an act or threat of violence by one family or household member against another. This could involve spouses, parents and children, roommates, or partners.
Criminal penalties for domestic violence vary, but the consequences are always serious:
Misdemeanor Convictions – Up to one year in jail and costly fines.
Felony Convictions – Can result in years behind bars, with more severe sentences if weapons or prior offenses are involved.
Protective Orders – These can forcibly remove you from your home, restrict your ability to see your children, and affect your employment.
Illinois law is particularly unforgiving when it comes to domestic violence convictions. Unlike other offenses, a domestic violence conviction cannot be expunged or sealed in most cases. That means a single conviction can follow you for life – affecting job opportunities, housing applications, and even your ability to travel freely.
The Civil Fallout: Beyond Criminal Penalties
Beyond jail time and fines, an accusation can lead to civil lawsuits where the alleged victim seeks financial damages. This can put your assets, savings, and livelihood at risk – even if no criminal conviction occurs. The long-term impact of an accusation alone can be devastating if you don’t have the right legal team fighting for you.
Why Experience Matters: Protecting Your Future
At Glasgow & Olsson, we don’t just negotiate plea deals – we go to trial, and we win. Lesser attorneys may encourage quick plea agreements to avoid the courtroom, but that could cost you your freedom, your future, and your financial security.
Our firm has successfully defended thousands of clients facing criminal charges in Illinois. We are trial attorneys who prepare every case as if it will be fought in court, and our aggressive defense strategies have resulted in acquittals, dismissals, and reduced charges for countless clients.
When your life is on the line, you need a legal team that is respected for its knowledge, experience, and its results. That’s why Glasgow & Olsson attorneys are trusted legal analysts for national media outlets including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
Don’t Risk Your Future with Inexperience
If you’re facing a domestic violence charge, you cannot afford to gamble with an inexperienced attorney. The cost of choosing the wrong legal representation isn’t measured in legal fees, it’s measured in lost opportunities, shattered reputations, and possibly time behind bars.