A domestic battery charge can change your whole life in a matter of hours. This is true, even if you aren’t convicted of domestic battery; a charge is all it takes for your life to fall apart.
Going over the value of a domestic battery trial and speaking with a Chicago domestic battery defense lawyer will help you obtain the legal outcome you deserve.
What Happens If You Are Convicted Of Domestic Battery?
An Illinois domestic battery conviction can lead to the following penalties:
- You may be forced to spend a period of up to one year in jail.
- You may be forced to pay a fine of $2,500.
- You may be forced to pay your accuser’s medical bills, along with any other associated damages.
- You may lose your job/income.
- You may lose your career-related license(s).
Even if you are not convicted of domestic battery, being charged can lead to all sorts of problems. Such as:
- Losing your job/income.
- Losing your friends.
- Losing your reputation.
- Losing your freedom.
- Losing your right to obtain or possess a firearm.
Regarding the last point, this is because a domestic battery charge can result in you being arrested. As such, you may need to spend a period of time in jail.
Is Going To Trial Worth It?
The answer to this question is as follows: it depends on your case. Even though this is true, going to trial is often worth it for the following reason: if your domestic battery defense is successful, your innocence will be vindicated.
On its own, the above may not seem especially important. If you work in an industry where your reputation is important, though, it can be very important.
To go along with the above, you may be offered a plea deal. You are free to accept this plea deal if you want, but that is your choice and your choice alone. Attorneys don’t make the decisions to plea or go to trial. Clients make that decision. This deal involves pleading guilty. And will usually encompass certain penalties, such as paying.
In the event that you go to trial and win your case, you won’t have to deal with any criminal consequences. Nor will you have to deal with the damage that comes from people thinking you committed a very serious crime.
Why Is Trial Experience So Important?
Every trial is dependent, in one form or another, on cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and arguing persuasively before a jury.
None of the above is easy. And, if you do one of the above poorly, you could obtain a “Guilty” verdict. This verdict might lead to far stronger consequences than those contained within the plea, since you took your case to trial.
By working with an attorney who has extensive trial experience, you will obtain the best possible legal outcome. The results of this outcome will ensure that your life and career extend far beyond the allegations made against you.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you’ve been charged with domestic battery, you should speak with us today.
Glasgow & Olsson brings decades of experience and a well-worn legacy of trust.
We’re not just attorneys. We’re advocates you can rely on. 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 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 someone in your corner, choose the team that knows how to help you.
Speak with a Chicago domestic battery defense attorney today to learn how we can bring you the results you need.