The court’s perception of crime and prevention can always change. A great example is that of domestic battery. It is becoming less common for a person to be convicted of domestic battery and only face jail time. Recognizing that punishment is essential, but that it alone is not the best, most complete answer for stopping offenders from repeating violence, is a position the courts are increasingly taking when addressing these types of cases. Rehabilitation must be part of the equation. As a result, it is important to have punishment and rehabilitation work together. This means that sentencing will often include incarceration, supervision, counseling, education, in addition to long-term behavioral programs.
The reason why it is so critical to understand these components of sentencing is that what happens in the aftermath of a conviction can play a huge role in how a defendant will live their life for months or even years. Anyone who is convicted of domestic violence in Illinois must know that expectations can be much higher than just serving time. There could also be rehabilitative elements that must be met. Noncompliance can lead to even more severe consequences.
If you have been charged with domestic battery, you must have the most competent and experienced legal counsel on your side. The Cook County domestic violence attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson know how to analyze domestic battery cases and formulate a winning defense strategy. Our lawyers are relentless in their pursuit of justice and in ensuring that you face minimal penalties, or none at all.
Jail Time is Only One Aspect of a Domestic Battery Conviction
Many domestic battery cases in Illinois start with probation. However, it is a definite possibility that if you are a repeat offender or engaged in aggravated conduct, your domestic battery conviction will come with jail time.
If you are put on probation, you can expect to have to abide by such requirements as restricted travel, curfews, limited contact with victims, and/or you may have to regularly check in with your probation officer. If you violate any terms of your probation, even if you make a minor mistake, this could trigger a probation hearing. The outcome of your hearing could include harsher punishments, such as incarceration.
Modern courts understand that, usually, there is an underlying reason why someone is violent to a loved one. For this reason, the courts will typically balance restrictions with rehabilitative expectations over simply isolating the offender.
Counseling and batterer intervention programs are some of the most common conditions that are imposed. These programs can run for several months, require weekly attendance, and are much more than your average anger management course. They will highlight and focus on accountability, behavior patterns, emotional regulation, and touch on the dynamics of power and control. Successful completion of such programs is necessary, as failure can lead to further sanctions.
In addition, individual counseling, substance-abuse treatment, or mental health support is also frequently required. The courts also know that in many cases, there are other issues to consider, such as addiction, trauma, and unmanaged mental health conditions. So, the courts will apply mandated counseling to confront these challenges, and compliance is closely monitored throughout one’s probation period.
To encourage long-term behavioral changes, another tool that the courts tend to rely on is domestic violence education. Courses like conflict resolution, healthy communication, and the impact of domestic violence on families are usually covered.
Community service can be yet another part of a domestic violence sentence. The time requirement can vary widely by jurisdiction, but if you are given community service and you do not complete your assigned hours by the court-ordered deadline, fines and probation violations may ensue.
Last, financial penalties may be included in one’s sentence. Fines, court costs, supervision fees, program tuition, and restitution to the victim can add up. It is not unusual for a defendant to feel the significant burden of such costs. Nonetheless, payments must be made, and unless you can show good cause for your inability to pay, you must not fall behind because doing so can lead to even more disciplinary actions.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
Rehabilitative conditions are not optional extras to a domestic battery conviction. The courts view them as an important component of public safety and personal responsibility. Defendants can benefit and move forward in life by completing them. Ignoring them, though, can be extremely detrimental to one’s life, with harsher penalties and extended supervision.
For assistance with a domestic battery case, please speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney at Glasgow and Olsson today to learn how we can get you the results you deserve.