Domestic battery is a crime with a very specific set of definitions. Many acts fall under the umbrella of “domestic battery.” These include acts that may not appear to be domestic battery.
Going over the legal definition of “domestic battery” in the state of Illinois and speaking with a Chicago criminal defense attorney will help you obtain the legal outcome you deserve.
What Is Domestic Battery In The State Of Illinois?
Domestic battery is when someone knowingly, and without any form of legal justification, causes bodily harm to any household or family member.
Just as an example, if a husband pushes their wife down the stairs, this would be considered an act of domestic battery.
Alternatively, domestic battery is when someone knowingly, and without any form of legal justification, makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature to any household or family member.
A good example of the above is as follows: two people get into a relationship and one of them spits in the other person’s face and then tries to kiss them forcefully without their consent.
Who Does Domestic Battery Involve?
Right before we can go over the penalties of domestic battery, there is one thing to note: domestic battery is only a crime when it involves a few specific groups of people: family and household members.
If someone is in a fight with their husband, and they punch their husband in the face, then this would be considered domestic battery. This is because their husband is a family member and, presumably, lives with them.
On the other hand, if someone punches a former friend with whom they have no familial or romantic ties, this would not be considered domestic battery. This is because they are not a family or household member.
Other groups of people that fall under the “family and household members” umbrella are as follows:
- Spouses and former spouses.
- Parents.
- Children and stepchildren.
- Parents who used to share the same home.
- People who dated.
- People who were engaged.
- People who allegedly have a child in common.
- Disabled individuals and their assistants.
The state of Illinois takes domestic battery very seriously. And, if you are accused of violence against a household or family member – as opposed to someone without those ties – the consequences are likely to be quite severe.
What Are The Consequences Of A Domestic Battery Conviction?
Every domestic battery case is a little different. Just in general, though, a domestic battery conviction will lead to up to one year in jail, as well as a fine of up to $2,500.
If a particular domestic battery case is especially egregious, prison time is a very likely possibility on top of being forced to pay damages in a civil lawsuit.
A domestic battery conviction will lead to a criminal record. This criminal record can make it more difficult – or impossible – for you to get a good job, obtain housing, and own firearms.
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 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 serve as legal contributors 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. And 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.