A common misconception about domestic battery cases in Illinois is that an alleged victim who makes claims of domestic violence can have a change of heart, which will lead to dismissal of charges. The reality, though, is much different. The way the system works, once an arrest is made and charges are formally filed, the State is in control of the case – not the complaining witness.
Having legal representation early in your case if you are facing domestic battery charges is essential. An attorney can determine any pathway that exists in your case to either avoid charges being brought against you or to have the charges reduced to a lesser offense. If you are charged with domestic battery, an attorney can develop an effective defense to provide you with the best possible outcome.
The Chicago domestic battery defense attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson are proactive lawyers who will investigate your case to protect you from facing the harshest repercussions.
Who Brings Criminal Domestic Battery Charges in Illinois?
It is critical to understand how domestic battery cases in Illinois are handled in order to protect yourself from the consequences of a conviction.
In Illinois, domestic battery cases are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney’s Office in the county where the alleged incident occurred. It is the prosecutor who will represent the people of the State of Illinois in a domestic battery case, not the alleged victim. This is why, even if an alleged victim decides they don’t want a domestic battery case to move forward, it is not their choice. It is the prosecutor’s decision whether or not to pursue the case, and prosecutors seldom decline the opportunity to aggressively litigate.
This does not mean that an alleged victim has no voice. In fact, they play an important role as a witness, but what they lack is the legal authority to dismiss criminal charges. As a result, you will absolutely need an attorney helping you out when you are arrested for domestic battery. The truth is that once you are arrested and charged, your case will not go away on its own. The only way to handle such a precarious situation and improve your chances of securing the most ideal outcome is to have the protection of a knowledgeable attorney.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
At Glasgow & Olsson, we are widely recognized as a leading authority in Illinois criminal law. For this reason, Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow is a trusted legal voice who is regularly invited to appear on major networks, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
Our legal team is known throughout Illinois for our:
- Decades of criminal defense experience
- Deep knowledge of state and federal law
- Relentless preparation and courtroom tenacity
We try cases. We do not push plea deals unless it is truly in the client’s best interest.
When your freedom is at stake, reputation and experience matter.
Speak with our Chicago criminal defense attorneys today and learn how decades of trusted experience can protect what matters most to you.