Self-Defense and Battery in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, you have the right to self-defense. This is only true in certain situations, though. And, if you defend yourself in situations not encompassed by Illinois’ self-defense laws, you could be in big trouble.

Reviewing some of the basic facts that underlie self-defense in Illinois and speaking with an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney will allow you to obtain the justice that you are entitled to.

What Are The Weapons You Can Use To Defend Yourself In Illinois?

If you are in a situation in which you must defend yourself or another person, you are allowed to use the weapons outlined below to do so:

1. A firearm, in the event that you have a FOID card or concealed carry license, among other certifications.
2. A household item, such as a plate or knife, among many other possibilities.
3. A stun gun or taser; you must have a FOID card to use these and can only do so in certain situations.
4. A burst of pepper spray is a non-lethal weapon you can use for self-defense.

All of the above can be used to defend yourself in Illinois. If you use another weapon to defend yourself, things may become more complicated.

Understanding A “Duty To Retreat” And “Standing Your Ground” in Illinois

Many of the states that comprise the United States rely on “stand your ground” laws. These laws mean that you have the right to meet force with force and, as such, do not need to retreat from the premises before using force. In Illinois, you may stand your ground and ONLY have a duty to retreat if you were initially the aggressor.

In Illinois, your right to self-defense is either reasonable or unreasonable. Retreating is not mandated like in other states.

Can You Legally Defend Yourself In The State Of Illinois from Battery?

Battery is defined as intentional actions meant to cause bodily harm or offensive physical contact with another party. Acts of battery could include shoving, shooting, stabbing, hitting, and other types of harmful violence towards others. As a result, if you are battered in a public space you can defend yourself using force.

Get Qualified Legal Help Today

If you need representation for self-defense-related charges, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.

Our team has helped thousands of people who have been 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, 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 appear as a legal contributor on popular radio and news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox NEWS.

When you need an attorney, experience matters.

Speak with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer today to learn how our experience can help you get the results you need.