Chicago Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Understanding Illinois' Domestic Battery Laws

Tempers flare when family members have an argument, sometimes escalating to a point where one or more members inflict violence. Domestic battery, also known as domestic violence, is when a person knowingly or intentionally causes physical harm to family or household members.

Family or household members include the following:

• Spouse or ex-spouse
• Parents, children, stepchildren and other relatives
• Individuals in a current or former dating relationship
• Parents who share a child
• People with disabilities and their caregivers

A mistake or a misunderstanding between family members and loved ones can have severe legal consequences if it results serious injury. At the Law Office Steven H. Fine, our Chicago domestic violence attorney is prepared to provide the legal assistance necessary to prevent a heated situation from negatively affecting the rest of your life.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Battery in Illinois?

Domestic battery is considered a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in a prison sentence for up to one year with a $2,500 fine. However, if a person has been previous convicted for domestic battery or for violating an order of protection, then a repeated domestic battery offense is a Class 4 felony, carrying a six year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000.

If a person commits domestic battery which results in immense bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement, or even strangles the victim, then he or she can be charged with aggravated domestic battery. An aggravated domestic battery charge is a Class 2 felony, which is a minimum sentence of 60 days. If a person has prior aggravated domestic battery convictions, then the minimum is three years in prison.