Does a charge of Domestic Battery in Lake County Illinois appear on my record during a background check?

 Posted on February 07, 2017 in Q & A

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Topic: Domestic Battery Cases in Lake County Illinois (Waukegan Courthouse)

Question: Does a charge of Domestic Battery in Lake County Illinois appear on my record during a background check?

Answer: It depends. If you received a sentence of conditional discharge, probation, or jail time, then the case will show up on most standard background checks. In Illinois, the charge of domestic batter is an offense which does not qualify for supervision. Therefore, any finding or plea of guilty to the charge will result in a permanent conviction on your record. Since this conviction can have long term detrimental effects on your employment, it is vital that you explore all your options when determining how best to proceed with your case. Some of the more common options appear below.

Option #1

Your attorney may be able to negotiate an agreement with the state for a charge reduction to an offense which qualifies for supervision (such as a regular batter charge or disorderly conduct). This would make you eligible for supervision and spare you from a conviction on your record.

Option #2

Many Domestic Battery cases end up getting dismissed when the complaining witness does not appear in court. Therefore, it is vital to have your attorney file a written trial demand on your behalf to compel the State to produce the complaining witness. Failure of the State to do so will most times lead to a dismissal.

Option #3

Demand a trial by judge or jury and make the State prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a very high burden of proof and the State can often have difficulty meeting it requirements.

It is critical to avoid the domestic battery charge from being entered on your record. It is highly detrimental to employment options. Be sure to retain an attorney before appearing in court on any domestic battery theft charge.

Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor, felony or DUI in Lake County, Illinois, it is imperative that you retain legal counsel to provide you with the best defense possible. At the Law Office of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., Mr. Gebhardt’s experience as a former prosecutor means that you’ll have access to the best knowledge and education on your side -- an informed and experienced DUI and/or Criminal Defense lawyer working for you at every step of the way. Mr. Gebhardt draws upon his prior experience as a prosecutor to anticipate how the State will present their case against you. He can then determine what defenses will be most likely to prevail and concentrate his efforts in those areas.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a misdemeanor, felony or DUI in Lake County, Illinois, contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

As always, the Law Office of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. offers free consultations for anyone charged with a misdemeanor, felony or DUI in Lake County, Illinois.