Lake County Domestic Battery Defense Attorney in Illinois

Criminal Defense for Those Charged with Domestic Battery in Waukegan and Surrounding Cities

While all types of criminal offenses can be serious, those that are related to accusations of domestic violence can impact nearly every part of a person's life. In addition to facing criminal charges, a person who is accused of domestic battery may face damage to their personal and professional reputation, and their relationships with family members and friends may be irreparably harmed. If an alleged victim receives an order of protection, a person may be prohibited from entering their home or contacting their family members, and they could lose custody of their children. Because of the serious consequences that come with these accusations, it is crucial to secure representation from a skilled attorney.

If you have been charged with domestic battery in Illinois, you need experienced and aggressive criminal defense. The laws governing domestic battery are complex, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have extensive experience defending clients against domestic battery and other criminal charges in Illinois. We will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Defense Against Domestic Battery Charges

The definition of domestic battery in Illinois law is somewhat broad. It may include any situations where a person knowingly causes a family member to suffer bodily harm and has no legal justification for doing so (such as self-defense). However, this charge may also apply even if the alleged victim did not suffer bodily harm, but they have accused the alleged perpetrator of making physical contact in a way that was insulting or provoking. This means that domestic battery charges may apply when a person is accused of actions such as:

• Hitting, kicking, slapping, or scratching someone
• Using physical force against a person, such as by grabbing their wrist
• Pushing a person out of the way when walking past them
• Poking their finger in someone's chest during an argument
• Blocking a person from entering or exiting a room or building
• Using physical restraint to keep a person in place

It is also important to understand that a person may be charged with domestic battery if they are accused of committing any of the above actions against a person who is considered a "family or household member." These individuals may include:

• A spouse or former spouse
• A person's children or stepchildren
• Parents
• Other family members related to a person by blood or marriage
• People who have a child in common, regardless of whether they have ever lived together or been in a long-term relationship
• People who are dating or who have formerly dated
• People who live in the same household or dwelling, including roommates
• People with disabilities and their caregivers

In most cases, domestic battery is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. A person who is convicted of this offense may face a prison sentence of up to one year, as well as a maximum fine of $2,500. An alleged victim may seek an order of protection against a person who allegedly committed domestic battery, and if a judge believes protections are necessary, multiple types of orders may be put in place that may last for up to two years. These may include giving exclusive possession of a couple's home to the alleged victim, restricting an alleged offender's ability to spend parenting time with their children, requiring a person to attend counseling or receive substance abuse treatment, and ordering the alleged offender to pay the alleged victim for expenses such as medical bills, property damage, and attorney's fees.

Domestic battery charges become more serious if a person had previously been convicted of this offense or another charge related to domestic violence or if they had previously violated an order of protection. In these situations, Class 4 felony charges may apply, and a conviction may result in a prison sentence of one to three years, as well as up to $25,000 in fines.

Contact Our Lake County Domestic Battery Defense Lawyer

If you are facing domestic battery charges, it is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have worked with numerous clients to address accusations of domestic battery in Illinois. We know the law, and we know how to defend our clients. We will advocate on your behalf to help you get the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today at 847-239-4703 for a free consultation.