Chicago Domestic Violence Attorney
If you would like to reach Mr. Weisberg quickly and directly, please call his cell phone 24/7 at (773) 908-9811 or Text LAWYER to 25827 for prompt call back. The consultation is free.
Domestic violence is a broad category of cases that refer to domestic abuse involving a family or household member. The most common crime under the category of domestic violence is the offense or charge of domestic battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.2). Domestic battery refers to the act of unlawfully and knowingly touching or injuring:
- A member of the household (i.e. a spouse, significant other, child or step-child)
- A person someone is dating (i.e. a boyfriend or girlfriend)
- Anyone with whom a person has a domestic partnership (i.e. grandparent)
Domestic battery is generally a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois, punishable by a maximum of 364 days of jail time and a $2,500 fine or both. Individuals who commit the offense of domestic battery having previously been convicted for the same offense will be charged with felony domestic battery. This is a Class 4 felony offense that is punishable from 1-3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. When an individual is convicted of domestic battery, the conviction remains on the person’s record for the rest of their life.
In some instances, a person can be charged with the offense of aggravated domestic battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.3). A person will be charged with this offense if while committing domestic battery, they cause great bodily injury to the victim of the crime. This is charged as a Class 2 felony that is punishable by from 3-7 years in prison.
Another common charge in domestic violence court is the offense of violation of an order of protection (720 ILCS 5/12-3.4 or 720 ILCS 5/12-30). An order of protection also referred to as a restraining order is issued by a judge when a victim of domestic abuse requests protection from the alleged perpetrator. Orders of protection are typically issued when it’s likely, in the eyes of the court, that the accused will harm or injure the victim again.
Upon being issued, an order of protection will be enforced by the police. In Illinois, any violation of an order of protection (VOOP) is typically considered to be a Class A misdemeanor and, therefore, is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine. A person who is charged with violating an order of protection after previously being convicted of the same offense will be charged with a felony.
Last year, about 95,000 individuals in Illinois were convicted of domestic violence charges. While a domestic violence charge can carry severe legal repercussions, it can also be humiliating and emotionally devastating, as the accused deals with serious issues in some intimate relationship in his or her life.
If you or a loved one is accused of domestic violence in Chicago or its surrounding suburbs, it’s important you work with a discrete and experienced domestic violence attorney that gives you the best chance of resolving your case favorably and efficiently.
When arrested for and facing serious criminal charges, it is critical to find a great criminal defense lawyer who is at the top of his profession. Finding an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best thing you can do to protect your reputation and avoid jail time or prison time. Mr. Weisberg handles all felony and misdemeanor charges in all Cook County courthouses including Chicago (and all branch courts), Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood (Maybrook), Bridgeview and Markham.
Chicago criminal defense attorney and domestic violence lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg has been successfully defending those accused of domestic violence for years. Mr. Weisberg has experienced domestic violence cases as both a prosecutor and defense lawyer. He is an experienced criminal defense attorney who pays attention to detail. He will evaluate all the details of your arrest and find your best possible defense. For a thorough defense in your case, contact Mr. Weisberg today.
If you would like to reach Mr. Weisberg quickly and directly, please call his cell phone 24/7 at (773) 908-9811 or Text LAWYER to 25827 for prompt call back. The consultation is free.
