Arrested for Chicago Domestic Violence? Take It Seriously
Domestic violence is a broad term that encompasses many different forms of abuse, and being charged with domestic violence can result in serious legal consequences and a lifelong stigma, even if no physical violence ever actually took place. Individuals convicted in a domestic violence case can not only face jail time and fines, but also lose the ability to find gainful employment, own a handgun or rent an apartment.
In the state of Illinois, you can be arrested on a domestic violence charge for actions including hitting, pushing, verbally threatening, harassing, or interfering with the personal freedom of a family or household member. You can also face the imposition of an order of protection or restraining order. In Illinois, simply violating any of the conditions of an order of protection can result in criminal charges and having to wear a GPS device for a prolonged period of time. Those convicted of domestic battery must undergo 26 weeks of domestic violence classes and the mark on your record is permanent. Even if no one was physically harmed and you think the incident was a big misunderstanding, you need to take domestic violence charges very seriously and contact a Chicago domestic violence attorney with experience and a track record of success.
Andrew M. Weisberg Helps You Navigate Domestic Violence Allegations
In order to understand why you may be facing domestic violence charges in Chicago, it’s imperative to look at the way the state of Illinois defines domestic violence. While most people think of domestic violence as something that occurs between partners in an intimate relationship, the term can actually apply to anyone intending to intimidate or cause physical harm to:
- A family member related by blood, such as a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling
- A roommate, or anyone else who shares or used to share a home, apartment, or other dwelling
- Someone they have or allegedly have a child with (whether or not they are currently partners)
- A spouse or ex-spouse
- A child or step-child
- A live-in or non-live-in girlfriend or boyfriend
Another common misconception about domestic violence is that it only involves men committing violence against women. While this is what allegedly happens in the vast majority of domestic violence cases, women can also commit acts of violence or intimidation against men, and someone in a same-sex relationship can commit acts of violence or intimidation against their partner. Police and prosecutors take all allegations of domestic violence seriously regardless of whether the alleged offender is a man or woman.
This is important to recognize, because in some cases, an arresting officer might misinterpret the situation (for example, a woman might accuse her boyfriend of domestic violence when she is the one who has been shoving, yelling, and generally harassing her partner). If you are arrested for any kind of domestic violence-whether the charges are founded or not-your first move should be to call an experienced defense lawyer like Andrew M. Weisberg. Attorney Weisberg can help you understand the nature of the charge and prepare a rigorous defense for your day in court. An arrest for a domestic violence crime does not have to mean jail time, heavy fines and the destruction of your career. Call Mr. Weisberg today so that he may walk you through a plan to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Domestic Battery Attorney Andrew M. Weisberg-the Defense You Need
If you are accused of causing or intending to cause physical harm to any family or household member, you will most likely be charged with domestic battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.2). The state of Illinois takes domestic battery very seriously, and even if you have no prior criminal offenses, penalties can include jail time and a large fine if you’re convicted. A misdemeanor domestic battery carries up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500 plus court costs. If you have a previous domestic battery conviction or the facts of your particular case are more serious, the consequences can be even more dire, and a conviction can mean spending up to three years in a state prison with a fine up to $25,000 plus court costs.
Regardless of whether you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, there are some consequences that will follow you for the rest of your life. A domestic violence or domestic battery conviction will remain a matter of public record, potentially affecting your ability to get housing, obtain a loan, enter into an educational program, or get a job.
To give yourself the best chance of avoiding these negative consequences, you’ll need to contact an experienced Chicago domestic violence attorney as soon as possible. Andrew M. Weisberg can help you avoid the negative fallout from a domestic violence charge by providing you with an aggressive and diligent defense. Mr. Weisberg spent the first 8 years of his career as a prosecutor. One of his stops along the way was running a domestic violence courtroom. Mr. Weisberg uses his knowledge gained while working as a domestic violence prosecutor to help defend you in court. He understands every angles and every perspective when defending a domestic violence case in Chicago and Cook County.
Andrew M. Weisberg: Defending You against Any Domestic Violence Charge
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because you know you didn’t actually commit any acts of domestic violence, the Illinois justice system will recognize that. You also shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that just because you’re facing a misdemeanor charge for a “minor disagreement” in which the police got involved; you’ll be able to avoid any long-term consequences. Andrew M. Weisberg has experience handling all kinds of domestic violence cases, ranging from misdemeanors to aggravated domestic battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.3), and he knows what approaches to take to present the strongest possible argument in your favor.
In some cases, Mr. Weisberg is able to get the charges dropped altogether. In others, he is able to get the charge reduced, or he will fight for an alternative sentence like probation in order to keep you from serving time in prison. Other times, the best option is to fight the case at trial before the Judge or a Jury. Mr. Weisberg has been winning difficult cases at trial since beginning his career in 1996. He is uniquely qualified to provide your defense because he used to serve as a prosecutor in domestic violence cases and knows what kinds of arguments the prosecution will use in your case. This allows him to prepare convincing counter-arguments and present a rigorous defense that works in your favor. You can rest assured that you’re in good hands when you retain Chicago defense attorney Andrew M. Weisberg.
Don’t Wait to Contact Andrew M. Weisberg in Your Domestic Violence Case
Do not leave your future and freedom up to chance. Contact Chicago criminal attorney Andrew M. Weisberg now in order to leave as much time as possible to prepare your defense. Mr. Weisberg will start by meeting with you for a free initial consultation, during which you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case. Attorney Weisberg will then be able to offer you the legal counsel you need to make an informed decision regarding your best options. If you choose to work with him, he will begin gathering evidence and preparing your defense.
If you would like to reach Mr. Weisberg quickly and directly, please call his cell phone 24/7 at (773) 908-9811, or fill out the case review form on our website. The consultation is free. You’ll be calling Mr. Weisberg’s cell phone number, meaning that you can reach him at any time of the day, any day of the week.Whenever you need legal help, Attorney Weisberg is ready to go over the details of your case.
