720 ILCS 5/12-3.2
In Illinois, domestic battery cases involve family or household members, including intimate partners whether former or current.
A battery occurs when someone causes bodily harm or makes contact of an insulting or provoking nature with another.
Typically, if someone is convicted of a first battery offense, it is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a possible penalty of up to a year in jail, 2 years of probation, a $2,500 fine, and counseling or treatment related to partner abuse and intervention.
Felony or aggravated batteries may be charged based on one’s criminal history or the extent of the alleged injury to the victim. Depending on the class felony, penalties may carry minimum jail or prison sentences. For example, a Class 2 Aggravated Domestic Battery conviction, if not sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections, carries 90-days of mandatory incarceration in the county jail. If one were to be sentenced to prison, that sentence would be at a minimum of 3 years to be served at 85% with a mandatory supervised release (i.e., parole) term of 4 years.
While working as an Assistant Public Defender, Erin handled hundreds of cases charging acts of domestic violence both misdemeanor and felony. She has the unique experience you need to defend yourself against these immensely serious and challenging allegations.