Domestic violence is a serious systemic issue that has plagued the United States for years. As a response, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials have taken an aggressive approach to combat the issue, but it still remains prevalent in the country. According to data compiled by The National Domestic Violence Hotline, around 29 percent of women and 10 percent of men have reported experiencing rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. In Illinois, domestic violence is a crime that can be elevated to a felony, depending on the specifics of the case. Felonies are crimes that carry serious consequences, but an experienced domestic violence lawyer can help you form a solid defense.
Misdemeanor Domestic Battery Charges
According to the Illinois Criminal Code, domestic battery occurs when any person knowingly and without justification causes bodily harm to any family or household member or makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature. The first instance of this crime is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious classification of a misdemeanor in Illinois. Class A misdemeanors carry up to one year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
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