Domestic violence is prevalent in the United States even though government officials, police, and community groups have tried to fight this problem. Many women continue to experience rape and physical injury by their intimate partners. Nationwide, about one in four women face domestic abuse. What is so alarming according to a new study is that 68 percent of pregnant women are killed with a firearm used by their partner. Depending on the circumstances of each case, in Illinois, domestic violence is a crime that can be considered a felony. If you are facing charges of domestic violence, you need the expertise of a criminal defense attorney.

Alarming Statistics

Unfortunately, domestic violence is often fatal and it is most likely among women who are pregnant or those who have just given birth. Researchers found that between 2009 and 2019, black women faced a higher risk of being killed compared to other groups. The new findings also suggest that laws that restrict a woman’s access to abortion increase the risk of death among pregnant women.

Great Bodily Harm and Death

In the state of Illinois, if someone commits domestic battery and it leads to great physical injury, permanent disability, or disfigurement, they can be charged with aggravated domestic battery. This would include strangulation.

An aggravated felony DUI in the state of Illinois is a very serious matter. It is a drunk driving accusation that results in felony charges. Depending on the circumstances of the DUI, even a first-time aggravated DUI conviction could lead to severe criminal penalties. The consequences can range from mandatory jail time to hefty fines. If you are facing charges of aggravated DUI it is in your best interest to work with a DUI criminal defense attorney.

Aggravating Factors in a DUI Case 

The following situations are some examples of what constitutes aggravated DUI under Illinois drunk driving laws:

• Driving a school bus while intoxicated with children under the age of 18.

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Every day, people are arrested and charged with criminal acts. Depending on what type of crime you are charged with allegedly committing, your biggest worry may not even be the legal consequences you will face if you are convicted of the crime. For some people, their greatest fear is how being charged with a crime may disrupt or irrevocably alter their personal and professional lives. Beyond the punishment handed down by the court, the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can impact many aspects of an individual’s life. Today, we will examine how being charged with a crime can dramatically alter your life, from affecting your ability to get a job, to housing, educational opportunities, and more. 

The first step in fighting a criminal charge is to hire an attorney. If you have been charged with a crime, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand your rights and best legal options. 

How Will a Conviction Impact My Life? 

It is well known that, depending on what crime you are convicted of, you may be looking at jail time, fines, or some version of both. Or, in some cases, you may not be looking at jail time but probation. Whatever the case, many people fear how a conviction will affect their personal and professional lives. Here are some ways a criminal conviction may affect a person:

 Theft is a serious crime in the state of Illinois, and it carries severe consequences for those who are convicted of it. Theft can be defined as taking another person's property without permission. The severity of the punishment for theft depends on several factors, including the value of the property stolen, the type of property stolen, and the circumstances surrounding the theft. 

Today, we will look at important considerations if you are ever charged with theft. Make no mistake: theft is a crime that can upend one's life if convicted. To help prevent a detrimental conviction, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney who will passionately defend your rights as you fight to defend yourself and move on with your life. 

What Crimes Constitute Theft? 

In Illinois, theft can include a variety of crimes, such as robbery, larceny, burglary, embezzlement, and more. Robbery, for example, involves taking property from another person through the use of force or threat of force. In contrast, burglary involves breaking into a building with the intent to commit theft. Embezzlement consists of the theft of property entrusted to someone, such as an employee stealing from their employer.

Going to trial in a criminal defense case can be a complex and highly emotional decision for any defendant. On the one hand, the Constitution protects the right to a fair trial, and the opportunity to present evidence can be crucial in securing a favorable outcome. On the other hand, the process of going to trial can be notoriously time-consuming, costly, and can bring unwanted attention and uncertainty to the defendant as well as their family. In this blog, we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of going to trial in Illinois criminal defense cases to help you make an informed decision.

First, if you have been charged with a criminal act, do not hesitate to contact a distinguished criminal defense attorney who can work to ensure your rights are protected and respected and that a positive outcome is pursued in your case. 

Benefits of Going to Trial

The thought of going to trial may seem frightening to most people. But what are the benefits of deciding on going to trial? Benefits include the following: