Aggravated domestic battery is a serious crime in Illinois — and if the court convicts you, you’ll be facing harsh penalties.
What’s worse is that you’ll have to carry around the stigma of an aggravated domestic battery conviction for the rest of your life.
What is Aggravated Domestic Battery?
Aggravated domestic battery is a more serious crime than domestic battery is under Illinois law. In order for domestic battery to be considered (and charged as) aggravated, the law says:
(a) A person who, in committing a domestic battery, knowingly causes great bodily harm, or permanent disability or disfigurement commits aggravated domestic battery.
(a-5) A person who, in committing a domestic battery, strangles another individual commits aggravated domestic battery. For the purposes of this subsection (a-5), “strangle” means intentionally impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of an individual by applying pressure on the throat or neck of that individual or by blocking the nose or mouth of that individual.
Relationships Required in Domestic Battery Cases
The relationships that define domestic battery are the same for aggravated domestic battery. A person can only commit domestic battery if the alleged victim falls into a certain relationship category, including:
- Spouses
- Ex-spouses
- Blood-related family members
- Co-parents
- Current roommates
- Elderly adults and caregivers
- Disabled adults and caregivers
- Former roommates
- Individuals related by blood through a child
- Parent-child
- Stepparent-child
Remember, though, that not all domestic relationships are necessarily included in this list. Each case is different, and that’s why you should talk to your aggravated domestic battery defense lawyer about yours.
Do You Need a Domestic Battery Lawyer in Chicago?
If you’ve been accused of domestic battery (many of our clients have been falsely accused of domestic battery, in fact), it’s probably a good idea to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible.
Call us at 847-920-4540 immediately. We’ll look at the circumstances surrounding your case and start building a defense right away.
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