Domestic Battery and Blood-Related Family Members

If you’re involved in a battery incident with a blood-related family member, you could be found guilty of domestic battery.

Domestic Battery and Blood-Related Family Members

In order for prosecutors to accuse you of domestic battery, rather than simply battery, your relationship with the alleged victim must fall into a certain category. The categories for domestic violence include:

  • 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

Who is Considered a Blood-Related Family Member for Domestic Violence Purposes?

Parents and children, aunts and uncles, and even cousins are considered blood-related family members under domestic violence laws in Illinois. Siblings and half-siblings are, too.

Penalties for Domestic Battery Involving a Blood-Related Family Member

If you’re convicted of domestic battery involving a blood-related family member, it’s a Class A misdemeanor.

The penalties include up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

In some cases, domestic battery is a Class 4 felony – such as when a firearm, a child, or a sexual assault is involved. If you’re convicted of a Class 4 felony, you’re facing up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Do You Need to Talk to a Domestic Battery Defense Attorney in Chicago?

If you’re accused of any type of domestic battery, it may make sense for you to talk to a domestic battery defense attorney in Chicago as soon as possible.

Call us at 847-920-4540 right away for a free domestic battery case review. We’ll hear your side of the story and start developing a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome right away.