If you’re like many people, you only learn about how serious domestic battery charges are after the fact – you don’t realize that accusing someone of this type of crime has serious and long-lasting consequences.
So can you drop domestic battery charges against your boyfriend in Skokie?
Here’s what you need to know.
Can I Drop Domestic Battery Charges Against My Boyfriend in Skokie?
After the police become involved in your domestic dispute, they may choose to make an arrest. And after the police make an arrest, the case is out of your hands.
That means that if the state files charges of domestic battery, you can’t do anything about it. You don’t have the legal authority to drop charges, and the case will proceed without your input.
Related: What crimes are considered domestic battery in Illinois?
How Domestic Battery Charges Work
The way it works is that the state chooses whether to “press charges.” It’s not technically you pressing charges; it’s the state of Illinois, on behalf of everyone who lives in the state. That means when your boyfriend goes to court, the case will be between him and the people of the state of Illinois.
Related: Dropping domestic battery charges in Illinois
What if You Change Your Mind About Accusing Your Boyfriend of Domestic Battery?
You can’t change your mind after the police become involved and make an arrest. You also need to know that you may be asked to testify in court about the event. You cannot lie in court. If you lie, the judge will find out – and you could end up facing criminal charges yourself.
The person you accused of domestic battery does have the right to an attorney. That means your boyfriend is free to hire a domestic battery defense attorney in Skokie who can defend him in court. His lawyer may want to talk to you about the situation, and although it’s ultimately your choice, you are also free to talk to your boyfriend’s attorney about the case.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Your Boyfriend’s Domestic Battery Charges?
If you’re helping someone get legal representation, we may be able to assist you. Call us at 847-920-4540 for a free case review. Tell us what happened and we’ll be happy to answer your questions; if we can work with your boyfriend, we’ll begin developing a strategy that gets him the best possible outcome.
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