Can you go to jail for a first offense of domestic battery?
Many people are surprised to discover that you can go to jail for your first offense on a domestic battery charge. in fact, the state of Illinois takes domestic battery charges so seriously that even a first offense could be a felony.
When is Domestic Battery a Felony, and When is it a Misdemeanor?
A first offense of domestic battery is commonly a misdemeanor. However, there are some factors that turn an ordinary domestic battery into a felony, which is called aggravated domestic battery.
Even if you are charged with, and found guilty of, a Class A misdemeanor domestic battery, you could spend up to nine months in jail and pay fines of up to $10,000.
Any type of domestic battery conviction stays on your record forever. Having a criminal record that includes a domestic battery conviction can prevent you from getting a job, finding a place to live, or even obtaining credit. You can’t go back and expunge a domestic battery conviction from your criminal record, either.
What to Do if You are Charged With Domestic Battery
If you are charged with domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery, your best bet may be to speak with a domestic battery defense attorney in Chicago. Your lawyer will have several questions for you, like:
What led up to the alleged incident? Are there any Witnesses? What type of evidence does the prosecution have against you? Have you ever been involved in something like this before? Are you in the middle of divorce proceedings or a custody battle?
Your answers to these questions will help shape your attorneys defense strategy. Your lawyer’s job is to get you the best possible outcome, and he needs clear, honest answers from you to build that strategy.
If you or someone you care about has been accused of domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery, we may be able to help. Call us at 847-920-4540 today for a free case review. Tell us what happened so we can start building a defense strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.
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