Can You Plead Not Guilty to Domestic Battery?

If you are accused of domestic battery in Illinois, can you plead not guilty? This guide explains your options.

Can You Plead Not Guilty to Domestic Battery?

When the state of Illinois accuses you of a crime, you have three options: You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Pleading guilty is the legal way of saying, “Yes, I committed this crime.” Pleading no contest is the legal way of saying, “The state of Illinois is saying I committed this crime, and I’m not going to argue. I’m not admitting it, either.”

But pleading not guilty can say multiple things. It can mean that you are claiming you absolutely did not commit the crime.

Sometimes, people who are actually guilty of committing a crime plead not guilty; that’s the way the system was designed to work.

Pleading not guilty is a regular person’s way of holding the state accountable for coming up with proof. That’s how the criminal justice system in the United States works – and it’s how we keep innocent people out of jail. It comes down to the fact that the government is responsible for proving that the person they are accusing of a crime actually committed that crime; if the government can’t prove that, a person can’t be found guilty.

Related: What’s the mandatory sentencing for aggravated domestic battery in Illinois?

Can Everyone Plead Not Guilty to Domestic Battery in Illinois?

Everyone can absolutely plead not guilty to domestic battery. In fact, after learning all the specifics of your situation, your domestic battery defense attorney may suggest that you plead that way.

If you plead not guilty to domestic battery in Illinois, the prosecution – one or more attorneys working for the state – must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you actually committed the crime. If the prosecution is unable to do that, the court can’t find you guilty or sentence you to a punishment.

Related: Can minors be charged with domestic battery?

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Domestic Battery Defense?

If you need to talk to a domestic battery defense attorney in Illinois, we’re here to help. Call us at 847-920-4540 now – we’ll be happy to give you a free consultation and talk to you about your options.