Mandatory Sentencing for Aggravated Domestic Battery

What’s the minimum mandatory sentence for aggravated domestic battery in Illinois? This guide explains.

Mandatory Sentencing for Aggravated Domestic Battery

In the state of Illinois, aggravated domestic battery is at least a Class 2 felony. The absolute fewest number of days a person may spend in jail after being convicted of aggravated domestic battery as a Class 2 felony is 60 consecutive days.

However, most people convicted of this crime spend longer in jail or prison. And if you have a prior aggravated domestic battery conviction (or multiple prior convictions), the judge may not sentence you to fewer than three years in prison. In some cases, judges can sentence people to up to 14 years in prison for a conviction of aggravated domestic battery as a Class 2 felony.

Related: What can you do if someone lies about domestic battery?

If a judge convicts you of this crime, you’ll go straight to jail from court. You won’t be able to go home and get your belongings, say goodbye to your family members or friends, or leave the courtroom without being handcuffed and escorted by an officer of the court. However, if a judge finds you not guilty, you’ll be released from the state’s custody and will be free to go.

Related: What’s the penalty for choking someone during a domestic battery offense?

What is Aggravated Domestic Battery?

Aggravated domestic battery is a serious crime in the state of Illinois. This crime involves a person intentionally causing great bodily harm or causing permanent disability or disfigurement to another person. Not just any other person, though; the victim must be a family or household member. Under Illinois law, a family or household member is a person with which the defendant shares one of the following relationships:

• spouses and ex-spouses
• blood-related family members
• coparents
• current or former roommates
• elderly or disabled adults and their caregivers
• people who are related by blood through a child
• parents and children or stepparents and children

Can an Attorney Help You With Aggravated Domestic Battery Charges?

For many people, the best course of action after being charged with the crime of aggravated domestic battery is to work with an experienced attorney. Your attorney can help you buy building a defense strategy that gets you the best possible outcome in your case. Although there’s never any way to predict how a judge will rule, working with an attorney may help ensure that your side of the story is heard in court.

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.