A domestic battery charge is very serious in the state of Illinois – and if you’re convicted, you could end up spending a considerable amount of time behind bars. So what, exactly, is this type of charge, and what can you do if you’ve been falsely accused?
Understanding a Domestic Battery Charge
A domestic battery charge is a lot like an ordinary battery charge except that you have a certain relationship with the alleged victim. If the alleged victim is in one of the following relationships with you, the charge is domestic:
- 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
In these types of cases, the alleged victim says that you battered him or her. That means you caused him or her bodily harm, or otherwise made physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature.
Domestic battery is a Class A misdemeanor, and if you’re convicted, the judge can sentence you to imprisonment for up to a year and fine you up to $2,500. If you have a previous conviction, though, you could be facing a Class 4 felony. (If you’re convicted of Class 4 felony domestic battery, you could go to prison for up to 3 years and the court could fine you up to $25,000.)
What to Do if You’re Falsely Accused of Domestic Battery
If you’re falsely accused of domestic battery, you may want to talk to Attorney Matt Fakhoury immediately. You’ll need to explain the situation so your lawyer can plan an effective defense that gets you the best possible outcome.
If you’re in trouble and you need to talk to a domestic battery lawyer in Chicago or the suburbs, including Rolling Meadows or Skokie, call us immediately at 847-920-4540. We’ll be happy to give you a free case review and begin building a defense strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.
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