Know the Law: What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Illinois?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Domestic Violence

Assault, battery, or other acts of violence against any other person may be a criminal offense with serious penalties. Illinois law goes further and specifically criminalizes violence against certain members of your family, partners, or those in other types of close relationships.

The Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 sets out particular consequences for such acts, which are considered to be under the category of “domestic violence.” Domestic violence charges can be very serious and may include a wide array of potential consequences depending on your particular situation. If you have been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in Illinois, you should contact an experienced defense attorney for help as soon as possible.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence?

The identity of the alleged victim is the first step in determining whether an act falls under domestic violence. The victim must be a “family or household member,” which includes the following:

• Spouses
• Former spouses
• Children
• Other blood relations
• Caretakers
• People who live together
• Parents of the same child
• People who are dating or engaged (including same-sex couples)
• Assistants for disabled people

Against the above family or household members, Illinois domestic violence laws prohibit the following acts, among others: physical abuse; sexual abuse; use of restraint or confinement; use of other force; threats of force; threats to take children or actually taking children; stalking; surveillance; harassment in a public place such as school or work; depriving them of food, medical care, shelter, or other necessities; and forcing them to do a certain thing or keeping them from doing a certain thing.

Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the particular case. In addition to possible probation or prison sentences, domestic violence convictions may keep you from being able to see your children, spouse, or other family members, or may disqualify you from certain jobs in educational or healthcare settings. In addition, a domestic violence conviction may generally never be removed from your record, so you may deal with the consequences for a long time.

Many domestic violence accusations are false due to domestic arguments, custody battles, or other tense situations. An experienced attorney can help you fight false accusations and protect your rights and reputation.

Contact an Illinois Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

If someone has accused you of any type of domestic violence, your freedom, family relationships, and job opportunities may all be in jeopardy. Do not risk wrongful conviction or the potentially severe consequences that may accompany a conviction. Instead, contact a Chicago criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for a case evaluation. The attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. are accomplished and dedicated to providing the highest quality of representation. Contact our office today at 630-472-9700 for help.