Chicago Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer Explains How to Protect Your Rights

Getting charged with assault and/or battery can have serious, life-altering implications (including loss of your personal freedom). Simply being charged with assault and battery can damage you professionally and personally. This is why it is so important to have a skilled and experienced Chicago defense attorney on your side.

How to Defend Against Battery Charges

Assault and battery are two separate charges that are often filed against an accused individual at the same time.

While assault requires the absence of physical contact, battery refers to actual physical contact that is unwanted by one individual and purposely inflicted by another.

If the victim has been actually touched by the person committing the crime, then battery has occurred and the victim may be able to file charges. If you have been charged with the crime of battery then you could face serious penalties for conviction depending on the severity of any wounds suffered by the alleged victim, and other various circumstances of your violent charge.

There are some cases where battery is the result of self-defense, or the scenario is highly exaggerated. In these cases it is vitally important for you to retain skilled legal assistance that will be able to sift through the evidence and fight for justice, for you rights, your goals, and your desires regarding the outcome of your case.

You could be facing extensive prison time, hefty fines, and other penalties if you are convicted of this crime. You will also incur a serious criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life and could prevent you from obtaining housing, employment and other benefits.

Overview of Assault Laws in Chicago

The crime of assault takes place when an individual takes action that causes another person to be in fear of injury. State law doesn’t require an offender to have physically caused harm to another to be charged with assault. Simply pointing a weapon, raising a hand or engaging in a threatening manner can be viewed as assault.

Penalties for a Simple Assault Conviction

Simple assault in Illinois is a Class C misdemeanor. If you’re charged with this criminal offense, possible punishment may include having to serve up to 30 days in jail. Fines can be up to $1,500.00, and the court must impose a sentence of 30 to 120 community service hours.

Overview of Aggravated Assault in Illinois

The crime of aggravated assault occurs when one commits an assault under one of the conditions listed within the statute.

The conditions that will escalate an assault charge from simple to aggravated involves the location of the incident, the status of the victim status and the object utilized by the offender.

Regarding the location, if an assault on an individual occurs on public property, place of amusement, or a sports venue, it is considered aggravated assault. Regarding the status of the victim, an assault on a physically handicapped person, a school employee, a person over the age of 60 or older, a park district employee or a police officer can lead to an aggravated assault charge.

Battery in Illinois

Simple battery takes place if an individual causes physical harm to another individual. It can also be defined as when one individual makes contact with another in an insulting or aggressive nature. Regardless of how minimal it may be, any physical contact can support a charge of simple battery. Injuries are not required for this charge.

Penalties for Battery in Illinois

Simple battery is a Class A misdemeanor and carries a punishment of up to one-year incarceration and fines up to $2,500. Potential sentencing depends upon a defendant’s existing criminal record, and the facts of each case. Like with assault, a simple battery charge can suddenly escalate to an aggravated battery charge depending on the location of the offense, the status of the victim, and whether a weapon was involved in the offense.

If you are charged with an aggravated battery, then you are staring at a potential Class 3 felony conviction. Punishment includes two to five years prison time along with significant fines. Classification of the offense can be Class 1, Class 2, or Class X felony. Like other offenses mentioned here, this can depend on specific conditions that are relevant to each case.

Potential sentencing for aggravated battery depends upon prior criminal record of the defendant and facts of the case. Typically, if you’re charged with this offense and authorities have classified it as a Class 2 felony or higher, possible sentences can range from three to 60 years. All sentencing is very fact-specific, based on the defendant’s prior criminal history, and the part of the statute under which authorities bring the charges.

Assault & Battery Charges are Serious in Chicago – Contact a Skilled Defense Lawyer Now

If you are facing accusations of battery, then you need an attorney like Vadim A. Glozman. He is an aggressive, skilled and experienced Chicago defense lawyer who will immediately get into action to find a viable defense. Each case has unique evidence, witness statements, and other factors that must be analyzed to find the best course of action for your specific case.

Chicago battery defense attorney Glozman is ready to discuss your case and stand ready to fight for your freedom.