Criminal Defense

Domestic Violence / Battery Attorney – Joliet, Will County

Former Prosecutor – Experience has its Rewards:

domestic batteryDomestic battery arrests almost always occurs when the police are called to a domestic  dispute. Most typically, any domestic battery arrest occurs due to heated emotions.  These emotions do not last long.  However, once an arrest takes place, the person initiating the complaint is no longer in control of the matter.   It is now in the hands of the Will County State’s Attorney’s office who have complete control of the continuing prosecution of the case.

Domestic battery is usually a misdemeanor, but it is a very serious misdemeanor.

No contact:

The most immediate impact of a domestic battery arrest is a “no contact” bond condition that prevents any contact with the person and residence involved.  This “no contact” provision lasts until a judge modifies or removes it.  It does not expire after 72 hours (a common misconception).

Mandatory conviction:

Additionally, any disposition for domestic battery requires a mandatory criminal conviction that can never be removed.  Under certain circumstances, a domestic battery can be charged as a felony with much more serious consequences.

Loss of gun privileges:

Gun rights can also be forever lost, if convicted of domestic battery.  Any conviction for a domestic violence offense will result in the Illinois State Police revoking a persons FOID privileges as well as any concealed carry permit.

Defenses:

There are defenses, though, to any domestic violence offense, as well as strategies to reduce or avoid the mandated consequences to a domestic battery conviction.  Only a knowledgeable Joliet domestic battery defense attorney with experience in Will County can best advice you on how to obtain the best results in your particular circumstance.

Common Domestic Battery Defense Questions:

Can the victim drop the domestic battery charges?

What are the penalties for domestic battery?

How can a conviction for domestic battery be avoided?

How do I change the no contact requirement of my bail bond?

Do I need an attorney for my domestic battery case? 

What is a Domestic Battery?

A domestic battery is legally defined as any touching of a family or household member where the physical contact is “insulting” or “provoking”, or causes “bodily harm”.  A family member or household member includes any type of family member, as well as anyone involved in a relationship such as a boyfriend or girlfriend.

The penalties for a domestic battery can include jail time, a mandatory lifetime criminal conviction,  completion of domestic violence counseling, and loss of gun privileges.

What is Aggravated Domestic Battery?

An aggravated domestic battery is any domestic battery that results in “great bodily harm”, or involves strangling that causes the victims breathing to be impeded.

This type of domestic battery is a class 2 felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of 3-7 years.  Probation is another sentencing option, but would involve a mandatory minimum  60 consecutive days in the county jail.

A person can also be charged with an aggravated domestic battery if they commit a domestic battery and have previously been convicted of domestic violence.   This type of aggravated domestic battery is a class 4 felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of 1-3 years.  Probation is another sentencing option.

We have successfully tried many cases involving the following:

  • Domestic battery
  • Domestic violence
  • Aggravated domestic battery
  • Stalking
  • Assault
  • Homicide and murder
  • Violation of a restraining order or order of protection

Experienced, Local and Knowledgeable Domestic Battery Defense

At the Law Office of Steven Haney , our Joliet defense attorney  is sensitive to the many ways in which the private inner workings of a normal family can go wrong.  Many issues that can contribute to an arrest and charge for domestic violence are separation or divorce,  job or income loss, a disrespectful child and many other stress factors.

If your family has had a heated dispute between a parent and child, or husband and wife,  that results in an arrest for domestic violence, contact our Joliet domestic violence attorney for a free initial consultation with our experienced  criminal defense lawyer.  We’ll do all we can to help put your life back on track. We’ve been doing exactly that for over 20 years in Will County.

Contact Us in Will County Today

Are you being investigated for alleged domestic violence? We want to hear your side of the story. If you suspect that you may be arrested soon on charges of domestic violence, or have already been charged with domestic battery, reach out to our Joliet law office today. Contact the Joliet domestic battery attorney Steven Haney by phone, fax or e-mail and arrange your free initial consultation. You want a defense lawyer with a reputation for experienced, aggressive, knowledgeable representation.

Contact Us

Client Testimonials

  • You were a steady and calming influence when we faced some extremely unsettling circumstances with our teenager who made a stupid decision and was arrested. Your knowledge of the laws and manner in court was very professional and assertive in representing us. You were encouraging to keep our hopes alive for a future for our son who was never in serious trouble before, yet upfront about what he ...

  • I used you twice for a DUI and for a domestic violence dispute. You were simply the best. I could not ask for anything more from such a great person and attorney....

  • You were an excellent lawyer in my case. There was always good communication and what you promised, you delivered. I would recommend you to any and all of my friends. Good job, Steven, and if I ever need you again, I have your number stored in my phone....

  • I made some huge mistakes and found myself in a world of trouble with felony charges. Thankfully, you took my case and after many trips to court, you secured probation without any formal conviction being entered (“a 410 probation”). This is the absolute best outcome I could have gotten and I am forever endebted for securing it for me.. Yoiu are well known and respected in the legal community a...

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