Chicago Assault Lawyer

Chicago Attorneys For Battery Charges

There are a variety of offenses that may be classified as violent crimes, and they will usually involve the infliction of harm to others. Assault and battery are some of the most common charges that may apply in these situations. While these offenses may appear to be less serious than other violent crimes, they can still result in penalties such as fines and jail time if a person is convicted. Those who are accused of assault or battery will need to understand their rights, and by working with an experienced attorney, they can determine their options for defense.

At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we provide representation for those who have been charged with assault and battery in Chicago and Cook County. With our strong knowledge of the criminal statutes in Illinois and our experience defending clients in cases involving violent crimes, we can ensure that a defendant's Constitutional rights will be respected during their case. We take an aggressive approach when defending clients against criminal charges, working to minimize any potential penalties associated with an assault charge.

Understanding Assault and Battery Charges in Illinois

People often use the term "assault and battery" to describe situations where a person intentionally injures someone else. However, Illinois law defines "assault" and "battery" as two different offenses. These offenses may be charged separately or together based on the specific circumstances of a case.

Battery generally involves intentionally causing bodily harm to someone else without justification. Valid justifications may include acting in self-defense or to protect another person or prevent property from being damaged or destroyed. However, Illinois law states that battery charges may also apply if a person comes into physical contact with someone else while behaving in an insulting or provocative manner. This means that a wide range of activities could result in battery charges, ranging from inflicting injuries in a fist fight to shoving someone during an argument.

Assault, on the other hand, involves conduct that causes someone to reasonably believe that they will experience battery. Threatening to hurt someone or behaving in an intimidating manner may be considered assault. In many cases, a person may be charged with both assault and battery because they took actions indicating that they would harm someone else and then actually inflicted harm. However, assault may be charged on its own if a person did not follow through on threats. Battery charges may also apply on their own if a person inflicted harm or made contact with someone with no warning, such as by attacking someone else from behind.

Assault is a Class C misdemeanor, and when a person is convicted of this offense, they may be sentenced to a maximum of 30 days in prison and fined up to $1,500. If a person is not sentenced to prison, they may be required to perform between 30 and 120 hours of community service. Battery is a Class A misdemeanor, and a conviction may lead to a prison sentence of not more than one year (364 days or less), as well as a maximum $2,500 fine. If certain circumstances are involved in a case, an offense may be elevated to aggravated assault or aggravated battery, and felony charges may apply.

Contact Our Chicago Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer

At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we understand how charges of assault and battery can affect you. Even though these offenses are less serious than many other violent crimes, a conviction can impact your life in many ways, including leaving you with a criminal record that may limit your future opportunities. If you have been charged with assault, battery, or related offenses, contact us today for a free consultation by calling 312-627-9482. Our experienced criminal defense attorney can help you explore all available options in your case, ensuring that you can make informed decisions about how best to proceed.