Domestic Violence

Domestic Battery in Will County, Illinois

In Illinois, domestic battery is one of the most serious misdemeanors a person can be charged with. Similar to simple battery, domestic battery occurs when a person knowingly and without legal justification (or excuse) by any means, (1) causes bodily harm to an individual, or (2) makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with an individual. The only difference is the individual must be a "family or household member." A family or household member can range anywhere from a spouse to a former spouse, parent or sibling, roommate or former roommate, or even as loose as someone who was married into your family.

The way these charges are winnable is by attacking one or more elements needed to prove a defendant guilty. Maybe there is no proof of bodily harm. Possibly, the alleged victim is not a family or household member. Sometimes the contact made was not subjectively and objectively insulting or provoking. However, in the majority of battery cases, the battery occurs between two people without reliable witnesses to support either party's testimony. When this occurs, credibility becomes the most important issue. If neither party is credible, or if both parties are credible, a judge or a jury will be hard pressed to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on the part of the defendant.

Fighting Domestic Violence Accusations in Joliet, Illinois

While real domestic violence is a serious problem, so are false allegations of domestic violence. Simply being accused of domestic violence – whether it actually happened or not - can damage your reputation. A domestic violence or domestic battery conviction will go on your permanent criminal record, potentially hurting your ability to obtain employment or housing in the future. If you've been charged with domestic battery or domestic violence in Illinois, contact an experienced Joliet domestic violence defense attorney immediately for help in clearing your name.

Fighting Order of Protection and Bail Bond Violations in Joliet, Illinois

Shortly after a person has been accused of domestic violence, there is the possibility that the alleged victim may obtain an order of protection. If you are charged with domestic battery, chances are the judge imposed a condition of your bond that you have no contact with the alleged victim or their residence. Violating an order of protection or violating your bail bond are sometimes more serious than the conduct that led up to these conditions in the first place. If you are charged with violating an order of protection or violating your bail bond, you need to contact an experienced Joliet domestic violence defense attorney immediately to minimize the effect that these charges may have to your record. 

Aggressive Will County Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

At The Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C., we understand the devastating impact that an untrue accusation of domestic violence can have on someone. For our clients facing these charges, our primary goal is always to get the domestic violence charges dismissed or challenge the prosecutors at trial. If the chances of success for trial are not likely, then we will then begin aggressively negotiating a fair sentence that includes no or minimal jail time. If you're in the difficult situation of being wrongly accused of domestic violence, contact our Joliet, Illinois domestic violence defense lawyer for a confidential and free consultation.