When Disagreements Get out of Hand:
Domestic Violence Defense in Chicago, Illinois
Fighting can happen in any relationship. But if the fight leads to slaps, punches, pushing or shoving — that's when the cops are likely to get involved. And when the cops get involved, it is automatically a very serious criminal matter.
Law Offices of Greg LaPapa
Domestic Violence Defense ∙ Chicago, Illinois
773-779-9090 ∙ 773-586-5860 ∙ E-mail
In most cities, the police are required by law to arrest someone if they are called out to a domestic battery scene and find signs of physical violence. Who usually gets arrested? The man. But you're just going to get a slap on the wrist, right? Wrong.
Standard Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction
A first-time conviction for domestic violence will result in the following:
- Incarceration: You'll get a maximum of 364 days; domestic violence convictions do not usually go straight to probation.
- A conviction for a violent crime: The conviction will stay on your permanent criminal record; domestic violence convictions are not eligible for expungement. If you are ever convicted of another crime, your conviction for domestic battery will be used during the sentencing phase to argue against a light sentence.
Successful Domestic Violence Defense Is Possible
Building a defense against a domestic violence charge depends on the circumstances and especially on the evidence the police have. If the victim has documented injuries, then a not-guilty verdict may not be possible. In these cases, I throw my efforts into strong and convincing plea bargain negotiation. It may be possible to get the charge reduced to a lesser offense with more reasonable jail time and less effect on your permanent criminal record.
Building a domestic violence defense is easier in cases that rely on witness and victim statements. If it's a "he-said/she-said" type of case, a good domestic violence defense lawyer can effectively challenge the credibility of the cops and the complaining witness — creating a good chance that the case will be dropped or end up with a not-guilty verdict at trial.
Consult a Savvy, Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
I have more than 25 years of legal experience, and I have practiced criminal law on both sides of the fight. I worked for three years as a prosecuting attorney before I opened my private criminal defense practice in 1994. If you have been arrested on a domestic violence charge and want sound legal advice — contact me immediately.
