Impersonators have been calling individuals and pretending to be Chicago Trusted Attorneys inquiring about a Johnson & Johnson lawsuit. If you have received one of these calls, we advise not providing any personal information and blocking the number. We are currently working with our partners to isolate the source and remove their ability to contact you.
November 21, 2020
SHARE
Penalties for a Domestic Battery Conviction in Chicago
When you’re accused of domestic battery, you’re probably about what this means for your future. A misdemeanor conviction can have a serious impact on your future. Unfortunately, many people accused of domestic battery don’t realize how severe the impact of these charges can be.
Before you go to criminal court, knowing the penalties for a domestic battery conviction in Chicago is key. Below are a few of of the penalties you may face if you don’t defend your case and get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Your Chicago Domestic Battery Sentence
When you’re accused of domestic battery in Chicago, you’re facing a Class A misdemeanor at best. Although a misdemeanor may not sound so serious, it can mean up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. That can impact your future in serious ways, which can be difficult to recover from.
If this isn’t your first conviction, you may instead be charged with a Class 4 felony. That means you may face prison, not jail, for years. For a Class 4 felony, you can face up to three years in prison, which will leave a devastating impact on your life.
Because these penalties can be so harsh, finding a criminal defense lawyer and avoiding a domestic battery conviction in Chicago is vital. Your finances and your freedom may be directly impacted for years by a conviction.
Long-Term Impacts of a Domestic Battery Conviction
The penalties for a Chicago domestic battery conviction don’t stop there, either. Even if you’ve paid your fines and served your prison sentence, you may still face other penalties for domestic battery charges.
If you’re convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, you may face indirect consequences because of your criminal record. Once you have a criminal record, that record shows up in background checks. This can damage your future.
For example, you may look for a job following your conviction and release. Potential employers will see that you were convicted of domestic battery in Chicago. They may choose not to hire you because of this. Housing opportunities may be lost in the same way.
It can impact your ability to contact your family, as well. Let’s say you want custody of your children. During your hearing, the judge may note your domestic battery charges and refuse to give you custody because of your criminal record.
How a Domestic Battery Lawyer in Chicago Can Help
You don’t have to accept the penalties for a domestic battery conviction in Chicago without disputing the charges. Although the evidence against you may be intimidating, you have a chance to get those charges reduced or dismissed.
At Chicago Trusted Attorneys™, we understand how dire the consequences of a domestic battery conviction can be, and we’re here to help you defend your record and your future. To learn more about what a criminal defense lawyer can do to protect your future, reach out by calling 312-519-3171 or by completing the online contact form below.