Defending Individuals Charged With Domestic Battery
Domestic violence is a much broader term than most people think. It includes actual incidents of physical violence, but may also include mere threats of physical violence, emotional and psychological violence, and violence to property or pets in the home as well. It is not limited to husband-wife or boyfriend-girlfriend relationships either.
Wherever, however or between whomever it occurs, the police, prosecutors and courts take it very seriously.
At the Will County law offices of Chrystel L. Gavlin, P.C., we defend people who have been charged with domestic battery and other types of "family violence" crimes, including:
- Aggravated battery (usually a battery that involves a weapon)
- Assault (no physical contact is required, only the fear of imminent battery)
- Aggravated assault (usually an assault that involves a weapon)
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Violating an order of protection (restraining order violations)
A former Supervisor of the Will County District Attorney's Domestic Violence Unit, Chrystel Gavlin knows how serious your situation is and what steps need to be taken to minimize the damage. To put that knowledge and experience on your side today — call or contact our law offices in Joliet, Illinois, and schedule a free consultation.
Misconceptions and Mistakes
Once domestic battery charges have been filed, it is very easy for the person who has been charged to make matters worse by violating bond conditions or no contact orders. There are other ways too.
For instance, many couples end up reconciling shortly after an incident in which someone was arrested and charged with a domestic violence crime. Mistakenly, both parties think there's no need to hire a lawyer, that having "worked things out" between themselves will somehow mean the prosecutor can forget about the whole thing.
The reality is that Illinois has a "no drop" policy regarding domestic violence cases. This means that even if your spouse or partner wants to drop the charges, or recants or says they will refuse to testify in court, the case will proceed and the alleged victim will testify if subpoenaed.
False Allegations of Abuse and Divorce
Just because someone alleges you've committed an act of domestic violence doesn't make it true. In fact, false allegations of abuse are not uncommon at all in contested divorce cases. If you've been put in this position by a spouse or someone else, don't make the mistake of thinking that "the truth" will win out on its own. You need an experienced lawyer who can provide an aggressive defense. More importantly, that defense needs to start now.
Put a Former Will County Prosecutor on Your Side
Joliet, Illinois: 815-768-2861 / Chicagoland Toll Free: 888-719-0742
Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
We accept major credit cards and are available for evening or weekend appointments when necessary.
