Category Archives: aggravated battery

WHAT IS AGGRAVATED BATTERY IN ILLINOIS?

In Illinois, you commit battery if you knowingly, without legal justification, physically hurt another person or cause contact of an offensive nature, such as by grabbing them. But that battery can be upgraded to an aggravated offense depending on the … Continue reading

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WHAT IS A CHOKING OFFENSE UNDER ILLINOIS LAW?

You met with a possible “match” on one of the many dating apps. The meeting very quickly led to hookup sex. You thought you were both enjoying yourselves, and that the other party had asked you to choke them. But … Continue reading

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ILLINOIS CRIMINALIZES ATTACKING MERCHANTS WHO ENFORCE COVID-RELATED SAFETY RULES

As of August 7, 2020, Illinois has made it a Class 3 felony to attack any merchant who attempts to enforce COVID-related safety guidelines. The new law amends the aggravated battery statute. Section (720 ILCS 5/12-3.05(d)(12)) applies when you commit … Continue reading

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CAN I BE CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED BATTERY IF THE OFFICER IS OFF DUTY?

You picked a fight with the wrong guy–an off duty police officer who was moonlighting as a bouncer at your favorite bar. The charge would have been simple battery if the bouncer hadn’t been a cop, but instead you are … Continue reading

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ILLINOIS BATTERY TO A CHILD: WHEN DOES SPANKING GO TOO FAR?

At what point does a parent’s right to discipline his or her child turn into a felony? Under Illinois law, parents who believe in corporal punishment may use it to discipline their children as long as such punishment is necessary … Continue reading

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IS DRINKING TOO MUCH A DEFENSE TO A CRIME?

You had way too much to drink at the bar. Later, you were told you broke some other guy’s ribs in a fight. You are now charged with battery. Does it matter you were too drunk to know what you … Continue reading

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“BUT I DIDN’T START IT!”: THE ILLINOIS LAW ON SELF-DEFENSE

He just came at you. To protect yourself, you pulled out a knife or maybe a gun. He turned to run away. Pumped with adrenalin, you couldn’t stop yourself from going after him. Now, he’s in the hospital, and you’re … Continue reading

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TAPING AN ASSAULT OR BATTERY TO BE AN AGGRAVATED OFFENSE IN ILLINOIS

As of January 1, 2014, Illinois has taken a step into modern media times by adding a video/audio component to its aggravated assault and battery laws. The changes in Illinois law upgrades assault or battery to an aggravated offense if … Continue reading

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“I DIDN’T REALLY DO ANYTHING”: HOW YOU CAN BE CONVICTED UNDER ILLINOIS ACCOUNTABILITY LAW

You were at a party and a fight broke out. You got involved and even threw a punch or two. But you hardly touched the victim, and it was someone else who landed the victim in the hospital. Now you … Continue reading

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“BUT I DIDN’T TOUCH ANYBODY!:” THE ILLINOIS LAW ON ASSAULT

You were really mad at your teacher. Without thinking, you threw a fist like you were going to hit him. But then someone called the police, and now you are charged with aggravated assault. What can you do? What is … Continue reading

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