How Does Illinois Differentiate Between Battery and Aggravated Battery?

Unlike assault crimes, Illinois law requires battery offenses to involve physical contact of a harmful, insulting, or provoking nature. Any person who initiates this type of contact can face criminal penalties, including jail time and fines. In more extreme situations, the perpetrator can even face felony charges for aggravated battery.

What is the Illinois Definition of Battery?

720 ILCS 5/12-3 furnishes the Illinois definition of battery. Under this section, a person commits battery if they knowingly and without legal justification:

    Cause physical harm or injury to another person; or Initiate contact of an insulting or provoking nature with another person. 

What is the Illinois Punishment for Battery?

Section 12-3 also explains the Illinois punishment for battery. Under this section, battery is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. 

If a person is convicted for this class of misdemeanor, they can face a maximum of 12 months in jail and $2,500 [...]

Written by on January 15, 2021

Bloomington Man Arrested for Sexual Assault, Arson, and Domestic Battery

Law enforcement arrested a Bloomington man for criminal sexual assault, arson, and domestic battery, according to an article by The Pantagraph.

Allegedly, this Bloomington man committed sexual assault against a female victim. Then he attempted to light the residence on fire and prevented the victim from leaving the premises. This man also allegedly battered the victim during an earlier incident. 

While this Bloomington man awaits his arraignment on January 15, it seems like a suitable occasion to review several Illinois laws and penalties at play in this situation. 

Domestic Battery

The Illinois laws against domestic battery appear at 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2. Under this section, it is unlawful to knowingly and without legal justification:

    Inflict physical harm to a family or household member; or Initiate insulting or provoking contact with a family or household member.

Any person who commits domestic battery in violation of Section 12-3.2 [...]

Written by on December 25, 2020

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Bloomington Man Faces Illinois Charges for Aggravated Domestic Battery

Illinois authorities arrested a man from Bloomington and charged him with aggravated domestic battery, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

The underlying incident apparently occurred on Saturday, September 12th. That is when the Bloomington man allegedly caused serious physical harm to a family or household member. The victim received medical treatment for physical injuries that included cuts to the face, apparently due to repeated strikes and kicks. 

The alleged perpetrator remained in police custody as of Wednesday, September 16th without bond. After a risk assessment evaluation and a court hearing, the alleged perpetrator may be able to qualify for bond. Either way, his arraignment is scheduled for Friday, September 25th. 

While the alleged perpetrator waits for his arraignment and further proceedings, it seems like an opportune moment to review Illinois laws concerning aggravated domestic battery. 

Definition of Aggravated Domestic Battery

720 ILCS 5/12-3.3 provides the Illinois definition [...]

Written by on September 24, 2020

Illinois Man Drives Motorcycle Into Bloomington Protest

An Illinois man faces charges for hate crimes and other felonies after driving his motorcycle into a protest in Bloomington, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

On Sunday, May 31st, protestors gathered in downtown Bloomington to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. That is when the Illinois man allegedly drove his motorcycle into the crowd at excessive speed. After hitting two protestors, the Illinois man fled the scene. 

As a result of this incident, the Illinois man faces 17 counts of various criminal charges, eight of which are hate crimes. The collision in question occurred within 1,000 feet of a local school, which led to additional hate crime charges. 

At this point, the Illinois man declined to post bail and remains in police custody at the McLean County jail. While the legal process continues to play out, it seems appropriate to review Illinois laws against and [...]

Written by on June 4, 2020