Analyzing Three Versions of Aggravated Assault in Illinois

Unlike battery offenses, assault does not require harmful or even physical contact. If the perpetrator creates a reasonable fear of imminent contact, it can qualify as assault under Illinois law. If the perpetrator’s actions fall into one of the three categories outlined below, they could face charges for aggravated assault instead.

Aggravated Assault – Location of Conduct

720 ILCS 5/12-2 establishes the Illinois laws against aggravated assault. Under Subsection (a), a standard assault crime becomes aggravated assault if the offense occurred on or about any:

    Public way; Public property; Public place of accommodation or amusement; Sports venue; or Place of worship.

Aggravated assault based on location of conduct is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted of a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois, the punishment can include an upper limit of 12 months in jail and $2,500 in criminal fines. 

Aggravated Assault – Status of Victim

Section [...]

Written by on May 27, 2022

Bloomington Man Arrested for Alleged Battery of a Child in Illinois

Police arrested a Bloomington, Illinois man for allegedly committing battery against a child at a grocery store, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

Reports indicate that this incident occurred on May 1 at a grocery store in Normal, Illinois. That is when the Illinois man allegedly struck a child. Using social media as an identification tool, police arrested the Illinois man on May 16. Though the McLean County State’s Attorney Office has yet to issue formal charges, as they are still processing reports and information. 

While this matter continues to develop in legal circles, it seems fitting to review the potential charges at play, including battery and aggravated battery under Illinois law. 

Battery Laws and Penalties in Illinois

The Illinois laws against battery appear under 720 ILCS 5/12-3. This section makes it unlawful to knowingly and without legal justification:

    Cause bodily harm to any individual; or Make
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Written by on May 20, 2022

Illinois Man Charged With Aggravated Domestic Battery Charges for Burning His Children

An Illinois man faces criminal charges for aggravated domestic battery after allegedly burning his 5-year-old children with an iron, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

Reports indicate that this 41-year-old man intentionally placed a steam iron on the legs of his two children to teach them a lesson. This man apparently left the iron on his children’s legs for approximately four seconds each. 

As a result of this incident, the authorities charged this Illinois man with aggravated domestic battery. And a judge ordered this man to cease any and all contact with his children or any other person under 18 years old. 

At this point, the Illinois man neglected to post bail and, thus, remains in police custody. While the legal case around this incident continues to evolve, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois laws against and penalties for aggravated domestic battery. 

Illinois Laws Against Aggravated Domestic [...]

Written by on February 25, 2022

Four Counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault Filed in McLean County

A Bloomington, Illinois man faces four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in McLean County, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

This Illinois man allegedly committed sexual conduct with a minor child under the age of 13. According to reports, the four offenses happened between November 6 and December 1 of 2021. 

Local authorities issued a warrant for the Illinois man’s arrest on December 16, and a judge set the man’s bond at $1 million.

While this matter continues to develop from a legal standpoint, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois laws against and punishment for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. 

Illinois Laws Against Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault

720 ILCS 5/11-1.40 furnishes the Illinois laws against predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. Under this section, this offense applies when the perpetrator is at least 17 years old, and the victim is [...]

Written by on January 14, 2022