How Does Illinois Address Domestic Battery Crimes?

Domestic battery is an Illinois crime that involves harmful or offensive contact between people who share a relationship. Often referred to as domestic violence, this offense only occurs if the perpetrator and victim share some kind of relation, such as family members or romantic partners.

What is the Illinois Definition of Domestic Battery?

720 ILCS 5/12-3.2 defines what qualifies as domestic battery under Illinois law. This section prohibits any person from knowingly and without legal justification:

    Causing bodily harm to any family or household member; or Making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with any family or household member. 

On a related note, 720 ILCS 5/12-0.1 clarifies the definition of a family or household member under Illinois law. This term can refer to a person’s:

    Present or former spouse; Parents, children, step-children; Other relatives by blood or marriage; Cohabitants or roommates; Co-parent to a child in common; Blood
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Written by on December 16, 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

Domestic Battery Charges Filed Against Bloomington, Illinois Woman

Local authorities filed charges of domestic battery against a woman from Bloomington, Illinois, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

Reports indicate that police officers saw the Illinois woman shove a victim in the back, causing that victim to fall to the ground. Apparently, this woman faces charges for felony domestic battery as a repeat offender. 

At this point, the Illinois woman remains in police custody after declining to post bail. This woman is already subject to a no contact order, and further legal proceedings are expected. 

While this case continues to develop, it seems appropriate to review Illinois laws against and penalties for domestic battery, including the definition of a family or household member.

Illinois Definition of Family or Household Member

The Illinois definition of a family or household member appears under 720 ILCS 5/12-0.1. This section defines a family or household member as a person’s:

    Present
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Written by on October 6, 2021

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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