Analyzing Four Types of Aggravated Battery Crimes in Illinois

Aggravated battery is a serious offense under the Illinois Criminal Code. Unlike standard battery crimes — which merely require bodily harm or physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature — various circumstances can trigger charges for aggravated battery. To illustrate the different versions of this offense, the following sections will analyze four types of aggravated battery crimes under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05.

Aggravated Battery Based on Injury

Aggravated battery under Section 12-3.05 can be based on the nature of injury sustained. This version of aggravated battery applies when the perpetrator also:

    Causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement; Uses a flammable, explosive, or other substance to cause great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement; Inflicts great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement, knowing the victim to be a police officer, firefighter, or similar agent;  Causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to an
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Written by on December 17, 2021

Illinois Criminal Law: Sexual Abuse vs. Sexual Assault

Within the arena of Illinois sex offenses, two exceedingly common charges are criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault. Although these two crimes might sound eerily similar, there are subtle and severe differences between them — particularly from the standpoint of the potential consequences.

Illinois Laws Against Criminal Sexual Abuse

The Illinois laws against criminal sexual abuse appear at 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50. There are two different versions of this offense. The first version applies whenever a person:

    Commits an act of sexual conduct using force or the threat of force; or Commits an act of sexual conduct knowing that victim cannot give consent or comprehend the act.

The second version of criminal sexual abuse deals with the ages of the perpetrator and victim. An act of sexual penetration or conduct can qualify as criminal sexual abuse if:

    The perpetrator is under 17 years old, and the victim is
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Written by on December 10, 2021

Illinois Man Charged with Four Counts of Cocaine Delivery

A man from Normal, Illinois faces multiple felony charges for alleged cocaine delivery crimes, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

The Bloomington Police Department conducted an arrest after receiving reports that this Illinois man committed four cocaine deliveries between November 26 and December 1. Thereafter, local authorities charged the Illinois man with four counts of unlawful delivery of cocaine. 

At this point, the Illinois man declined to post bail and remains in police custody. While the legal case continues to evolve, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois laws against and penalties for delivery of cocaine. 

Illinois Laws Against Delivery of Cocaine

720 ILCS 570/401 provides the Illinois laws against delivery of a controlled substance, including cocaine. Under this section, there are severely controlled circumstances under which delivery of cocaine is allowed, largely for medical or research purposes. 

Otherwise, Illinois prohibits any person from delivering or manufacturing a [...]

Written by on December 3, 2021

How Does Illinois Define and Punish Aggravated DUI?

The State of Illinois features strict laws against driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or similarly intoxicating substances. Any driver who commits DUI in Illinois can face a variety of consequences, including confinement, fines, and license suspension.

On top of the standard DUI laws mentioned above, Illinois also has an elevated charge of aggravated DUI. The aggravated version of this offense applies to certain repeat offenders and in various other circumstances. Any driver who commits aggravated DUI can expect to face even more severe punishment under Illinois law. 

What is the Illinois Definition of Aggravated DUI?

Illinois law at 625 ILCS 5/11-501 provides the state-specific definition of aggravated DUI. Under this section, the situations in which a regular DUI becomes aggravated DUI include but are not limited to:

    A driver commits DUI for a third or subsequent time; A person commits DUI while operating a school bus with
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Written by on May 28, 2021