St. Charles Assault Attorneys

Experienced Legal Defense for Assault Charges in Kane County

Assault and battery are terms that are often used interchangeably in popular culture. However, they are considered to be two separate offenses in many cases. In Illinois, assault occurs when someone places another person in reasonable fear of being injured. Battery occurs when a victim sustains bodily harm due to an offender's decision to engage in harmful conduct without legal justification. A person may also be charged with battery if they engage in physical contact in ways that are considered provoking or insulting. Because assault and battery are distinct legal terms, they may result in different types of penalties.

Depending on a variety of factors, assault or battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony in Illinois. Most people understand that facing felony charges warrants an aggressive defensive strategy, but it is also important to take the proper steps to defend against misdemeanor charges. In truth, being convicted of any type of criminal offense can lead to serious penalties and secondary consequences. If you are facing assault charges in Illinois – regardless of whether they are misdemeanors or felonies – the time to seek legal guidance from a criminal defense attorney is now.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Assault Charges

Most of the time, assault charges in Illinois are classified as misdemeanors. However, if specific aggravating factors are involved in a case, a person may be charged with felony assault. Being charged with aggravated assault will lead to a risk of more significant penalties and the secondary consequence of being saddled with a criminal record. This could affect an offender's future opportunities when pursuing employment, education, financing, housing, and even volunteer opportunities.

In Illinois, assault is ordinarily classified as a Class C misdemeanor. A conviction could result in no more than 30 days in jail, a fine not to exceed $1,500, or both of these penalties. In addition to these penalties, the court may also require a person who is convicted to perform no fewer than 30 and no more than 120 hours of service to the community.

If an assault is classified as an aggravated offense due to the presence of a deadly weapon, because the alleged victim was a minor or elderly person, or other factors, more serious charges will apply. Accusations of aggravated assault will typically result in Class A misdemeanor charges, although an offense may be categorized as a Class 3 or Class 4 felony in certain situations, such as when the alleged victim was a police officer.

Secondary Consequences of an Assault Conviction

While the possibility of being sentenced to time behind bars is undeniably intimidating, some of the secondary consequences of an assault conviction can prove to be even more damaging. These consequences can affect a person's short-term and long-term well-being, because their future opportunities may be limited.

For example, parents of minor children who are convicted of assault in relation to domestic violence accusations may potentially suffer the loss of their child custody rights. The reputational damage associated with an assault conviction can affect someone's educational and/or professional aspirations. Time spent behind bars could lead to job loss, which in turn could lead to foreclosure or eviction from a home if mortgage or rent payments can no longer be made on time.

Contact a Dedicated St. Charles Assault Defense Lawyer

Whether you are facing misdemeanor assault charges, aggravated assault charges classified as felonies, or charges related to battery, the experienced, reputable, and client-focused legal team at Goostree Law Group can provide the legal help you need. We are prepared to start aggressively advocating on behalf of your rights and interests.

There is nothing easy about being charged with criminal wrongdoing, least of all with the kind of offense that can impact your reputation, your access to future opportunities, and even custody of your children. Our team is here to help alleviate your stress and provide you with the dedicated legal representation you need. Schedule a free consultation with our team today by contacting us at 630-584-4800.