This is the first post in a series of articles addressing defending against domestic violence charges in Peoria, Illinois. Domestic violence is a violent or abusive act committed by one family member or member of a household against another. Charges of domestic violence are serious and can result in significant criminal penalties and losses of liberties. Domestic violence charges are not “private matters” between family members and must be taken seriously. Given the potential consequences of a conviction, presenting a strong defense against such allegations is imperative. This series is intended to provide information that may assist in defending against such charges and selecting a criminal defense attorney to vigorously defend your interests. If you have been charged with domestic violence, contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
In this series, I will discuss several important topics, including:
- Claiming self-defense in a domestic violence case
- Domestic violence charges involving a weapon or resulting in serious bodily injury may elevate criminal penalties
- Common Miranda issues arising in domestic violence cases
Understanding how these issues may impact a defense is important for a variety of reasons. First, a person is entitled to defend oneself when faced with an imminent threat of violence. In a domestic dispute, it is not uncommon for the initial aggressor to claim that the other person was at fault. If wrongly accused of being the initial aggressor, it may be possible to avoid a conviction based on a claim of self-defense. Second, if a weapon is involved in the altercation, even if it is not used, the accused will be subject to enhanced criminal penalties. Even if a weapon was not present, if the victim has suffered serious bodily injury, the accused may face felony charges. Third, when an officer fails to provide Miranda warnings during an arrest, the accused may seek to exclude evidence or statements made following such failure. Understanding these defense strategies may be essential to preserve your rights.
As stated above, in light of the potential penalties that may result from domestic violence charges, I cannot overemphasize the importance of retaining an attorney with criminal defense experience. Your counsel will review the facts of your case and identify all potential defenses to raise on your behalf. If you have been charged with domestic violence, contact my office today to speak to a lawyer. My office also represents clients in Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. We also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford.