Joliet Assault & Battery Lawyer
Assault & Battery Attorney – Serving Will County, Grundy County & Kankakee County
Illinois law defines “assault” as something that occurs when one individual engages in conduct that directly places another individual in a position that leaves them with reasonable fear of receiving a battery of some sort. Battery is when an individual directly causes bodily harm to another person. Additionally, battery can hapen when a person insults another to a certain degree to provokes physical contact with them.
If you cause harm to someone else directly by using your own hands (or a weapon under your control), you have committed battery. If you act in a way that leaves someone reasonably concerned about being battered, then you have committed assault. It is important to recognize that although these two issues are related, they are different offenses in the eyes of the law. This means that they can be charged separately, therefore landing the accused with two charges rather than one.
What is assault?
Now that we understand what battery is – directly harming someone. You may be confused about the definition of assault. It can be difficult to understand the difference between the two. Basically, assault under the law occurs when someone acts in such a way that another person becomes reasonably afraid. If your actions cause someone else to become afraid they could be harmed, and if that fear is reasonable given the circumstances and your actions, then you have committed assault.
It is important to note that you do not have to have physically touch or harm anyone to be charged with assault. For example, showing a weapon or raising your fist or hand to another person can be considered assault. Acting in a threatening way towards another person could be considered assault. A mistake our clients tend to make is assuming that assault requires them to have physically directly harmed another person. This is not the case – you can be charged even if you never laid a finger on the other person. That is why it is so important to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney like Daniel M. Walsh.
If you have found yourself facing charges of assault or battery, it is important that you reach out to an experienced attorney quickly. The Law Offices of Daniel M. Walsh has the experience and knowledge in helping individuals fight battery and assault charges. We understand how the system works, and will work hard to ensure that you receive the best defense possible for your case.
What are the consequences and punishment for battery and assault?
The crimes of assault and battery are both treated as misdemeanors. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that this means that these charges are not serious. Being convicted of assault or battery can have a serious impact on your life, both in the long term and the short term. The most common punishment for this kind of criminal offense is jail time, a fine, or community service hours. Depending upon the circumstances of the assault and / or battery, you might face a combination of all three.
Assault in particular can carry up to 30 days of jail time and a $1500.00 fine. And even if you do not end up with jail time, you should know that anyone convicted of committing assault in Illinois is required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of community service. The courts can require you to complete as many as 120 hours.
How to fight assault and battery charges?
If you are convicted of assault and battery, you could find yourself in a position of finding yourself behind bars. This could be a devastating situation, especially if you have a family to provide for or a job you could lose while in jail. It is so important to find an experienced attorney quickly to help you to defend yourself against these charges. Do not wait until after you have already been convicted to find a lawyer! An experienced and knowledgeable lawyer can help you fight your charges.
Contact An Assault & Battery Lawyer
There are many defenses to assault and battery accusations. One is to demonstrate that your actions were not enough to induce fear in another person. In order for a criminal defense lawyer to help you, they need to understand the specifics of your case. Attorney Walsh can help you – call today for a free consultation and case review. We will listen to you, and help you understand your next best course of action.