Aggravated Battery

If you have been arrested and charged with aggravated battery, you face an uphill battle from the start, even if you have been wrongfully accused. All too often, individuals charged with assault-related crimes do not seek the legal representation they truly need in order to successfully prove their innocence. When facing a serious crime like aggravated battery, there is no substitute for superior legal representation that may ultimately keep you out of jail.

Attorney David L. Freidberg has the experience and skill you need in a qualified attorney who will truly represent your rights and interests. Having dealt with numerous cases regarding crimes of violence, he has the resources to provide you with the best legal representation possible for your battery charge.

Illinois Aggravated Battery Law

Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05, and individual may be charged with and found guilty of aggravated battery if he or she commits a battery (other than by the discharge of a firearm), and knowingly causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another individual in the course of the battery. While all of these violent crimes involve the act of physically harming another individual, the crime itself is quite broad and the range in punishment for conviction is equally broad. The more serious the conduct, and the greater the harm an individual suffers, the more severe the punishment will be. For example, if the accused allegedly harmed a child or peace officer in the course of committing a battery, he or she will face more severe consequences, especially if the injuries suffered are permanent.

Criminal charges for aggravated battery crimes range from a Class 3 felony to a Class X felony. If an individual is convicted of battery with the use of a firearm or battery to a child, he or she faces a Class X felony. If an individual is convicted of any other type of battery offense, he or she faces a Class 3, Class 2, or Class 1 felony.

Consequences of an Illinois Aggravated Battery Conviction

In addition to serving a potentially long prison sentence and paying a hefty fine, you may experience the long-lasting consequence of having a blemished criminal record that may follow you for an indefinite period of time. Having a criminal conviction on your background can make it difficult for you to get a job, attend a college or university, or rent an apartment.

Given that battery charges involve violent conduct and physical harm to another individual, it is understandable that certain employers, college admissions officials, and landlords may be hesitant to hire you, accept you into a particular college or university, or allow you to rent an apartment. Even if you have put your aggravated battery conviction behind you, and are simply looking for a fresh start, you are still at the mercy of decision-makers who may not listen to your story and consider how you have changed for the better. It isn’t always fair that an individual with a criminal record is unable to move forward in life with the job of his or her dreams, or the ability to attend the college or university of his or her choice, however, this is simply a consequence of having a felony conviction on your record.

In addition to having a negative criminal history, you may face long-term probation that will limit some of your rights. While probation is certainly better than prison time for many, you may still feel like you are imprisoned to a certain extent, and feel as if your every move is being watched. This uneasy feeling only adds to the stress you are already experiencing.

In order to increase your chances of avoiding an aggravated battery conviction in Illinois, you should consider how an attorney can advocate on your behalf to reach a result that does not end in the long-lasting negative consequences discussed above.

How We Can Help You

Because an aggravated battery charge is at the more severe end of the spectrum when it comes to violent crimes, the sooner you are able to retain the assistance of a highly experienced and competent attorney, the greater your chances will be of overcoming your criminal charges in the most feasible way possible. Prosecutors do not let offenders off easily when it comes to assault & battery, so you will need the strongest defense possible to fight an Illinois aggravated battery charge.

First and foremost, we will look at the facts and circumstances of your charge to determine if there are any holes in the prosecution’s case, and/or whether or not your constitutional rights have been violated. For example, if you were arrested without a valid warrant, or evidence was unlawfully obtained, there may be grounds to have your criminal charge dismissed. Similarly, if there is a lack of clear evidence for a jury to find that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and the judge presiding over your case agrees with this position, there’s a chance that your charge will be dismissed.

If the criminal charges against you cannot be dismissed, we will work diligently to seek a result to your criminal charge that avoids prison time and the imposition of hefty fines. It is very important to understand that your criminal history may play a vital role in the outcome of your pending battery charge. As such, there is no guarantee that the prosecution will be willing to reduce the charge against you. However, we will utilize all available resources and our strong negotiating skills to find a result that will be fair given the nature and severity of the facts surrounding your case.

Contact Attorney David L. Freidberg Today to Schedule Your Free Confidential Consultation

Given that serious bodily harm may result from an individual’s conduct when committing aggravated battery, Illinois prosecutors are especially tough on the accused. If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in the greater Chicagoland area, you should act quickly to retain a lawyer as soon as possible following your arrest. Individuals accused of any crime face a tough fight regardless of innocence or guilt. As such, it is imperative that you seek the guidance of an attorney who can defend your charge, seeking dismissal or reduction of the charge if possible. David L. Freidberg has almost 25 years of experience helping his clients face a wide range of severe criminal charges. He knows what to expect from the prosecution and can provide you with honest and thorough legal representation, informing you of the potential consequences you are facing and your options for overcoming your criminal charge. To speak with Mr. Freidberg, contact our office today to schedule your free confidential consultation by calling (312) 560-7100. You may also contact us via email and we will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. We are available 24/7 to help you with your criminal matter.