While assault, battery and threats of violence are already illegal in Illinois, the penalties and collateral consequences are more serious when the crime occurs between two people related by blood or marriage or who were previously in a romantic relationship.
The designation of a domestic relationship is usually defined to include a boyfriend and girlfriend, a husband and wife, gay or lesbian couples, a mother and father who have a child in common, or family members closely related by blood or marriage (particularly parents, children and siblings).
Many domestic violence cases also involve filing for a petition for protection (often called a "restraining order" or "injunction") against domestic violence.
Criminal charges can follow an allegation of a violation of an injunction for domestic violence. Related charges include stalking, cyberstalking and harassment.
Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.
IADCL seeks to preserve fairness in the criminal justice system and to educate the public and attorneys.
Lawyer Referral Service in Chicago - The Chicago Bar Association sponsors a non-profit Lawyer Referral Service. The public service refers individuals and businesses to local attorneys in Chicago, and the surrounding areas of Cook County, DuPage County, and Lake County, Illinois. More than 300 pre-screened attorneys participate in the Lawyer Referral Service. These attorneys serve on more than 40 different subject matter panels depending on their experience in a particular practice area. The attorneys that participate in the service have an average of 20 years experience.