Chicago Aggravated Battery Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been accused of committing an aggravated battery, they face felony charges. Section 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05 classifies aggravated battery as a violent crime and an injury-based offense.
The severity of the injury and the individual involved determine whether the charge is a class 3 or class 2 felony. If the victim is seriously injured or permanently disabled, the authorities can charge them with a class 1 felony.
If someone commits a crime with a gun, the judge must add 15 or 20 years to their prison sentence. Mitch Furman, a lawyer in Chicago, specializes in defending people charged with aggravated battery for more than 20 years.
What Are The Factors Prosecutors Consider In Charging Aggravated Battery Cases?
The State Attorney's Office will consider different factors when deciding whether to charge the accused with aggravated battery. If it is determined that the alleged battery contains specific criteria, simple battery charges will be enhanced.
These factors include physical contact with a victim who was over the age of 60 or was a public servant, such as a police officer or firefighter. Furthermore, if the defendant causes great bodily harm to the victim, he or she can be charged with aggravated battery.
Attorneys at Law Offices of Mitch Furman understand how these kinds of criminal charges can go hand-in-hand with other offenses such as rape or robbery.
What Is Considered To Be Great Bodily Harm In Illinois?
Illinois courts have ruled that a conviction for great bodily harm required an injury that is greater or more serious than the type of injury that would result from a simple beating. Some of the examples found by Illinois courts constituting great bodily harm include multiple bruises, cuts, lacerations, contusions, closed head injuries, abrasions, broken bones, and loss of teeth.
What if I Am Charged With Aggravated Battery?
In certain circumstances, the use of force is justified as reasonable. This occurs when the accused believes protecting themselves or someone else from immediate unlawful force is necessary. Section 720 ILCS 5/7-1 provides affirmative defenses in such instances.
Under such circumstances, the accused may be absolved of criminal liability if the jury finds that the defendant acted reasonably under the circumstances. Experienced criminal defense attorney Mitch Furman can help you navigate the judicial system and help you with your aggravated battery case.
What Happens If I Am Convicted Of Aggravated Battery
Many long-term consequences can follow an individual who is convicted of aggravated battery. Aside from a lengthy prison sentence, an individual convicted of aggravated battery will often face other challenges.
Having a felony conviction on your record can make finding employment, attending college, and even renting apartments challenging. When you have completed your sentence and have put the aggravated battery conviction behind you, some employers may still be unwilling to give you a second chance.
This is because people with criminal records often face bigotry and prejudice in society, which can make it particularly difficult to gain the trust of those who could help you rehabilitate yourself. As a result, many people previously convicted of aggravated battery find it very difficult to reintegrate into society afterward and end up living in poverty or on the fringe of society.
What Is an Aggravated Domestic Battery In Chicago?
In Illinois, Aggravated Domestic Battery is a violent crime and is codified under Section 720 ILCS 5/12-3.3. The elements of aggravated domestic battery are similar to aggravated battery. In particular, to be convicted of aggravated domestic battery, the prosecution must prove that the defendant had knowingly caused great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to the victim, who is a blood relative or has previously lived with the defendant. Additionally, a person can be charged with aggravated domestic battery if evidence suggests that the accused strangled or choked the victim.
What Happens if I Shoot a Gun and Injure Someone?
When a person shoots a weapon during the commission of aggravated battery, they raise the stakes higher. The law states that if, during the commission of the offense, the person personally discharged a firearm, 20 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court.
Additionally, if, during the commission of the offense, the person discharged a firearm that proximately caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death to another person, 25 years or up to a term of natural life shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court.
Why Choose Our Firm?
When you are facing criminal charges, you undoubtedly feel overwhelmed. That's why it is important to have an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side. At Law Offices of Mitch Furman, we understand the stress you are under, which is why we aim to provide you with the best defense possible.
We will keep you apprised of any developments in your case so you can always make the most informed decisions possible. With the Law Offices of Mitch Furman by your side, you can be confident that your interests are being fully protected.
Contact my firm today to start working with an aggressive and renowned Chicago aggravated battery criminal defense lawyer. Let the Law Offices of Mitch Furman fight for you!