Aurora Domestic Battery Cases

Domestic Battery Lawyer in Aurora, Illinois

If you are facing a Domestic Battery charge in Aurora, Illinois, you need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney who understands how the local court system operates. I am James Dimeas, a criminal defense attorney with over 32 years of experience handling Domestic Battery cases throughout Kane County, including Aurora. Domestic Battery charges are serious offenses that can have life-altering consequences. As your Aurora Domestic Battery lawyer, I will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation.

What is Domestic Battery in Aurora, Illinois?

Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/12-3.2), Domestic Battery occurs when someone knowingly causes bodily harm to a family or household member, or makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with a family or household member. In Aurora, which falls under the jurisdiction of Kane County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively by the State’s Attorney’s Office and can have both criminal and civil repercussions.

Examples of family or household members under Illinois law include:

• Spouses or former spouses
• Parents, children, or stepchildren
• Individuals who live together or formerly lived together
• Individuals who share a child
• Individuals who are dating or formerly dated

How Are Domestic Battery Cases Handled in Aurora, Illinois?

In Aurora, Domestic Battery charges are typically heard at the Kane County Judicial Center. Once the police are called to respond to a Domestic Battery complaint, an arrest is almost always made—even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges. After the arrest, the accused will appear at a bond hearing where a judge will determine whether to release the defendant and under what conditions.

Aurora Domestic Battery cases often involve an Order of Protection or a No Contact Order being issued by the judge. This can prohibit the accused from returning home, having contact with the alleged victim, or even seeing their children. These protective orders are taken seriously, and violating them can lead to additional criminal charges.

Examples of Domestic Battery Cases in Aurora

To illustrate how these cases are handled, here are a few examples of past cases I have successfully defended:

• A client was accused of slapping his ex-girlfriend during a verbal argument at their shared apartment in Aurora. After a thorough investigation, we uncovered inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s statements. The case was ultimately dismissed due to lack of credible evidence.
• Another client was charged with Domestic Battery after his spouse accused him of grabbing her arm during an argument. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s doorbell camera helped prove our client was acting in self-defense. The charges were dropped, and we successfully petitioned the court to expunge his arrest record.
• In a high-stakes case, a client faced Domestic Battery charges with a prior criminal history, which meant he was looking at felony enhancements. We negotiated a plea deal that involved anger management classes and community service in lieu of jail time, keeping the client’s record clean of a felony conviction.

Consequences of a Domestic Battery Conviction in Aurora, Illinois

Domestic Battery is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,500, mandatory counseling, probation, and community service. However, if you have a prior Domestic Battery conviction, the charge may be upgraded to a Class 4 felony, which is punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison.

Additional consequences may include:

• A permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged
• Loss of child custody or visitation rights
• Loss of firearm ownership rights
• Negative impact on employment, immigration status, and housing

It is important to understand that even if the victim recants their statement or does not want to pursue charges, the State can—and often does—proceed with prosecution. This makes it critical to have an experienced Aurora Domestic Battery lawyer by your side.

Possible Enhancements and Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can enhance a Domestic Battery charge to an Aggravated Domestic Battery, a Class 2 felony in Illinois. These include:

• Causing great bodily harm
• Strangulation
• Use of a deadly weapon
• Battery against a child or a disabled individual
• Battery in violation of an Order of Protection

If you are facing any of these enhanced charges, the penalties become much more severe, including mandatory prison time. These situations require immediate and skilled legal representation.

Why Hire James Dimeas as Your Aurora Domestic Battery Attorney?

With decades of experience defending clients in Aurora and throughout Kane County, I understand the nuances of Domestic Battery law and how these cases are prosecuted locally. I take a proactive approach to building a strong defense by:

• Conducting a comprehensive review of all evidence
• Interviewing witnesses and uncovering favorable testimony
• Filing motions to suppress unlawful evidence
• Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
• Representing you aggressively at trial if necessary

My goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, whether that means a dismissal, an acquittal, or a favorable plea deal that minimizes long-term consequences.

Contact an Aurora Domestic Battery Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with Domestic Battery in Aurora, Illinois, time is of the essence. Do not speak to the police or prosecutors without legal representation. Call me, James Dimeas, immediately for a free and confidential consultation. I will explain your rights, evaluate your case, and start building a powerful defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Call now at 847-807-7405 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let a seasoned Aurora Domestic Battery lawyer help you fight back and protect your future!