battery

Misdemeanor convictions that cannot be sealed: crimes of violence

April 14, 2022
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NOTE: This page has new content to clarify the recent impact of Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). These Acts adjusted the Illinois approach to standard and aggravated domestic battery offenses, including the possibility of a felony charge. A person convicted of a misdemeanor can have […]

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What is the legal definition of great bodily harm?

April 25, 2010
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If a person causes great bodily harm to another while committing a criminal offense, the charge is usually a felony. What is the definition of great bodily harm? The Illinois Criminal Code of 1961 does not specify which injuries constitute great bodily harm. The question is for the jury to decide. When defendants have been […]

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I got arrested for battery. What are the penalties under Illinois law?

April 18, 2010
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Battery is a criminal offense in Illinois that is classified as a misdemeanor, unless there is serious injury. In cases of serious injury, battery is charged as a felony. Battery is found in the criminal code at 720 ILCS 5/12-3, which provides the following: A person commits battery if he (or she) intentionally or knowingly […]

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What is the law in Illinois on assault?

March 28, 2010
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Assault is a criminal offense in Illinois that can result in imprisonment. The offense is codified at 720 ILCS 5/12-1 in Illinois criminal code. The statute provides that assault is a Class C misdemeanor offense. All Class C misdemeanor offenses in Illinois have a punishment of up to 30 days in jail and a fine […]

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