self-defense

A summary of the law and penalties for involuntary manslaughter

April 10, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-173. This Act became effective on January 1st and instituted various amendments to the Illinois Vehicle Code, including an update to the penalties for involuntary manslaughter offenses involving violations of Scott’s Law. Involuntary manslaughter under Illinois law refers […]

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What is domestic battery under Illinois law?

January 17, 2020
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Illinois law says that domestic battery is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

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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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What does it mean to resist arrest or obstruct a peace officer?

February 5, 2010
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Under Illinois law, a person who is arrested by a police officer but does not cooperate runs the risk of getting charged with resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

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