If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Bloomington or McLean County, the decisions you make now will shape your future. A domestic violence conviction carries serious consequences. These extend far beyond the courtroom. Your employment, custody rights, housing, and reputation are all at risk. Bruno Law Offices has defended clients against domestic violence charges for 45 years.
Our Bloomington domestic violence defense lawyers understand Illinois’ domestic violence law. We know the McLean County court system. We provide strong representation focused on protecting your rights. And, we work toward the best possible outcome for your case. Serving clients in Bloomington, Normal, and throughout McLean County, we’re here when you need us most.
Why Choose Bruno Law Offices for Your Domestic Violence Defense
When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a criminal defense firm that takes your case seriously. Bruno Law Offices has built its reputation on an exclusive focus on criminal defense. We don’t handle family law or civil matters. Our team includes experienced attorneys with proven track records in domestic violence defense.
Our team’s qualifications and experience:
- Successfully defended clients against domestic violence charges, securing dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea agreements
- Domestic battery charges dismissed after defense showed client tried to revive partner
- Federal court experience and appellate expertise
- Deep knowledge of how McLean County prosecutors and judges handle domestic violence cases
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we investigate thoroughly. We challenge weak evidence. We develop defense strategies tailored to your specific situation. When you choose Bruno Law Offices, you choose a firm committed to your defense.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Illinois
Domestic violence is not a separate crime in Illinois. Instead, it’s a classification that applies to certain crimes. These crimes occur between people in specific relationships. Understanding what prosecutors must prove helps you understand your defense options. Learn more about how Illinois defines domestic violence.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence
Under Illinois law, domestic violence occurs when a crime is committed by one family or household member against another. The law defines “family or household member” broadly to include:
- Current or former spouses
- People who share or have shared a residence
- People in an intimate relationship
- Parents and children
- Other family members related by blood or marriage
The underlying crime can be assault and/or battery, aggravated assault and/or aggravated battery, sexual assault, or other violent offenses. The relationship between the parties determines whether an assault becomes a domestic violence charge.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
Domestic violence charges carry penalties that vary based on the underlying offense and your criminal history. Understanding the potential consequences helps you appreciate why strong legal representation matters. Consult with our Bloomington criminal defense attorneys to understand your specific situation.
Possible penalties include:
- First domestic battery charge: Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500
- Aggravated domestic battery: Class 2 felony carrying 3 to 7 years in prison
- Repeat offenses: Enhanced penalties with longer sentences
- Loss of custody or visitation rights with your children
- Firearm restrictions under both state and federal law
- Immigration consequences if you’re not a U.S. citizen
The Impact of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A domestic violence conviction creates consequences that follow you for years. Employers conduct background checks. They may refuse to hire you or terminate your employment. Professional licenses can be suspended or revoked. This applies to healthcare, education, law, and other fields. Housing becomes difficult. Landlords often refuse to rent to people with domestic violence convictions. Understanding criminal records and their impact is essential.
If you have children, a domestic violence conviction affects custody and visitation. Courts consider domestic violence when determining custody arrangements. A conviction can result in loss of custody or supervised visitation only. If you own firearms or want to own them in the future, a domestic violence conviction triggers federal and state restrictions. You become prohibited from possessing firearms for life under federal law. Learn more about firearm restrictions following a conviction.
Immigration consequences apply if you’re not a U.S. citizen. A domestic violence conviction can trigger deportation proceedings. These collateral consequences are often more damaging than the criminal sentence itself. This is why fighting the charges strongly makes sense.
Orders of Protection and Your Rights
Many domestic violence cases involve orders of protection. These are also called protective orders or restraining orders. Understanding how these orders work is critical to your defense. An order of protection is a civil court order that restricts contact between two people. It can prohibit direct contact and indirect contact through third parties. It can restrict contact at specific locations, like home or work.
Violating an order of protection is a separate criminal charge. This is true even if the underlying domestic violence charge is dismissed or you’re acquitted. Prosecutors often seek orders of protection early in the case. Sometimes this happens before you’ve had a chance to tell your side of the story. Bruno Law Offices works to prevent unnecessary orders. We also work to modify overly broad restrictions. We help clients understand their obligations under existing orders. And, we protect them from violation charges based on misunderstandings or false accusations.
How Bruno Law Offices Handles Your Case
When you contact Bruno Law Offices, we begin with a thorough consultation. We listen to your account of what happened and answer your questions. We explain your options and investigate thoroughly. Our Bloomington attorneys have extensive experience with domestic violence cases.
Our case handling process includes:
- Obtaining police reports, witness statements, and evidence
- Reviewing body camera footage and dispatch records
- Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and strengths in your defense
- Communicating with prosecutors to explore dismissal or reduction options
- Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Preparing thoroughly for trial if necessary
- Exploring post-conviction options, including appeals and expungement
Many cases resolve through negotiation. We work to secure the best possible plea agreement if that’s in your interest. If your case goes to trial, we prepare thoroughly. We challenge witness credibility. We present your defense to a jury. If you’re convicted, we explore post-conviction options. These include appeals and expungement. An expungement removes the conviction from your record. This allows you to tell employers and others that you were not convicted. Bruno Law Offices handles every stage of your case. Our goal is to protect your rights and your future.
Defense Strategies We Employ for Domestic Violence Cases
Every domestic violence case is unique. Every case deserves a defense strategy tailored to its specific facts. We use multiple approaches to build your defense. Our Bloomington domestic violence defense attorneys understand Illinois criminal law and the nuances of domestic violence defense.
Common defense strategies we employ:
- Challenge witness credibility, particularly alleged victims who may have motives to lie or exaggerate
- Examine inconsistencies in witness statements and investigate prior false accusations
- Investigate self-defense claims (Illinois law permits reasonable force to protect yourself from harm)
- Examine police procedures for illegal searches or rights violations
- Suppress illegally obtained evidence to weaken the prosecution’s case
- Present evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s narrative
Many domestic violence cases involve misunderstandings or exaggerations. Arguments escalate. Someone calls the police. Suddenly, you’re facing criminal charges. We investigate what actually happened. We present evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s narrative. Early intervention matters. The sooner you contact Bruno Law Offices, the sooner we can investigate. Our domestic violence defense attorneys in Bloomington preserve evidence and develop your defense strategy. Learn about our criminal defense process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm arrested for domestic violence?
Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer police questions without an attorney present. Request to speak with Bruno Law Offices immediately. Do not contact the alleged victim or anyone else involved in the case. Anything you say can be used against you. Let your attorney do the talking. Learn more about your right to counsel and communication rights for suspects.
Can domestic violence charges be dismissed?
Yes. Charges can be dismissed if the evidence is insufficient. They can be dismissed if the police violated your rights. They can be dismissed if the alleged victim recants their statement. Additionally, they can be dismissed if prosecutors decide they cannot prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Bruno Law Offices investigates every case to identify grounds for dismissal.
What is an order of protection?
An order of protection is a civil court order that restricts contact between two people. It can prohibit direct contact and indirect contact through third parties. It can restrict contact at specific locations. Violating an order is a separate criminal charge. Understanding these orders is critical to your defense strategy.
Will a domestic violence conviction affect my custody rights?
Yes. Courts consider domestic violence when determining custody and visitation. A conviction can result in loss of custody or supervised visitation only. Bruno Law Offices works to protect your parental rights. Family law considerations are important in domestic violence cases.
How long do domestic violence charges stay on my record?
A domestic violence conviction remains on your criminal record permanently unless you obtain an expungement. An expungement removes the conviction from your record. This allows you to tell employers and others that you were not convicted.
Can I get my domestic violence case expunged?
If you’re acquitted, you can petition for expungement immediately. However, if you’re convicted of domestic violence, you cannot expunge or seal the conviction under Illinois law. Your only option is to seek a gubernatorial pardon, which is extremely rare. Bruno Law Offices handles expungement petitions for acquittals.
What's the difference between domestic battery and domestic violence?
Domestic battery is the underlying crime. It involves intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature. It can also involve intentionally causing physical harm. Domestic violence is the classification that applies when battery occurs between family or household members. The relationship between the parties determines whether a battery charge becomes a domestic violence charge. Learn more about assault and battery differences.
Contact Bruno Law Offices for Your Free Consultation
When you’re facing domestic violence charges, time matters, and evidence can disappear. Witnesses’ memories fade. The prosecution builds its case. The sooner you contact Bruno Law Offices, the sooner we can investigate. Our firm can help develop your defense strategy. Call 309-861-9960 today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients in Bloomington, Normal, and throughout McLean County. Let us work for you with our skills and experience to get the justice you deserve.
Related Posts
- What is the Difference Between Assault and Battery?
- Domestic Violence in Illinois
- Understanding Battery Charges in Illinois: Laws and Penalties
- Everything You Need to Know About Your Assault Charge