Domestic Violence

Award Winning Domestic Violence Attorney John D. Ioakimidis

If you are being charged in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, or Lake County with misdemeanor of felony Domestic Violence, you need a strategy that leads to the best possible outcome. You need a smart and aggressive defense that will focus on winning your case and eventually expunging your arrest record. Domestic Violence prosecutions are emotionally charged because the conflict is usually among household members or ex-spouses, ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends. It takes the skill and temperament of an experienced domestic violence attorney to win or dismiss your case. Prosecutors don’t care about the consequences to you or to your family by aggrievedly prosecuting you. Domestic Violence lawyer John D. Ioakimidis has been successfully representing clients for over 23 years. He has been nationally recognized as a top attorney:

• Top 1.5% nationally – “Top 100 Attorney” by the American Society of Legal Advocates;
• “Superb” by AVVO” – the organizations’ highest possible ranking;
• “Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer” by the National Trial Lawyers Association; and
• “10 Best Attorney for Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.

You can be confident that you will make the right decision to retain John D. Ioakimidis to represent you because your case will be handled by a seasoned criminal defense attorney that will take all the necessary steps required to press the State and your accuser as hard as possible to achieve success.

What is Domestic Violence in Illinois?

Domestic Violence law in Illinois is governed by 720 ILCS 5/12 -3.2. As opposed to simple battery that can be against anyone, Domestic Violence is charged when the bodily harm or the insulting or provoking contact is against a household member. The term “household member” has a broad meaning under Illinois law. The household member doesn’t have to been living with you. It can include your current or former spouse; someone you lived with in the past or currently live with; an ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend; parents; children; and people related by blood. In these types of situations, the State files charge for Domestic Violence and not simple Battery.

What are the Sentence Ranges for Domestic Violence?

Although Domestic Violence can be charged as a felony in certain circumstances, most cases are charged as Class A misdemeanors, and can carry a prison sentence for up to a year in jail. If convicted, you can often avoid jail, but the conviction will be permanent. Unlike other misdemeanors, Domestic Violence convictions are not expungable. An alternative sentence, certain Counties offer diversion programs if the domestic violence was between family members who want to reconcile. After you complete the diversion program the case is dismissed, and it becomes eligible for expungement or sealing. With the right criminal defense strategy and by applying maximum pressure, the State can also dismiss the case if the accuser is unwilling to cooperate.

Can I be Charged with Felony Domestic Violence in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois law allows for felony prosecution for certain domestic violence cases. The cases can be prosecuted as Class 2, 3, or 4 felonies depending on your background. In almost all cases involving felony domestic violence, Court probation is an alternative to jail. In certain circumstances, the State is willing to reduce the case to a misdemeanor after considering the mitigation submitted by Domestic Violence attorney John D. Ioakimidis. The mitigation packet is carefully put together outlining the weakness in the State’s case along with any documents that show that you are a good person and deserve a second chance. Mitigation packets have a substantial influence on Prosecutors, so it’s imperative that you are presented in such a way as to positively influence the Prosecutor’s perception of you and your case. Domestic Violence lawyer John Ioakimidis has successfully defended domestic violence cases in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County or Lake County for over two decades and has the experience to help you defend your case.

What is Aggravated Domestic Violence in Illinois?

Aggravated Domestic Violence is a Class 3 felony that can carry a prison sentence from three to seven years. As an alternative, the Court can place you on probation, but the law requires a minimum of a 60-day jail sentence. Aggravated Domestic violence is usually charged if you try to strangle or cause serious harm to a household member. Due to the seriousness of the charge and severity of the potential consequences, your goal is to win your case, or force to the State to reduce or dismiss the charge by having an aggressive and smart defense.

Is a Domestic Violence Charge Expungable or Sealable?

You can only expunge or seal your Domestic Violence case if your case is dismissed, win at trial, or have the charge reduced or amended by the State. How your case concludes has a permanent impact on your ability to expunge your record. Domestic Violence lawyer John D. Ioakimidis, has been helping his clients expunge and seal their records for over 23 years in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Kane County and McHenry County.

Nationally Recognized Domestic Violence Attorney

John D. Ioakimidis is a trusted, seasoned criminal defense lawyer that has been successfully defending domestic violence cases for over 23 years. He has handled thousands of criminal cases and has developed the skills necessary to properly defend your case. The State and the accuser are determined to prosecute and convict you. It important to your success that you have a strong defense, a smart strategy and an experienced domestic violence lawyer on your side. For a free and confidential consultation, call us at 312-229-5500.