AZHARI LLC BLOG

Mar. 12 2025

What to Do If You’re Charged with Domestic Violence in Chicago

Posted By: azhari dev

Category:

Domestic Violence

Being charged with domestic violence is serious business. Knowing what to do afterward can be the difference between protecting your rights and getting in more trouble. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself charged with domestic violence in Chicago and how a domestic violence lawyer can help.

Stay Calm and Don’t Make Things Worse

When you get arrested, emotions run high. But staying calm is the most important thing you can do. This will help you avoid further complications and prevent your case from getting worse.

Don’t say a word: Anything you say can be used against you so don’t make statements or arguments.
Don’t resist: Don’t argue with or resist the police. Escalating the situation will only add more charges.
Be nice: Cooperate with the police in a calm manner. This will work in your favor in court.

Staying calm prevents statements that can be used against you later. It also prevents the situation from getting worse, which can add charges and harm your defense.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

The 5th Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. This is especially important during a domestic violence arrest since anything you say can be used against you in court.

Ask for a lawyer: Politely tell the police you want to remain silent and talk to a lawyer.
Don’t give unnecessary details: Don’t explain the incident until your lawyer is present to guide you.
Don’t self-incriminate: Even if you feel like explaining your side of the story don’t do it until you have legal representation.

Statements made without a lawyer can be misinterpreted or used to build a stronger case against you. Your lawyer will protect your rights.

Call a Domestic Violence Lawyer Now

Legal representation is key in a domestic violence case. The sooner you call a lawyer the better your chances of building a good defense and avoiding pitfalls.

Choose an experienced lawyer: Pick a lawyer who specializes in domestic violence cases and has a good track record.
Share all the details: Tell your lawyer everything about the case. They need all the facts to craft a defense strategy.
Be cooperative: The more you cooperate with your lawyer the better your case will be.

An experienced domestic violence lawyer can find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, protect your rights and guide you throughout the process.

What You Need to Know About Domestic Violence Charges and Penalties

Knowing the specific charges and penalties for domestic violence in Chicago will help you prepare for what’s to come.

Types of Domestic Violence Charges:

Domestic Battery: This is when there’s an intentional or reckless act of bodily harm to a family or household member.
Aggravated Domestic Battery: This is when there are serious injuries to the victim or a weapon was used in the incident.
Violation of an Order of Protection: If you violate a restraining order or no-contact order you can be charged with a crime.

Possible Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions:

Penalty Type	First-time Offenders	Repeat Offenders
Probation	Likely if the offense was not severe	Less likely to be granted
Jail Time	Possible, but often less than a year	Longer sentences
Fines	Possible, depending on the case	Higher fines
Counseling	Often required, especially for first-timers	Extended or more intensive counseling

Do Not Contact the Victim

If there’s a restraining order in place or you’re prohibited from contacting the alleged victim, do not reach out to them. Violating these conditions can hurt your case.

Respect the no-contact order: Any violation can add more charges such as contempt of court.
Avoid indirect contact: Do not ask others to communicate with the victim on your behalf.
Follow the court’s instructions: If you have questions about what’s allowed, ask your lawyer.

Violating a restraining order or trying to contact the victim can result in more severe penalties and damage your credibility in court.

Gather Evidence and Witnesses

Building a strong defense means collecting evidence and talking to witnesses who can back you up.

Start by gathering any texts, emails, photos or other evidence that can show you’re not at fault.

Also find people who saw what happened or can vouch for you during that time.

Why it matters:

Evidence gives you something to dispute the allegations.
Witnesses can be big help to your case, showing things from another side.

This helps your lawyer fight the charges and show the whole picture of what really happened.

How a Domestic Violence Conviction Can Impact Your Life

A domestic violence conviction isn’t just something that happens in court. It can affect many areas of your life for a long time.

Family law issues: Conviction can impact your custody or visitation with your kids.
Employment problems: Many employers won’t hire someone with a domestic violence conviction, making it harder to find or keep a job.
Social stigma: Conviction can also damage your reputation and strain personal relationships.

Knowing these consequences will help you make better decisions as you go through the process.

Take Steps Towards Rehabilitation

If your case is headed towards a guilty plea, participating in rehabilitation programs can show the court you’re taking responsibility for your actions:

Anger management: Shows you’re working on controlling violent behavior.
Counseling or therapy: Shows you’re addressing underlying emotional or behavioral issues.
Substance abuse treatment: If alcohol or drugs were involved in the incident, rehab programs can work in your favor.

Benefits of Rehabilitation

Better sentencing: Completing rehabilitation can result in lighter penalties or alternative sentencing.
Helps in family law cases: Shows you’re working on being a better person.

Contact Azhari LLC for Domestic Violence Defense

If you were arrested for domestic violence in Chicago, don’t wait. Contact a domestic violence lawyer at Azhari LLC today to protect your rights and your case.