Review of Assault Charges in Illinois

 Posted on July 24, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Human beings are complicated. People are unpredictable and can respond differently to the same thing based on several factors: how they feel when they wake up in the morning, whether they got into a fight with their boyfriend or girlfriend, pressure at work, money troubles, and so on. You might be going about your day expecting it to end like every other day and suddenly find yourself involved in an altercation that has taken you by surprise. Whether someone did something to trigger your rage or something has triggered theirs, a physical clash can lead to assault charges, which can have serious legal implications. This article will review the types of assault charges in Illinois. If you think you might be facing assault charges, speak with a skilled Will County, IL criminal defense attorney to understand your options.

What Is Assault?

The state of Illinois treats accusations of assault very seriously. Assault does not necessarily involve physical contact but can sometimes mean the threat or attempt to cause harm to another person.

Depending on the severity of the alleged offense and any possible aggravating factors, assault charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Charges can include:

• Simple assault: Threats or attempts to harm someone without causing actual physical injury.
• Aggravated assault: More serious actions like using a weapon, causing serious bodily harm, or assaulting certain protected individuals like police officers or healthcare workers.

Possible Legal Defenses for Assault Charges

All cases involving assault are unique because the alleged perpetrator and victim have their own background, responses, and personalities that result in unique outcomes. While each case is different, some common defenses for assault charges include:

• Self-defense: You acted in reasonable self-defense or defense of others.
• Lack of intent: You had no intent to harm or threaten the alleged victim.
• False accusations: The allegations are false or exaggerated.

If you use any of the above to defend yourself, you need to provide proof that your claims are valid.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Joliet, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing assault charges, speak with a knowledgeable Will County, IL criminal defense attorney. Navigating these charges requires experienced legal guidance. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we are dedicated to protecting your rights, exploring defense strategies, and advocating for the best possible outcome. Call us at 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation so we can get started.