Proven Trial Attorney
Handling The Toughest Cases

Crimes: Assault

On Behalf of | Sep 5, 2014 | Criminal Defense |

In Illinois, there are about 50 different “bodily harm” offenses described in the Illinois Compiled Statutes. For example, Assault, Aggravated assault, Battery, Aggravated battery, Aggravated Battery to a senior citizen, Domestic battery, Aggravated domestic battery, Intimidation, and Dueling.  These crimes are codified in section 720 ILCS 5/12-1 through720 ILCS 5/12-36.  If you would like to check out the statutes go to: Illinois Compiled Statutes

One of the most common criminal charges in Illinois and across the nation is assault.  An assault does not actually require physical contact.  If the State of Illinois charges you or a family member with Assault in violation 720 ILCS 5/12-1 the State of Illinois must prove that:  a person, without lawful authority, knowingly engages in conduct which places another in a reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery.

battery as defined in 720 ILCS 5/12-3 is when a person knowingly, without legal justification, by any means (1) causes bodily harm to an individual or (2) makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with an individual.

Victim’s feeling of being petrified that defendant is going to harm her is not sufficient apprehension of receiving battery needed for assault conviction;  feeling must have measure of objective reasonableness. People v. Floyd, App. 1 Dist. 1996, 215 Ill.Dec. 324.

If you would like a free consultation call us at 630-917-2051 and ask for Richard. We repsent men, women and juveniles charged with crimes in Chicago, Addison, Arlington Heights, Aurora, Burr Ridge, Calumet City, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Elgin, Elk Grove, Elmhurst, Evanston, Hoffman Estates, Homewood, Joliet, Lombard, Maywood, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Orland Park, Schaumburg, Skokie, Woodridge, and more.