St. Charles, IL Battery Defense Lawyer

Trusted Battery Defense Attorneys Advocating for Clients in St. Charles, Illinois

Situations where you are accused of purposely harming someone else could lead to an arrest and criminal charges of battery. These cases are taken seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors, and even a single incident can result in significant legal consequences. While many people assume that battery involves causing serious physical harm, Illinois law defines the offense more broadly. A person may be arrested and charged with battery based on multiple types of physical contact, regardless of whether there was an intention to inflict a serious injury.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our attorneys have extensive experience, and we work with our clients to come up with innovative defenses against criminal charges. Over the past several decades, we have provided representation in 20,000+ criminal cases. We understand the legal and personal issues that may play a role in battery allegations, and we work closely with our clients to build strong defenses that protect their rights.

What Is Battery Under Illinois Law?

Battery is similar to assault, but it is a separate offense. While assault involves threats to harm someone else, battery involves physical contact, including inflicting injuries or just making contact with someone else in a manner that is believed to be offensive, insulting, or aggressive. Common examples of actions that may lead to a battery arrest include:

• Punching, slapping, or pushing someone during a verbal argument
• Grabbing another person's arm or clothing during a confrontation
• Throwing an object that hits someone, even if it causes no visible injury
• Spitting on someone during an argument
• Shoving another person in a bar, store, or other public space

Battery charges may also arise from misunderstandings or disputes that escalate into physical fights. They may occur in emotionally charged situations such as domestic disagreements, sporting events, or interactions with security personnel.

Penalties for Battery in Illinois

Battery may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor classification in Illinois. A conviction may result in a jail sentence lasting up to 364 days and fines as high as $2,500.

When certain aggravating factors are present, the offense may be charged as aggravated battery, which carries much more severe consequences. If battery allegedly resulted in injuries that are considered to be "great bodily harm," it may result in Class 3 felony charges, with a potential jail sentence of between two and five years. Felony charges may become more serious if the alleged victim was a police officer or first responder, if a case involves the use of a firearm or other weapon, or if an incident took place in a church or religious building.

Defending Against Battery Charges

The attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. approach every battery case with a detailed, fact-driven strategy. We will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, interviewing witnesses, examining video surveillance or digital evidence, and reviewing police reports for errors or inconsistencies. Depending on the facts, several defense strategies may be available:

Self-Defense or Defense of Others

One of the most common defenses to battery is that the accused was acting in self-defense or was defending another person. Under Illinois law, you may have been justified in using force if you reasonably believed that it was necessary to protect yourself or someone else from suffering injuries or other forms of harm.

Lack of Intent

To be charged with battery, you must have made physical contact that was intentional. If the contact occurred accidentally, or if you did not mean to offend or provoke someone, this may serve as a defense. Our attorneys can help you show that the contact was unintentional or that your actions were misinterpreted.

False Accusations

Battery charges may arise after emotionally charged disputes, such as arguments with family members or neighbors. In some cases, the alleged victim may have fabricated or exaggerated the events. Our team will carefully review all available evidence and cross-examine witnesses to challenge their credibility and uncover inconsistencies.

Contact Our St. Charles, IL Battery Defense Attorney

When you have been arrested and charged with battery or aggravated battery in St. Charles, Kane County, or elsewhere in the greater Chicago area, you need a defense attorney who will fight for your rights. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we will provide the guidance and representation you need to address these charges and defend against a conviction. Contact our office at 630-786-6062 to set up your free initial consultation and take the right steps to defend against battery allegations.