Chicago Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Cook County Attorney for Aggravated Assault Charges

Accusations of violent crimes may lead to multiple types of criminal charges. In many cases, a person who has been accused of causing harm to someone else, behaving in a threatening manner, or otherwise acting in a way that caused someone to reasonably fear that they would suffer injuries will face assault and battery charges. In some cases, charges of aggravated assault or aggravated battery may apply. These are serious offenses that come with increased penalties when compared to "simple" assault or battery charges. If you have been charged with a violent crime, it is essential to contact a criminal defense attorney who can provide experienced legal counsel and advice on how best to proceed.

At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we have extensive experience representing clients who have been charged with a wide variety of criminal offenses, including violent crimes. When you work with us, we will take an aggressive approach, fighting to protect your rights and ensure that you can resolve your case successfully. With our help, you may be able to have your charges dismissed, or we may negotiate an agreement with prosecutors that will reduce your sentence and minimize other consequences associated with a conviction.

Aggravating Factors in Assault Cases

The offense of assault generally involves behavior that causes someone to reasonably fear that they will suffer bodily harm. An assault charge may be elevated to aggravated assault if certain factors are involved in a case. These factors may be related to the location where an assault occurred, the identity of the alleged victim, or the use of a weapon.

If an assault took place in a public location, including a church or other religious building, a public road or park, a place of accommodation such as a hotel, or a sports venue, it may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to one year of jail time. Class A misdemeanor charges may also apply if assault was committed against a person over the age of 60, a disabled person, a teacher or school employee, a private security guard, a transit employee, or a sports official or coach, as well as in situations where a person used a deadly weapon, concealed their identity using a hood or mask, or made a video or audio recording of the offense.

Aggravated assault may be charged as a Class 4 felony if it was committed against a police officer, a first responder, or a correctional or probation officer or if a person discharged a firearm or drove a motor vehicle in a manner that caused someone to believe they would be struck and injured. A Class 4 felony conviction may lead to jail time of one to three years. A person may be charged with a Class 3 felony and sentenced to two to five years if they fired a gun from inside a vehicle or used a vehicle in a way that put a police officer or first responder at risk of being struck.

Aggravated Battery Charges

Many of the same aggravating factors that apply in assault cases will also apply in battery cases, although the severity of the injuries inflicted may also be considered. At minimum, aggravated battery will be charged as a Class 3 felony, including in situations where battery resulted in great bodily harm, including permanent disabilities or disfigurement.

Causing great bodily harm to a person over the age of 60 or someone who was participating in religious activities at a church or temple is a Class 2 felony, which can result in a sentence of three to seven years. Causing great bodily harm to a police officer, first responder, correctional officer, or private security guard is a Class 1 felony, and a sentence of four to 15 years in prison may be imposed. Class 1 felony charges may also apply if a person allegedly strangled the victim and used a dangerous instrument or inflicted great bodily harm.

Discharging a firearm when committing battery may lead to Class X felony charges. Class X felonies generally carry sentences of six to 30 years. A sentence may be increased if a firearm was discharged and caused any type of injury to a police officer, emergency medical technician, teacher, student, or school employee. The infliction of great bodily harm on a child under the age of 13 will also result in Class X felony charges, and sentence enhancements may apply if a person was armed with or discharged a firearm.

Contact Our Cook County Aggravated Battery Lawyer

In cases involving aggravated assault or battery charges, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At our firm, we understand the complexities of these cases, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome for you. No matter what type of charge you face, we can help build a strong defense strategy. Contact us by calling 312-627-9482 to schedule a free consultation and get more information about how we can assist with your legal needs.