Illinois Domestic Violence Law
Illinois Domestic Violence Defense
What you're facing under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Illinois (IL) domestic violence law.
Offense Class
Class A Misdemeanor (1st offense); Class 4 Felony (2nd+ or against pregnant victim)
Maximum Penalty
1 year (misdemeanor); 3 years (felony)
Maximum Fine
$2,500 (misdemeanor); $25,000 (felony)
Federal Firearms Prohibition (Lautenberg Amendment)
A conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in Illinois carries a federalfirearms-possession ban under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). This consequence is collateral to Illinois state penalties and applies regardless of the state sentence imposed.
Penalty Range in Illinois
Charge Enhancements
These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Illinois:
- Class 4 Felony: second or subsequent offense or committed against pregnant victim
- Class 3 Felony: third+ offense
- Aggravated Domestic Battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.3): Class 2 Felony for strangulation or great bodily harm
Illinois-Specific Detail
Illinois Domestic Violence Act (750 ILCS 60) provides civil remedies. Mandatory no-contact order on arrest.
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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Illinois domestic violence law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.