Battery is a serious criminal offense that can result in significant criminal penalties and long-term consequences affecting your employment, professional licensing, firearm rights, and personal reputation.
Battery is generally charged as a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in County Jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or a combination of both. Aggravated Battery is a more serious offense that may be charged when certain aggravating factors exist, including but not limited to the extent of the alleged injuries, the age or occupation of the alleged victim, the use of a deadly weapon, the location of the alleged offense, or attempts to conceal one's identity during the incident.
Depending upon the allegations, Aggravated Battery may range from a Class 3 Felony punishable by 2 to 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (or 5 to 10 years if eligible for an extended-term sentence) to a Class X Felony carrying penalties of 25 years to natural life imprisonment.
Because every case is different, it is important to have an attorney carefully evaluate the evidence, identify available defenses, and work to reduce or avoid the consequences of a conviction.
SOURCE(S): 720 ILCS 5/12-3, 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05