Wheaton Attorneys Fighting Unjust Orders of Protection in Domestic Violence Cases
Being charged with domestic violence can have devastating repercussions on your future. A conviction may lead to serious criminal penalties, but even a mere accusation can cause harm to your personal and professional life. If you have been charged with domestic violence in Illinois, our attorneys at Beck & Houlihan, P.C., can help. Reach out to us today to discuss the specifics of your case.
What is Domestic Violence?
The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (750 ILCS 60/101) lays out provisions allowing individuals to file for orders of protection if they are facing abuse and domestic violence. Protection is provided for those who have experienced harassment, physical abuse, intimidation, or any interference with their personal liberty. A violent action that is committed against a family or household member is classified as domestic violence. Family or household members can include:
- Spouses or former spouses
- Parents, children, stepchildren and other family members
- Those who share or formerly shared a common dwelling
- Those who have a child together
- Those who share a blood relationship through a child
- Those who have dated
- Those with disabilities and their assistants or caregivers
Although the law is often successful in protecting true victims of domestic violence, it can also be used as its own method of harassment. When the law is used as a sword instead of a shield, you can be wrongly accused of domestic violence crimes. If this is the case, having the professionals at Beck & Houlihan, P.C., is essential for protecting yourself and building your defense. Some common defenses include being wrongfully accused in connection with a divorce or child custody case or even police officers improperly investigating a domestic violence claim against you. Our attorneys are prepared to help you mount your defense today.
DuPage County Order of Protection Attorneys
Victims of domestic violence may be able to obtain an order of protection successfully, and this can drastically limit the rights of the person named in the order. Any individual may petition for an order of protection for themselves or on behalf of a child or someone who has been abused (if they cannot file the petition themselves). These orders can last up to two years, but as the respondent, you have the right to contest it, which should be done with the advice and assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. These orders can be broad and prohibit the person from using and being near any residence shared with the petitioner or from possessing a FOID card and firearm. An order of protection can also award temporary child custody to the petitioner. Violating an order of protection is serious and treated as a Class 4 felony if you have any prior convictions for a related crime.
Contact Illinois Domestic Violence Attorneys in Wheaton
If you have been accused of domestic violence crimes or violating an order of protection in Illinois, you must consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in order to protect yourself properly. At the law firm of Beck & Houlihan, P.C., in Wheaton, we represent clients who have been charged with serious criminal offenses. Our attorneys understand the impact that an accusation like this can have on your life. We represent clients in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties. To schedule an initial consultation to meet with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys, contact our attorneys at 630-398-3185 today.