family or household member

How Do I Get an Order of Protection Against Someone in Illinois?

June 14, 2022
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This article explains the process in Illinois of applying for a plenary order of protection, which is a two-year order prohibiting contact between family or household members.

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Stalking No Contact Order Illinois

December 13, 2021
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NOTE: The article below was refreshed to underline several important changes to stalking no contact orders in Illinois that occurred on January 1, 2019. That is when Public Act 100-1000 took effect and modified the definition of contact with a victim to specifically provide for workplaces, schools, and places of worship. Illinois Law Illinois law […]

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What are the penalties in Illinois for violating an order of protection?

July 22, 2021
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NOTE: The content below has been refreshed to account for the passage of Public Act 100-0987. When this Act took effect on July 1, 2019, there were subtle changes to the penalties for violating an order of protection in Illinois. Any person who violates an order of protection in Illinois will likely face Class A […]

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Having contact with victim in domestic battery is a crime

July 15, 2021
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NOTE: This page includes new information to account for the passage of Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). Since the aforementioned effective dates, Illinois law features new conditions for aggravated battery, which can be considered a previous conviction in domestic battery cases. Domestic battery arrest After […]

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Two types of domestic battery and penalties

June 25, 2021
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NOTE: This article features additional content to account for changes to Illinois law after passage of Public Act 101-0130. Since this Act became effective in 2019, there is no longer a statute of limitations for criminal sexual abuse or criminal sexual abuse, which has potentially serious implications in the context of domestic battery cases. Illinois […]

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A summary of the law and penalties for involuntary manslaughter

April 10, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-173. This Act became effective on January 1st and instituted various amendments to the Illinois Vehicle Code, including an update to the penalties for involuntary manslaughter offenses involving violations of Scott’s Law. Involuntary manslaughter under Illinois law refers […]

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Fatal Accident: A Review of Reckless Homicide Charges and Penalties

February 3, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-173. These changes became effective on January 1st, adjusting the Illinois statutes governing reckless homicide charges and Scott’s Law violations. The courts treat most accidents as a matter of negligence. The person who is responsible for the accident […]

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What is domestic battery under Illinois law?

January 17, 2020
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Illinois law says that domestic battery is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

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Can a child get an order of protection against a parent in Illinois?

January 16, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-0285. These changes became effective on January 1st, amending the Illinois statute governing female genital mutilation. Children may seek an order of protection against a parent under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, found at 750 ILCS 60/1 et […]

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