Understanding Common Violent Crimes Committed in Illinois

 Posted on July 23, 2019 in Uncategorized

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines violent crime as any crime that involves the use of force or the threat of force. Violent crime was once a very big issue in the United States and was cause for much concern at its peak in the 1990s. According to information from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, violent crime in the U.S. has fallen anywhere from 49 percent to 74 percent between 1993 and 2017. Though this is an advancement, violent crime is still all too common and occurs in common forms. Here are a few common types of violent crimes in the United States:

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery are two of the most common violent crimes committed. It makes sense to talk about them together because they are very much interrelated. Assault occurs when you perform an activity that places another person in danger of being physically hurt. Battery occurs when you cause bodily harm or make physical contact with another in an insulting or provoking nature. Both crimes can be elevated to aggravated charges for a number of reasons, including using a firearm during the crime or committing the crime against a certain person or in a certain place.

Basic assault is classified as Class C misdemeanor, while basic battery is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Aggravated assault can be classified as anywhere from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 3 felony depending on the circumstances. Aggravated battery can be classified as anywhere from a Class 3 felony to a Class X felony, depending on the circumstances.

Robbery and Aggravated Robbery

Robbery occurs when you take property from the person or the presence of someone by using force or the threat of force. You can be charged with aggravated robbery if you make the victim believe you will use a dangerous weapon or firearm, or if you administer a controlled substance to the victim to commit the robbery. Basic robbery is classified as a Class 2 felony while aggravated robbery is classified as a Class 1 felony.

Domestic Violence

Charges for domestic battery are similar to charges for plain battery, though they differ in whom the victim is. To be charged with domestic battery, you must have caused bodily harm to a family or household member or made physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature to a family or household member. Basic domestic battery will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Domestic battery can become an aggravated crime if you commit domestic battery but you knowingly cause great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement. Aggravated domestic battery is classified as a Class 2 felony.

Get Help With Accusations from a Will County Violent Crime Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a violent crime, it is important that you understand the crime and the consequences that could come along with a conviction. A knowledgeable Joliet, IL violent crime defense lawyer can immensely help you fight against your charges. At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., we can assist you with much-needed legal advice and will provide you with service like no other. Call our office today at 815-740-4025 to schedule a free consultation.