Bloomington Assault Attorney
When You Have Been Arrested and Charged with Assault, Call A Bloomington Assault Attorney from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols 
Illinois law defines assault as intentional conduct that reasonably causes a person to feel afraid of impending violence. Under those terms, an individual can be found guilty of committing assault without touching or harming another person.
Words alone do not constitute an assault, but threats accompanied by conduct consistent with those threats can be treated as an assault if the words and conduct cause the victim to reasonably believe that he or she is about to be hit or injured.
Assault Charges in Bloomington, Illinois
Assault charges are nothing to shrug off, nor are they something to assume they will go away, or rather, not affect your life. Assault charges are very serious and carry harsh penalties that vary from large fines to jail time and a permanent criminal record. If you’ve been accused of assault, it is imperative to consider calling a Bloomington assault attorney for advice on how to proceed.
Your Job Could Be Affected
Any conviction is not good; however, when you have a conviction for assault, you would likely not want to point it out to an employer. However, if you plead, or are otherwise found guilty of assault, you will legally be obligated to inform anyone who has the right to ask about your criminal record. In the event you are not truthful, and your employer finds out through a background check, you could lose your job. As one of the leading Bloomington assault attorneys, we bring years of experience to people in need of strong legal advocacy after a drunk driving charge.
Understanding Assault and Battery
Assault and battery charges are similar, but not the same. Assault involves a person who threatens or causes fear of bodily harm to another person. In the event harm is inflicted, it is battery. In general, these charges are often committed together which is why many people are charged with assault and battery. Both charges are typically misdemeanors in Illinois unless there were aggravated circumstances, such as the use of a deadly weapon, or inflicting serious harm that result in life threatening injuries. Cases we have handled include:
- Assault
- Simple battery
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer
- Assault and/or battery in a public place
- Aggravated assault or battery with a weapon
- Domestic violence
Types Of Assault
There are two types of assault: simple assault and aggravated assault. Simple assault is a Class C misdemeanor, and does not involve a weapon or an additional crime, such as robbery. A simple assault conviction can lead to up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. Aggravated assault, a Class A misdemeanor, is more serious. A typical aggravated assault occurs when an individual threatens another person with a deadly weapon, but can also include assaulting a state worker or teacher on state grounds, assaulting a physically handicapped person, or assaulting an individual over the age of 60. More serious aggravated assaults, such as an assault that involves the discharge of a firearm, can be charged as a Class 4 felony, which can result in up to 3 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Illinois Assault Defenses
Assault and battery charges can be very broad. Furthermore, as a Bloomington assault attorney might explain to you, there are various defenses that can be used. For instance, if you were defending yourself or another person, you may not be guilty. Many assault charges are the result of someone who misunderstands the situation, or is emotionally charged. Likewise, a number of battery charges are the result of fights. It is not uncommon for police to accept the version of events told by the victim and their friends without investigating the situation in further detail.
A knowledgeable attorney can sift through the facts and details of your case in order to achieve a positive result in court. One way to attack an assault charge is to prove that the alleged victim’s fear of impending violence was unreasonable. Another way to fight an assault charge is to show that the individual was acting in self-defense. An attorney with an understanding of the ins and outs of the local court system can find the best route to take throughout your proceedings. At Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, we offer free initial consultations in order to hear your side of the story and develop a strong defense.
Talk with Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols About Your Assault or Battery Charges
By choosing a Bloomington assault attorney from our firm, you can feel confident in knowing we will review all the available evidence and interview any witnesses to better understand what happened. We will be ready to defend you in court and prepare your case for trial if need be. If you would like to learn more about our services or how we may be able to help you, please call a Bloomington assault attorney from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols.
