Domestic Violence

Anyone who has ever been charged with domestic violence in Cook County knows how intimidating and confusing the court system can be. You may be unsure what kind of penalties you may be facing and you may be concerned with how a conviction will affect your job and whether or not you will be served with a restraining order, which could affect how often you are able to see your children.

If you’ve been charged with domestic battery or similar domestic violence charges, do not wait a moment longer to call Fred M. Dry, attorney and counselor at law. I’ve been combating domestic violence charges in Cook County and ensuring that the truth of the situation comes out for over 40 years, and I’ll help you through each step of the criminal court proceedings. My goal is to get you the best possible outcome, and I’ll be ready to fight for your rights.

In Cook County, there are several variations of domestic violence charges that can be filed against you, depending on the circumstances. We’ll look at each one and show you what each charge means and what defendants need to know if charges are ever filed.

A domestic battery charge is commonly defined as knowingly or intentionally causing any sort of bodily harm or making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature without any legal reason or justification. This type of charge can include even minor physical contact, such as pushing or shoving, and extends to more serious altercations, such as punching.

It should also be noted that any admission of guilt, meaning you tell a police officer that you pushed, shoved, or grabbed a woman (even in self-defense) can be considered an admission of guilt to a domestic battery charge. It is important that if any officers ask you about your actions that you remain silent so as not to incriminate yourself and ask for your lawyer.

Anyone accused of, or arrested for, domestic battery should contact an attorney immediately.

There are those that have an obsession with another individual and pursue their every footstep, but stalking itself is rather difficult to define. The State of Illinois has a broad statute that covers stalking, and it doesn’t account for some of the subtleties of relationships between men and women.

Stalking can be as simple as conduct that causes another to fear for their own or another’s safety or suffer emotional distress.

According to the statute, a person who knowingly or without lawful justification follows another individual or places an individual under surveillance and any of the following conditions are present is guilty of Stalking:

Transmitting a threat of immediate or potentially future bodily harm, confinement, restraint, or sexual assault. Places said person in a reasonable state of apprehension of immediate or future bodily harm, confinement, restraint, or sexual assault. Places said person in reasonable apprehension that a family member or loved one will receive immediate or future bodily harm, confinement, restraint, or sexual assault.

Stalking is a serious felony offense and can lead to serious consequences if convicted. These charges can be loosely interpreted, and it may be difficult to prove that you were of no immediate or future threat to the person who brings about charges.

Cyber Stalking (720 ILCS 5/12-7.5) can be charged for similar activities using a computer or other electronic device.

If you’re facing a stalking charge, learn about your defense options by calling me, Fred Dry, for a consultation.

Any number of acts can be considered harassment if a person decides to file a complaint. Perhaps the most common is Telephone Harassment, which is done through the telephone but can also be done electronically. This particular form of harassment involves using a telephone, or other electronic device, to relay abusive or obscene comments or threat or harass a person. It can also involve continually calling a person so as to make his or her phone ring continually.

Harassment can also occur if one person is constantly emailing, texting, or even sending social media messages, such as tweets, to another person. Therefore, it is important that if you are communicating with someone that you always remain respectful and never make any sorts of threats.

Some people, such as an angry or vengeful ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, may use caller ID records as well as telephone bills or text messages to prove that communication has been made frequently. The best thing you can do is prove that these messages were consensual and not intended to harm or threaten anyone. For advice on these types of cases, speak with an attorney.

Facing a domestic violence charge in Cook County is no walk through Millennium Park. If you’re facing these charges, do not wait to call a skilled, aggressive attorney like Fred Dry. With my skills and expertise in this area of law, I’ll make sure your best interests are served and your rights are protected.

Contact my Northfield Office or make an appointment to meet me at my Chicago office. You’ll never regret contacting me, but you’ll certainly regret not calling me.