When someone feels threatened by another, it is a natural reaction to do anything possible to eliminate the threat. Unfortunately, in situations like these, the person who originally posed a risk sometimes claims that their would-be victim was the aggressor and initiated the attack. Someone who acted in self-defense can find it overwhelming to face charges of domestic violence for stopping themself from getting hurt by the real attacker. If this happens to you, speak with an experienced Elgin, IL criminal defense lawyer to understand your legal options.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Illinois?
According to Illinois law, any act or threat of violence – including emotional abuse, intimidation, physical harm, and harassment – committed by one member of a family or household against another is categorized as domestic violence. While spouses and parent/child relationships are often involved in these cases, violence between people who are or were dating can also be considered.