People who watch TV dramas about criminal court lawyers may see stories where the case is dropped because the victim refuses to press charges. That could happen in a domestic abuse incident, for example. In reality, only the prosecuting attorney can press charges. Illinois has a policy in which domestic violence cases cannot be dropped at the accuser’s request. The defendant will likely want to hire a criminal defense attorney in Belvidere, IL.
Domestic Violence Case Management
How the prosecuting attorney manages the case depends on various factors. Important examples include how severely the victim was injured and if there were any witnesses. Since the state does not allow the case to be dropped if there is sufficient evidence of abuse, a criminal defense attorney in Belvidere, IL, works to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.
Possible Positive Outcomes
The lawyer might file a motion requesting that the charges be reduced or for a judge to dismiss the case. A common outcome is a plea agreement. The defendant admits guilt in exchange for a punishment that is more lenient than would probably be issued after a trial.
For instance, instead of incarceration, the attorneys may agree to a sentence of community service and probation. Routine drug and alcohol testing could be mandated. Anger management therapy may be required. The judge must approve this plea bargain during a court hearing before it goes into effect.
Domestic violence defendants needing a skilled attorney may learn about the Crosby Law Firm.
