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Domestic Violence

Champaign Domestic Violence Attorney Helps Clients Seek Protection

Illinois domestic violence lawyer provides determined representation

Domestic violence is a pervasive problem. Each year, there are more than 100,000 acts of domestic violence reported to law enforcement in Illinois and more than 50,000 orders of protection issued by the courts. If you have been a victim of domestic violence or you have been accused of committing an offense, you should know that there are legal protections available. At Rogers Law Office in Champaign, I draw on more than 20 years of experience to help clients on both sides of the issue. I help victims obtain protective orders and defend alleged abusers at hearings. When you retain my services, you get understanding counsel and determined representation focused on achieving a just outcome.

What is involved in a domestic violence case?

Illinois’ domestic violence statute applies to families and current or former members of a household, such as:

  • Spouses and former spouses
  • Parents, children and stepchildren
  • Persons who were in dating relationships
  • Persons who have a child in common
  • Persons with disabilities and their personal assistants

An act of domestic violence includes:

  • Physical abuse, assault and sexual assault
  • Harassment, intimidation, coercion and stalking
  • Forcing a child or another person to watch abuse
  • Denying a disabled person necessary care

When a qualifying relationship and act are present, a victim can petition the court for protection.

Obtaining orders of protection

If you have a reasonable fear for your safety or the safety of your children, you should immediately seek an order of protection. If, on the other hand, you’re involved in a divorce or child custody dispute, and your spouse is wrongly accusing you, you need to obtain representation to defend your good name.

In Illinois, there are three types of Orders of Protection:

  • Emergency order of protection — This is a temporary order a petitioner can obtain in an ex parte hearing, based only on the allegations in the petition. The order takes effect immediately and lasts 14 to 21 days. The court schedules a hearing involving both parties to determine whether to issue a plenary order.
  • Plenary order of protection — This is a permanent order a judge can issue after a hearing where both parties have the opportunity to appear and testify. A plenary order can last for as long as two years.
  • Interim order of protection — If the petitioner has been issued an emergency order of protection and has served notice to the respondent, the court may extend the temporary period with an interim order that can last up to 30 days. This order does not require a full hearing.

When the court issues an order of protection, the respondent may have to:

  • Cease all contact with the petitioner and/or petitioner’s children
  • Stay away from places the petitioner frequents
  • Move out of the residence shared with the petitioner
  • Provide support for the petitioner
  • Surrender firearms

A willful violation of an order can result in criminal charges. A violation is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a potential sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. It is fairly standard for a judge to order 24 hours in jail for a first violation and 48 hours for any additional violations. However, if the respondent has a criminal history, a violation can be a Class 4 felony.

I assist clients through every step of the filing and hearing processes for orders of protection, gathering evidence and preparing testimony to support a just result.

Contact a compassionate domestic violence attorney in Champaign, IL

Rogers Law Office in Champaign, Illinois provides determined representation in domestic violence cases. Please call 217-318-0677 or contact me online to schedule a confidential consultation.

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Office Location
  • Champaign Office
    301 North Neil Street
    Suite 400
    Champaign, Illinois 61820
    Phone: 217-531-1124