Domestic Violence

People in southwestern Illinois who have been charged with domestic violence or domestic battery can trust the Belleville law office of Lyndon P. Evanko, P.C. to provide them with a vigorous defense designed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Domestic violence includes any physical battery on a family or household member.  Threatening, harassing, or other behavior which interferes with the personal liberty of another is also considered domestic violence under Illinois law.  Illinois' domestic violence law applies to family members related by blood or marriage, spouses and ex-spouses, roommates and former roommates, people who have or say they have a child in common or a blood relationship through a child, people who are dating or used to date, and people with disabilities and their personal assistants.

An alleged victim of domestic violence may seek an order of protection, which is a civil court order placing several restrictions and requirements on the alleged abuser.  Whether or not the alleged abuser will be arrested and charged with criminal domestic battery depends upon the police and prosecuting attorney's office.  A criminal prosecution, if it occurs, is separate from the court action required to obtain an order of protection.

In most cases, a person charged with criminal domestic battery will be ordered not to contact the alleged victim for at least 72 hours.  Violating this order can lead to an additional criminal charge of violating a bail bond.  Also, violating an order of protection is a criminal offense.  Given these dangers, if you have become the subject of an order of protection, you may want to contact a criminal defense lawyer to understand your rights, whether or not you have been charged with a crime.

Domestic violence charges are sometimes alleged against a spouse in the midst of a divorce proceeding, in order to gain an advantage in the child custody determination.  Your divorce lawyer may be able to represent you in a civil hearing on an order of protection, but if you find yourself arrested and charged with criminal domestic battery, you will require the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.  Attorney Lyndon P. Evanko has 15 years experience practicing as a criminal lawyer in the courts in and around East St. Louis, including in St. Clair, Monroe, and Madison counties.  Contact Lyndon P. Evanko, P.C. today or call us at (618) 397-1997 if you have been charged with a violation of Illinois domestic violence laws.