Get free answers to your Domestic Violence legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am involved in a legal situation where my estranged wife obtained a temporary order of protection against me last year following my domestic battery arrest involving my 16-year-old son. My wife claimed she was recording the incident on her phone but later stated in her affidavit for the order of... View More 
My son's father tells lies in court, such as claiming he is employed at Casey's when he lost his job three to four months before our last court date on August 14, 2024. Despite having primary custody, he promised not to take my son away but did. He has weekly visitation rights for four... View More
answered on Apr 4, 2025
Call the police and DCFS for child abuse. Take pictures of bruises. Get a birth to 3 evaluation to get him extra help for speaking.
When I was about 7 until about 17 yo, my mom's sisters would grope me and my female cousin. They would hug me and then pull my shirt out and look down it or pull it up and comment on whether I was wearing a bra or not. They would also feel my breasts over or under my shirt. They would feel... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
I am so sorry that you had to experience this. What you’ve described sounds like severe and ongoing abuse—both sexual and physical—that is illegal and needs to be addressed. The groping, sexual comments, and inappropriate touching you experienced from your aunts, as well as the physical abuse... View More
I am involved in a complex domestic violence situation that has resulted in an order of protection against me in Chicago. My ex, who has a history of violence, instigated a fight involving his children and their mother, who traveled from Chicago to Hammond to confront me. During the altercation,... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Given that the domestic violence incident spans two jurisdictions, Chicago and Hammond, it is advisable to have separate legal representation for each case. In Chicago, the order of protection case involves presenting evidence of your injuries, such as photos and hospital records, as well as the... View More
I want to leave the father of my child, with whom I am unmarried, and move my son back to Illinois with the support of my family. There is currently no formal custody arrangement, but I plan to set one up once we relocate. The father will likely oppose the move, and he has been aggressive towards... View More
answered on Mar 10, 2025
Find out what relocation laws are in the state you are in and what you have to comply with there, if anything, prior to moving to Illinois.
How can my friend, who owns her house, legally remove her boyfriend who refuses to leave? He is mentally and emotionally abusive, does not have a lease or any written agreement, and does not contribute financially as he is unemployed. Although she previously sought legal advice, she was informed... View More
answered on Mar 2, 2025
She should contact a women's center and see if she qualifies for an Order of Protection. They can be found under Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
I am currently charged with a domestic violence misdemeanor, and the district attorney has offered me a deferred prosecution program, which I am still considering. I have no prior charges or convictions, and the deadline to decide on this program is March 15. Will participating in this program be... View More
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answered on Feb 25, 2025
Deferred prosecution agreements for domestic violence can indeed affect your green card application, as immigration authorities may still consider it an admission of guilt even if not technically a conviction under state law. Immigration law often interprets "convictions" more broadly... View More
I am currently holding a green card and have a domestic violence misdemeanor charge, for which I am undergoing a deferred prosecution program. I have no prior convictions. Will this deferred prosecution program be considered a conviction for immigration purposes?
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answered on Feb 25, 2025
Under U.S. immigration law, deferred prosecution programs may still be considered "convictions" even when they aren't treated as such in criminal court. This is because immigration law defines conviction more broadly - it includes situations where you've admitted to facts... View More
A year ago, my dad kicked me after we had a conversation about some jokes I made that got me in trouble. I felt bad about the situation, but I'm also concerned about the physical aspect of the incident. I want to understand my legal rights regarding this situation and explore what steps I can take.
answered on Feb 25, 2025
Are you a minor? If so call the DCFS hotline and make a report. You may may a police report no matter how old you are.
However, the main answer is to keep you separated and living in separate residences if there is violence.
Is that really what you want? Many questions need to be... View More
I have a possible warrant in Indiana but I live in illinois
answered on Feb 11, 2025
An arrest Warrant can be executed in ANY state. Take care of the warrant immediately. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued. If it is something very minor, the attorney may be able to take care of it for you.... View More
My boyfriend got out on bond for domestic charges.i never pressed charges and asked if they can not instate a no contact order. They instated one anyways and I don’t want to wait a month to be able to see a judge at his next court date. States attorney never reached out or talked to me yet.
answered on Sep 9, 2024
You are not a party to the litigation and therefore you have no ability to file anything to change that process. You may talk to the State's Attorney to ask or to his lawyer to ask, as one of them would have to file a motion. Of course, you would want to know when the motion is heard so you... View More
i have a detailed case and it is best explained over a phone call
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answered on Jul 21, 2024
I understand you're dealing with complex family law issues related to child support, back pay, and custody arrangements. It's essential to address these matters carefully to ensure the best outcome for you and your family. You can start by gathering all relevant documents, including court... View More
answered on Jun 12, 2024
No idea. The sheriff of the county where he lives will serve him asap. If a legal advocate at a women's center or a lawyer helped you and you want him to be on notice sooner, you could have them call him for you and tell him. Make sure they get a phone bill to prove it to the judge. You... View More
I don’t feel comfortable with my Public Defender.
She is not returning my calls or emails & seems unprepared & unenthusiastic about my defense.
I have a trial date set for 06/11/24.
Can I hire a Lawyer before my trial date?
The landlord refused to give me my security deposit back because they say it “stays with the property”. My abusive ex has decided to stay there. I wanted to move for safety reasons. I was the one who solely placed the deposit before we moved in. That’s my money. Why couldn’t they refund my... View More
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answered on Mar 6, 2024
In situations involving domestic violence, some jurisdictions have laws that provide specific protections for victims, including matters related to housing and security deposits. If you had to move out for safety reasons due to domestic violence, there might be legal provisions that allow you to... View More
Can I not show up in court so they can drop it. He choked me and I passed out but police was called a week after from a family member because they couldn't keep that a secret. I have messages and bruises that proved it. What can I do?
answered on Mar 3, 2024
You may choose to contact the victim witness coordinator at the state's attorney's office. However, if the state chooses to subpoena you, do not evade service and do not fail to abide by the subpoena. You can end up in jail yourself.
i am a victim in a domestic violence case and i got a subpoena. i understand i have to be at court and i will but i don't want to testify because i don't feel comfortable i have social anxiety. i have never been in trouble before and i don't know my rights. what happens if i refuse to testify?
answered on Nov 29, 2023
If you refuse to testify you can be arrested and charged with obstruction of justice or some other penalties. You have been subpoenaed. Failure to appear and testify is a violation of the law. Most state's attorneys have victim witness coordinators. You should call that person at the... View More
To live with me, the father. She’s been here one week transferred schools and is settling in well, now her mom found out her husband is going to jail and will not be there an she needs a sitter for the other children so she wants to take my daughter back. My daughter wants to go back because she... View More
answered on Nov 16, 2023
Under these circumstances, it is unlikely that you would prevail in this case unless you could prove that the mother knew it was happening and chose not to intervene. There are over 15 relevant factors but this is the biggest one in this situation. The law errs on the side of stability. If the... View More
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answered on Sep 6, 2023
Yes, in Illinois, if someone initially represents themselves in a criminal case (often referred to as "pro se" representation) but later realizes they cannot effectively do so or meets the financial eligibility criteria, they can request a public defender. Public defenders are appointed... View More
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answered on Aug 17, 2023
In Illinois, iPhone pictures of bruises can potentially be used as evidence in court for cases involving domestic battery. To ensure their admissibility, the photos must be relevant, authentic, and taken around the time of the incident. It's crucial to be able to explain how and when the... View More
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