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Domestic Battery In DuPage County – Not Guilty

Domestic Battery and Interfering with the Reporting of a Domestic Battery – Finding of Not Guilty After Trial in DuPage County

People v. RB: When you are charged with Domestic Battery in DuPage County, the stakes could not be higher. Your reputation, your freedom, your job, and even your relationship with your children may be on the line. A Domestic Battery conviction carries lifelong consequences, including a permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, restrictions on where you can live or work, and severe impacts on family law matters like custody or visitation. That is why it is absolutely essential to hire a seasoned DuPage County Domestic Battery lawyer who knows how to fight—and win—these difficult cases.

Recently, I, successfully defended a client charged with Domestic Battery and Interference with Reporting a Domestic Battery in the DuPage County courthouse. After a hard-fought trial, my client was found NOT GUILTY on all charges. This victory not only cleared his name but also preserved his clean record and future.

This case illustrates just how critical it is to have an experienced Domestic Battery attorney in DuPage County by your side. Let me walk you through what happened and why this victory matters if you or someone you love is facing similar charges.

The Charges: Domestic Battery and Interfering with Reporting a Domestic Battery

My client, who had no prior criminal record, was charged with two serious offenses:

  • Domestic Battery – a Class A Misdemeanor in Illinois that carries up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,500, mandatory counseling, probation, and a permanent criminal record that can never be sealed or expunged.
  • Interfering with the Reporting of a Domestic Battery – an additional charge that alleges a defendant attempted to prevent the alleged victim from contacting law enforcement.

Together, these charges posed devastating risks to my client’s future.

The Allegations

The incident took place one evening when my client and his wife were home with their two young children. Like many families, they had been going through some marital struggles. After putting the children to bed, they continued discussing their marriage. Both had consumed alcohol, and the conversation turned into a heated argument.

The complaining witness testified that during the argument, she insulted my client and threw her drink on him. In response, my client insulted her back and followed her downstairs intending, according to testimony, to “return the favor” by throwing his drink on her.

The wife later claimed that as she tried to shut her bedroom door, my client forced it open, causing her lip to be injured. She also alleged that he interfered with her attempts to call the police when her cell phone became wet.

At first glance, these accusations might seem damaging. However, when examined closely and challenged in court, the weaknesses in the state’s case became clear.

The Defense Strategy

From day one, my client insisted that he never intended to harm his wife. He admitted that he tried to throw the drink, just as she had done to him, but he denied striking her. Importantly, there was no credible evidence that he intended to cause injury—a crucial element of the crime of Domestic Battery.

As his DuPage County Domestic Battery defense attorney, my job was to demonstrate that the prosecution could not meet its burden of proof. In Illinois, the state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, including the defendant’s intent to cause bodily harm or make insulting or provoking contact. Without proof of intent, the charge of Domestic Battery cannot stand.

I emphasized that:

  • The alleged injury could not be tied directly to an intentional act by my client.
  • His actions, at most, demonstrated frustration—not criminal intent.
  • He fully cooperated with the police, consistently denying any intent to harm.
  • There was no credible evidence that he tried to prevent his wife from calling 911.

By carefully cross-examining the complaining witness and highlighting inconsistencies in her testimony, I was able to cast serious doubt on the state’s version of events.

The Trial Result

At trial, the prosecutor presented testimony from the complaining witness and the police officer. But when all the evidence was on the table, the prosecution had not met the legal standard required for conviction.

The judge dismissed the Interfering with the Reporting charge outright because there was simply no evidence that my client attempted to prevent his wife from contacting law enforcement.

As for the Domestic Battery charge, I argued forcefully that intent was absent. The court agreed. At the end of the trial, my client was found NOT GUILTY of both charges.

This was a complete and total victory.

Why This Victory Matters

This case is a powerful example of how Domestic Battery accusations can quickly spiral out of control—and how an experienced lawyer can make the difference between a guilty verdict and freedom. Without aggressive defense, my client could have faced jail time, a ruined reputation, and permanent damage to his personal and professional life.

Instead, he walked out of court with his record intact.

For anyone facing Domestic Battery charges in DuPage County, this case shows that these allegations are defensible. The law requires proof of intent, and when that proof is missing, a skilled defense attorney can expose the weakness in the prosecution’s case.

Experience You Can Trust

I have been defending clients in Domestic Battery cases in DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County, Lake County, and throughout the Chicago area for over 33 years. My career is built on protecting the rights of people accused of crimes, and I have earned national recognition for my work.

Some of my professional honors include:

  • Named a Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.
  • Recognized as a Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago by Expertise.
  • Awarded “10 Best Attorney for Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
  • Honored by the American Society of Legal Advocates as a Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer in Illinois (2018–2020).
  • AVVO rating of 10 out of 10 – Superb, the highest possible rating for a criminal defense lawyer.

When your future is on the line, you need a lawyer who knows the courtroom, understands the law, and knows how to win tough cases.

Facing a Domestic Battery Charge in DuPage County?

If you or someone you love has been charged with Domestic Battery or Interfering with the Reporting of a Domestic Battery in DuPage County, do not wait. These cases move quickly, and the sooner you hire an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of success.

I offer free, confidential consultations, and I personally handle every case. When you call me, you will speak directly to me—never an assistant or paralegal.

📞 Call me today at 847-807-7405 to discuss your case. Or fill out our online form for a free consultation.

Help is just a phone call away. Protect your future. Protect your rights. Let me fight for you!

Client Reviews

I got into an argument with my ex-boyfriend. One thing led to another and when he came close to me I pushed him away. He called the police and when I spoke to the police I told them that I pushed him without realizing that you don't have to hit someone to be charged with a Domestic Battery. Being...

E.A.

Had a DUI and hired a lawyer who lived in my building that I knew for years and trusted. Thought he was my friend. Paid him (more than I should have) and he handled my case for almost a year and totally screwed it up. I fired him and found out that he had given up his law license around the time I...

J.P.

I had been accused of doing something, by my then wife, that I did not do. I was 100% innocent and was at the lowest point in my life. My mother told me to call James Dimeas. Her friend recommended him to her. James fought for me in court and refused to back down, even when the prosecution offered...

C.D.

James Dimeas is a great lawyer who knows what he is doing and will guide you through every step of the process. He will go above and beyond what he needs to do to help you out. Sometimes I would text him in the evening or the weekend with a question and he would always respond. Really made me feel...

E.L.

I am so lucky to have stumbled upon this great attorney. I made a really stupid mistake at the worst time. I needed to get a case dismissed within 2 or 3 weeks so I could join the military. I could not leave for Basic Training until the case was dismissed and Jim made some calls and got the case...

J.S.

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