Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Hello. Yes, the person who did not start the fight could be charged with battery or a more serious crime. Self defense can be legally risky because, under Illinois law, one cannot go beyond what is necessary to reasonably defend oneself or another. I am currently representing a client who attempted to defend a relative. However, the prosecutor is charging that my client continued to fight his relative's attacker, after the relative was safe from harm. It will be necessary to convince a jury that my client had to continue fighting his relative's attacker because my client was also being attacked. I am trying to get the case dismissed. I hope my answer has been helpful to you. Will be happy to discuss this matter further and in more detail.