Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Illinois

Re: domestic battery

These can get pretty tough because the law takes domestics much more seriously than a simple battery. Did they arrest your son? How many counts was he charged with? I do not recommend that your son try to represent himself on this, as these can get really sticky, really easily. Find a good criminal lawyer in your area -- the public defender is NOT recommended for a domestic. A good criminal lawyer will have experience dealing with the State's Attorney's office and will be able to get the charges reduced or dropped. I would guess your son will end up paying about $2500 for a decent attorney -- much more than that would be a rip-off -- much less and he's taking his chances. Also, try to find out what the state-approved anger management classes are, as he will likely have to take one and it's probably better if he take it on the front end of his case. Also, tell him not to so much as look in the general direction of the ex-girlfriend, as he does not need to aggravate an already delicate situation. Good luck.