New Domestic Violence
Laws in Illinois
More than one hundred thousand individuals in the State of Illinois are impacted by domestic violence every year. As a Chicago divorce attorney with nearly three decades of experience, I know the realities of this statistic all too well. I know that domestic violence is a serious crime in Illinois. I know that victims of this crime deserve the utmost protection under the law. I also know that greater protection is soon on its way.
Governor Pat Quinn recently signed several laws that aim to crack down on domestic violence. The laws will take effect on January 1, 2014. While all of these laws deserve applause and further discussion, I would like to highlight two of these laws that have the most direct impact upon Illinois divorce and family law cases.
Tougher Penalties for Repeat Offenders
One of the new laws increases the penalties for individuals who are repeat domestic violence offenders. Currently, many repeat domestic abusers are charged with a misdemeanor crime under Illinois law. This will all change come January 1st.
Under the new law, repeat domestic violence offenders could easily face a felony charge. Prison time for repeat offenders is also enhanced. Persons with four or more domestic violence convictions can face as much as 14 years behind bars.
Joliet Democratic Senator Pat McGuire sponsored this new law. He believes it “sends domestic abusers a strong message.”
Added Protection for Victims
A second law signed by Gov. Quinn provides greater protection to domestic violence victims. Under the new law, insurance companies will be able to communicate with victims, covered by their abuser’s policy, with enhanced confidentiality. In particular, insurance companies will be able to communicate with victims without having to divulge certain personal information of a victim to the abuser (e.g., a victim’s current address).
According to Gov. Quinn, “We want to make sure that their address is protected from those who might do them abuse.”
As stated above, I know that domestic violence is a serious crime. I also know that the crime, unfortunately, can appear in both Illinois divorce and family law cases. I’m sure most divorce attorneys in Chicago agree that a tougher stance against this crime is needed. The new laws signed by Gov. Quinn help provide the foundation for this stance.
Please contact me if I can answer any of your questions concerning domestic violence and the new laws for Illinois.
Michael C. Craven is a well-known divorce attorney in Chicago, CPA and a partner of the Chicago law firm, Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP. He also holds a Master of Tax Law Degree (LLM). He is highly respected among other divorce attorneys, judges and his clients. Currently, Michael is the Secretary for the North Suburban Bar Association. Michael is available to provide speaking engagements on topics related to Illinois Family Law to professionals, community or religious organizations. For more information about all of his services, contact Michael at mccraven@beermannlaw.com or at Divorce Lawyers Chicago