Domestic Violence Offenses

A resident of Cook County, Illinois, Judge Megan Goldish is a graduate of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, where she earned a Juris Doctor degree. Judge Megan Goldish serves at the Circuit Court of Cook County and oversees cases involving domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a serious problem, and it may lead to mental health issues. Domestic violence or abuse can occur in different ways, such as by emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. These offenses are typically charged as misdemeanors. It may instead be charged as a felony if there is great bodily harm caused, or a minor is involved, or if the accused has a prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic battery. Sexual assault can also lead to a felony charge.

One example of domestic violence at a felony level is when the complaining witness sustains great bodily harm. A person is charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery if the injuries caused to a family member, household member or paramour, result in the complaining witness sustaining great bodily harm or substantial injury. If a person is found guilty of Aggravated Domestic Violence, they may be sentenced anywhere from felony probation up to seven years in prison, or, if they are eligible for extended term sentencing, up to fourteen years in prison. Most domestic violence misdemeanors in Illinois, are class A misdemeanors, for which a person can face up to a year of prison or a substantial fine. If the charge is a misdemeanor domestic battery involving infliction of injury, the defendant usually will not be entitled to good-time credit, if sentenced to jail time.