Aggravated Assault Attorney in Rockford

Facing Aggravated Assault Charges in Rockford? Start Here

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for aggravated assault in Rockford, acting quickly is essential. These charges can affect every part of your life, including your freedom, career, and relationships.

At DeRango & Cain, LLC, we know the stakes are high. Our team is committed to guiding you through every step, with support grounded in decades of criminal defense experience in Rockford. Whenever you need us, our attorneys are available 24/7 to protect your rights and start building your defense immediately.

Secure a trusted Rockford aggravated assault lawyer with over 100 years of combined experience. We provide a free, confidential case review, so you can get answers fast and move forward with confidence. Call our firm at (815) 216-5911 or fill out our secure online form.

Understanding Illinois Aggravated Assault Laws

Aggravated Assault is defined as committing a Simple Assault (conduct that places another person in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery) plus an aggravating factor.

The Core Offense: Simple Assault

Simple Assault is a Class C Misdemeanor where the defendant engages in conduct that places another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery (physical contact). No physical contact is required. The charge focuses on the victim's state of mind.

The Aggravating Factors

The charge is elevated to Aggravated Assault based on one of three circumstances:

• Based on Location: The assault occurs on or about a public way, public property, a public place of amusement, or a place of religious worship.
• Based on Victim Status: The victim is a protected person, such as a senior citizen (over 60), a person with a disability, a teacher on school grounds, a police officer, or a firefighter.
• Based on Weapon/Device Use: The offender uses a deadly weapon (or air rifle) or a device substantially similar to a firearm (other than by discharging it). Discharging a firearm or aiming a laser sight related to a firearm are separate, serious felony categories.

This means a simple verbal threat can become a felony if, for instance, it occurs in a public park while you are carrying a knife (a deadly weapon). The prosecution's decision on how to charge the case is what determines whether a Rockford aggravated assault lawyer is fighting a misdemeanor or a felony.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of an Aggravated Assault Conviction

Aggravated Assault charges carry severe criminal penalties and lasting collateral consequences.

Direct Penalties

• Class A Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 364 days in the Winnebago County Jail and a fine up to $2,500. Many Aggravated Assault charges fall into this category.
• Class 4 Felony: Punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and fines up to $25,000. This often applies to assaults involving specific weapons or correctional officers.
• Class 3 Felony: Punishable by 2 to 5 years in prison, often triggered by discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

Collateral Consequences

• Permanent Record: A conviction for either a Class A Misdemeanor or a Felony is a public record that creates a lifelong barrier.
• Firearms: A felony conviction results in the permanent loss of the right to possess firearms.
• Employment: The charge, especially if it involves a protected person or a weapon, jeopardizes employment in public service, education, or healthcare, and severely impacts background checks for private sector jobs.

What to Do Immediately After an Aggravated Assault Arrest

Every minute counts after an aggravated assault arrest. The process in Rockford typically begins at the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center, with your first appearance set soon after booking. Taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in your case. Our goal is to help you avoid mistakes and protect your rights from the very start.

Take these important steps right away if arrested or questioned by police:

• Remain silent: Wait for an attorney before providing statements. What you say can be used in court.
• Do not consent to searches: Only allow searches if police present a valid warrant.
• Contact our team as soon as possible: Our attorneys are available 24/7 and can advise you even before charges are filed.
• Avoid discussing your case: Do not discuss details of your situation with anyone except your lawyer.

We regularly help clients during overnight or emergency arrests. When you reach out early, we can act quickly to protect your rights from the first police contact.

How We Defend Aggravated Assault Charges in Rockford

No two aggravated assault cases in Rockford are the same, and each requires a personalized defense. Our defense process starts with a thorough review of all case details, police records, and evidence. We look at everything—from how the arrest was managed to the procedures police used to gather evidence. 

With our knowledge of Winnebago County courtrooms and prosecutors, we make informed decisions at every phase.

We work closely with you to develop the best strategies, such as proving self-defense, challenging the prosecution's version of events, or demonstrating a lack of intent. We act quickly to secure evidence and interview witnesses when needed. 

Our history includes successfully negotiating with local prosecutors and, when necessary, presenting strong cases in court. Because our attorneys bring decades of experience handling complex and serious violent charges, we are prepared to take on even the most difficult situations with confidence.

Why Clients in Rockford Trust Our Team for Aggravated Assault Defense

Selecting the right aggravated assault attorney in Rockford is crucial after an arrest. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team has built lasting trust with clients across Winnebago County and throughout Northern Illinois.

Several of our attorneys have been peer-selected by Leading Lawyers®, a sign of how others in the Illinois legal community respect our work. Our team includes attorneys admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, so we can defend you at both the state and federal levels. 

We are ready to take your case as far as it needs to go, including trial if that is what serves your best interests. Working together as a team, we craft strategies specific to your situation, drawing on our combined insights and backgrounds.

If Spanish is your preferred language, we are proud to offer all of our services in Spanish to give you comfort and clarity.

Contact Us Right Now And Make a Difference in Your Case

If you or a loved one are dealing with an aggravated assault charge in Rockford, connecting with a trusted aggravated assault defense lawyer is a critical first step. Our team is available 24/7 to offer a free, confidential consultation and answer your questions. We make your needs our priority from your very first call.

With 100+ years of combined criminal defense experience, respected reputations in Rockford courts, and the ability to serve you in Spanish, DeRango & Cain, LLC provides clear guidance and immediate support. We move quickly to protect your future and start building your defense right away.

Call DeRango & Cain, LLC now at (815) 216-5911 or reach out online for experienced aggravated assault defense in Rockford. Protect your future—take the first step today.