720 ILCS 5/12-3.5 – Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence
This law makes it a crime to stop someone from calling for help after domestic violence happens.
This Illinois law says it’s illegal for a person who has committed domestic violence to stop the victim or a witness from calling 911, getting medical help, or reporting the incident to the police. Breaking this law is a Class A misdemeanor, which is a serious charge but not a felony.
(a) A person breaks this law if, after committing domestic violence, they knowingly try to stop the victim or a witness from:
- Calling 911,
- Getting medical help, or
- Reporting the domestic violence to the police.
(b) The term “domestic violence” means any form of abuse, including physical abuse, harrassment, intimidation, and restricting someone’s freedom or needs.
(c) Punishment: Breaking this law is a Class A misdemeanor, which can include jail time, fines, or both.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Southern Illinois criminal defense lawyer.
