Domestic Battery Conviction Leads To Bar Charges
A recent complaint filed by the Illinois Administrator alleges
On the morning of August 23, 2015, Respondent got into an argument with his then-wife, Victoria Meissner (“Meissner”). Later that same day, after cancelling their previously-made plans to go to a spa, Respondent left their apartment and returned several hours later with some food and a bottle of wine. Respondent went to the balcony with the food and wine and when Meissner later went to join him, they began another argument. A physical altercation ensued, during which Respondent struck Meissner in the face with a closed fist, causing Meissner to suffer a nasal fracture and facial lacerations. After the altercation, Respondent left the apartment and Meissner messaged two friends, who took her to a hospital.
As a result of her injuries, Meissner underwent surgery for her nasal fracture.
A trial was held
On April 25, 2019 the Honorable Lawrence Flood presided over Respondent’s bench trial in case number 16-CR-1024. Both Meissner and Respondent testified about the events of August 23, 2015. During her testimony, Meissner testified that Respondent had been abusive for approximately 18 months leading up to the date she suffered her injury and detailed several prior occasions of physical abuse, including two instances of choking and strangulation.
On May 14, 2019, Judge Flood issued his ruling in case number 16-CR-1024 and found Respondent guilty of one count of aggravated domestic battery, in violation of 720 ILCS 5/12-3.3(a). 720 ILCS 5/12-3.3(a) provided that “[a] person, in committing a domestic battery, knowingly causes great bodily harm, or permanent disability or disfigurement commits aggravated domestic battery.”
On October 18, 2019, Judge Flood entered an order sentencing Respondent to 60 days in prison (satisfied by time served on electronic monitoring and other time in custody) and 24 months of probation. Additionally, Judge Flood also ordered Respondent to complete a domestic violence program and pay fines and costs totaling $1,214.
A second count alleges that the attorney failed to report the conviction as required. (Mike Frisch)