Chicago Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Felony Assault

 Posted on August 14, 2025 in Assault & Battery

A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted a man for the alleged felony assault of law enforcement officers. The alleged assaults occurred on July 17, 2025, at the St. Charles, IL, Sheriff’s Department. Two ICE officers approached the man, informing him they had a warrant for his arrest. The man, who had just been released on bond, resisted the arrest by kicking an ICE officer, head-butting another, and biting a Sheriff’s Deputy.   

Not all assault charges are the same. Simple assault may be charged as a misdemeanor, while certain circumstances can escalate a simple assault to felony assault – a much more serious crime. If you are facing felony assault charges, you must take these charges very seriously. Consulting with an experienced Wheaton, IL criminal defense attorney can ensure you receive a comprehensive defense with the best outcome possible.   

What Changes Simple Assault Charges to Felony Assault Charges in Illinois?

Simple assault involves intentionally placing another person in reasonable fear of receiving an injury, without actually causing physical harm. Simple assault is usually a misdemeanor charge. If the assault involves a deadly weapon, such as a gun, knife, or other object that could cause harm, then felony assault, also known as aggravated assault (720 ILCS 5/12-2), may be charged.

If the actions of the defendant demonstrate an intent to cause great bodily harm, then felony assault may be charged. Threatening someone with a vehicle ("I’m going to run over you.") or threatening someone with other means of inflicting serious injury ("I’m going to throw you off the cliff.") can escalate simple assault charges to felony assault charges.

Assaulting specific individuals like law enforcement officers, teachers, or healthcare workers may lead to felony assault charges. Threats made in public or on public property, or in places of worship, school grounds, or on public transportation, can potentially be charged as felony assault. Finally, wearing a disguise or concealing one’s identity during the assault can result in charges of felony assault.   

What are the Penalties for Simple Assault and Aggravated Felony Assault?

Simple assault is usually charged as a Class C misdemeanor. The penalties for a Class C misdemeanor include a jail sentence of up to 30 days and a maximum fine of $1,500. If aggravated felony assault is charged as a Class 4 felony, the penalties include one to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.

If the aggravated felony assault is charged as a Class 3 felony, the penalties include two to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. There may be extended prison terms for repeat offenders. Collateral consequences of a felony conviction include difficulty obtaining employment and housing, firearm restrictions, the loss of a professional license, an inability to get a federal student loan, and, for illegal immigrants, deportation could result.

What Are the Most Common Defenses Used for Assault Charges?

The specific defense used for an individual’s charges will depend on the circumstances surrounding the charges and the evidence available. Commonly used defenses include:

• Lack of intent to commit assault, threaten, or harm another person.
• Self-defense, or defense of others
• Unreliable witness testimony
• Mistaken identity
• Actual innocence with a solid alibi
• Illegal search or seizure
• Violations of the defendant’s Constitutional rights

Contact a DuPage County, IL Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Facing a felony assault charge means facing serious prison time and life-altering consequences. The sooner you have a Wheaton, IL aggravated assault attorney from Stephen A. Brundage by your side, the better outcome you are likely to experience. Evidence can be preserved, weak points challenged, and mitigating factors presented early, providing an opportunity to negotiate felony assault charges to misdemeanor charges.

Attorney Brundage has practiced law for over 30 years and has an extensive background in law enforcement, including experience as an investigator, instructor, evidence technician, and police officer. This experience provides key advantages to his criminal defense clients. To schedule your free consultation, call 630-260-9647.