Domestic violence victim sentenced to probation for aggravated domestic battery

Lawanda Meeks knows all about domestic violence. She claimed and prosecutors confirmed that her former boyfriend once broke her arm; ripped earrings from her ears and on one occasion locked her in a room for three days. For those and other attacks, he spent time in prison, authorities said.

Last year, Meeks became a domestic violence offender. On Feb. 5, 2010, she poured hot cooking oil atop her boyfriend’s head and shoulders during an early morning argument at their Hanover Park home. Authorities charged her with heinous battery, which carries a sentence of six to 30 years in prison.

But Meeks will not spend any time in prison. In exchange for pleading guilty Thursday to amended charges of aggravated domestic battery, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Joel Greenblatt sentenced the 53-year-old woman to 30 months probation and 90 days in jail, with credit for time served.

“She was more a victim than he was,” said Meeks’ attorney Paul Szigetvari, who said the complaining witness admitted that on the day of the attack, he “egged on” Meeks.

Greenblatt acknowledged Meeks’ past, referring to her “tumultuous and difficult relationship” with the complaining witness and her experiences, which he called “horrific.”

“But it does not excuse your actions,” said Greenblatt, who described her behavior on Feb. 5, 2010 as “reprehensible and unconscionable.”

“Under the totality of the circumstances I do believe that the defendant is a suitable candidate for probation and I feel this disposition is fair and just,” Greenblatt said.

After reciting the facts of the case, Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Gerber informed the court that the complaining witness told prosecutors he would not testify against Meeks. The man did not attend the hearing.

The relationship lasted about eight years, said Meeks, who said during that time she sought counseling and obtained an order of protection against her former boyfriend. As a result of the abuse, Meeks said she began drinking and sank into a depression so severe she refused to leave the house.

“Now I’m taking it one day at a time,” said Meeks, who was ordered by the court to undergo drug, alcohol and mental health evaluations and comply with any recommendations.

She’s also learned a lot about domestic violence.

“If it happens one time it will happen again,” she said.

“When you’re in an abusive relationship, seek help and get out of it as quickly as possible.”