Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child

Facing a homicide charge is one of the most serious legal situations anyone can encounter—and when the allegation involves the intentional homicide of an unborn child under Illinois law 720 ILCS 5/9-1.2, the stakes are even higher. If you’ve been charged with this crime in Chicago or Cook County, you need an experienced and aggressive Chicago criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights and your freedom.

At the Law Offices of Phil Haddad, we represent individuals charged with serious violent crimes across Chicago, including cases involving intentional homicide of an unborn child, first degree murder, and other homicide-related offenses. We know how to challenge complex evidence, assert strong constitutional defenses, and expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

What Is Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child in Illinois?

According to 720 ILCS 5/9-1.2, a person commits intentional homicide of an unborn child when they:

Cause the death of an unborn child without lawful justification;
Intend to kill or cause great bodily harm to either the pregnant woman or the unborn child;
Or know their actions create a strong probability of death or great bodily harm;
And know that the woman is pregnant at the time of the act.

Under Illinois law, the term “unborn child” is defined as any human being from the implantation of an embryo until birth. However, this statute does not criminalize abortions that are performed with the pregnant individual’s consent or medical procedures carried out according to accepted standards of care.

Chicago Homicide Cases Involving Pregnant Victims

Prosecutors in Cook County often pursue charges under this statute when a pregnant woman is assaulted, shot, or otherwise harmed, and the incident results in the loss of the unborn child. These charges are commonly seen in:

Domestic violence situations involving pregnant women
Shootings or armed assaults in high-crime areas of Chicago
Vehicular homicides or reckless driving incidents resulting in miscarriage

The statute allows for severe sentencing enhancements when firearms are involved:

+15 years for being armed with a firearm
+20 years for personally discharging a firearm
+25 years to life if the discharge causes death or serious injury

Defending Against Charges Under 720 ILCS 5/9-1.2 in Chicago

Defending against intentional homicide of an unborn child requires an attorney with deep knowledge of Illinois criminal law and real courtroom experience in Chicago criminal courts, including the 26th & California courthouse.

Possible defenses may include:

Lack of intent or knowledge that the individual was pregnant
Self-defense or defense of others
Mistaken identity
Violation of constitutional rights, such as unlawful search or coerced confession
Medical emergency or unintentional act

As a trusted Chicago homicide defense lawyer, Phil Haddad works with expert witnesses, medical professionals, and independent investigators to uncover the full truth and build a powerful defense for your case.

Why Choose Phil Haddad for Your Defense in Chicago?

When facing a homicide charge in Chicago, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Phil Haddad is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Chicago who has secured dozens of case dismissals and acquittals in high-stakes felony cases.

We provide aggressive legal defense throughout the Chicago metro area, including but not limited to:

Whether you are under investigation or already charged, do not speak to the police without a qualified defense attorney by your side. Every second counts when your freedom is on the line.

Contact a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney for Intentional Homicide Charges

If you are charged with intentional homicide of an unborn child in Chicago, call the Law Offices of Phil Haddad immediately at 708-833-3505 for a free initial consultation. We are available 24/7 to provide guidance and legal protection in the most critical moments of your life.