Being accused of any crime is difficult, but the public attitude towards sex crimes makes things even more challenging for those people who have been accused of committing sex crimes.
If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may encounter additional difficulties in different areas of your life because you will have to register as a sex offender. Registering as a sex offender can affect your ability to find a job, get housing, and even make it difficult to do many of the things that you are accustomed to doing in your community. Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe understands how pervasive the effects of being charged with or convicted of a sex crime can be and she works tirelessly to defend the rights and freedoms of people who have been accused of sex crimes in order to obtain the best possible result in each individual case.
TYPES OF SEX OFFENSES
In Illinois, there are several types of sex crimes, including the following:
- Criminal sexual assault – The term “rape” is not contained in the definitions of sex crimes in Illinois and individuals who perpetrate acts of penetration without consent that would, in other jurisdictions, be classified as rape may be charged with criminal sexual assault, which is a Class 1 felony for a first offense. Subsequent offenses are charged as Class X felonies; and
- Aggravated criminal sexual assault – An individual may be charged with aggravated sexual assault if he used a weapon or did one of a number of other things while committing the sexual assault. Criminal sexual assaults against specific types of victims also may be charged as aggravated criminal sexual assaults. For example, if the victim is over sixty years of age, drugged by the defendant, or mentally or physically handicapped, then the criminal sexual assault becomes an aggravated criminal sexual assault. The ages of the victim and the alleged perpetrator also factor into whether a criminal sexual assault will be charged as an aggravated criminal sexual assault.
While criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual assault are the most common sex offenses, there are other types of sex offenses as well. There is a separate felony offense called predatory criminal sexual assault, a misdemeanor offense called criminal sexual abuse, and a felony offense called aggravated criminal sexual abuse, all of which can lead to serious consequences for a person who is charged with the offense.
Contact The Chicago DUI Attorneys, or call our office today at 708-787-3412
CONSEQUENCES OF CONVICTION
Since criminal sexual assault is a Class 1 felony, a person who is convicted of a first offense for criminal sexual assault faces between four and 15 years in prison. Probation is not available to individuals who are convicted of criminal sexual assault, so a person who is convicted will actually have to serve out his sentence in jail. If an individual is convicted of a Class X felony, such as a subsequent sexual assault or an aggravated sexual assault, he may receive a sentence of six to 30 years, an extended sentence of 30 to 60 years, or even a life sentence, depending upon the nature of the offense. Individuals who are convicted of sex offenses also must adhere to the requirements for registering as a sex offender, a stigma that will follow the person for the remainder of his life in most cases.
The Longe Law Firm: Protecting the Rights of Persons Accused of Sex Crimes
Being accused of a sex crime can be devastating, both personally and professionally. The punishments for sex offenses are harsh and many people find that life becomes more difficult after they register as a sex offender. If you have been accused of a sex offense, Criminal Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe understands your concerns. Please call our office today to arrange a consultation. Attorney Longe represents clients in the Chicago area including Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg.
Chicago Sex Offenses Attorney FAQs
Q. What is criminal sexual assault under Illinois law? Consult a Chicago Sex Offenses Attorney.
A. Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20), criminal sexual assault occurs when a person commits an act of sexual penetration and uses force or threat of force, knows the victim is unable to understand the act or give knowing consent, is a family member and the victim is under 18, or holds a position of trust or authority over a victim aged 13 to under 18 who is 17 or older. It is generally a Class 1 felony with penalties of 4 to 15 years in prison, though aggravating factors can increase sentencing. The Chicago DUI Attorneys provide skilled defense in Chicago, reviewing evidence, consent issues, and procedural errors to challenge charges and protect your rights in Cook County courts.
Q. What are the penalties for aggravated criminal sexual assault in Chicago, IL?
A. Aggravated criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.30) is a Class X felony in Illinois, carrying a sentence of 6 to 30 years or more in prison, with possible life sentences in certain repeat or severe cases involving weapons, great bodily harm, or child victims. Additional consequences include mandatory sex offender registration and fines up to $25,000. A Chicago Sex Offenses Attorney from The Chicago DUI Attorneys can investigate defenses such as lack of force, false accusations, or constitutional violations to seek reduction, dismissal, or acquittal and mitigate these severe penalties.
Q. Can sex offense charges be dismissed in Chicago? Ask a Chicago Sex Offenses Lawyer.
A. Yes, many sex offense charges in Chicago are dismissed or reduced when the defense uncovers issues like insufficient evidence, inconsistent witness statements, lack of corroboration, improper police procedures, or violations of rights during investigation. Consent, alibi, or mistaken identity can create reasonable doubt. The Chicago DUI Attorneys conduct thorough investigations, including forensic review and cross-examination preparation, to aggressively pursue dismissal or favorable resolutions in Cook County sex crimes cases.
Q. What is predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in Illinois? Contact a Chicago Sex Offenses Attorney.
A. Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child (720 ILCS 5/11-1.40) involves sexual penetration with a victim under 13 years old by a person 17 or older, classified as a Class X felony with penalties from 6 to 60 years in prison, mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, and potential life sentences for repeat offenders. The Chicago Sex Offenses Attorneys at The Chicago DUI Attorneys defend clients by challenging elements like age proof, intent, or evidence reliability to fight these extremely serious allegations in Chicago courts.
Q. How does consent factor into sex offense defenses in Chicago?
A. Consent is a complete defense to many sex offense charges in Illinois if it was freely and knowingly given without force, threat, intoxication impairing judgment, or incapacity. The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that consent was absent. A Chicago Sex Offenses Lawyer from The Chicago DUI Attorneys examines communications, witness accounts, and circumstances to establish consensual activity and seek not guilty verdicts or charge reductions in Cook County.
Q. What should I do if accused or arrested for a sex offense in Chicago? Speak with a Chicago Sex Offenses Attorney immediately.
A. If accused or arrested for a sex offense in Chicago, remain silent, do not discuss the matter with police, family, or on social media, and request an attorney immediately to avoid self-incriminating statements. Do not consent to searches or interviews. The experienced team at The Chicago DUI Attorneys can secure prompt release if possible, challenge probable cause, review any protective orders, and begin building a defense strategy right away to safeguard your reputation and freedom.
Q. Will a sex offense conviction require registration as a sex offender in Illinois?
A. Yes, most sex offense convictions in Illinois, including criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and predatory offenses, require mandatory registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act, often for life or extended periods, with public disclosure, residency restrictions, and employment barriers. The Chicago DUI Attorneys pursue aggressive defenses to avoid conviction or seek classifications that minimize or eliminate registration requirements where possible.
Q. Can false accusations lead to sex crime charges in Chicago?
A. False accusations in sex offense cases unfortunately occur, often in contentious relationships, custody disputes, or other motives, leading to arrests based on uncorroborated claims. A skilled defense can expose inconsistencies through evidence like digital records, alibis, or motive analysis. The Chicago Sex Offenses Attorneys at The Chicago DUI Attorneys have experience defending against unfounded allegations in Chicago, working to secure dismissals, acquittals, or exonerations.
Q. What defenses are available for child pornography or exploitation charges in Chicago?
A. Defenses to child pornography (720 ILCS 5/11-20.1) or related exploitation charges include lack of knowledge of content, unlawful search and seizure, insufficient proof of receipt or possession, or entrapment. Technical issues with digital evidence or chain of custody can lead to suppression. A Chicago Sex Offenses Attorney from The Chicago DUI Attorneys reviews forensic reports, warrant validity, and circumstances to challenge the prosecution and aim for dismissal or reduction of these serious felony charges.
Q. What are the long-term consequences of a sex offense conviction in Chicago? Consult a Chicago Sex Offenses Attorney.
A. A sex offense conviction in Chicago can result in lengthy imprisonment, substantial fines, lifetime sex offender registration with public notification and restrictions, employment and housing barriers, loss of professional licenses, child custody impacts, immigration consequences, and lasting social stigma. Future offenses face enhanced penalties. The Chicago DUI Attorneys craft comprehensive defense strategies to prevent conviction, explore plea alternatives, or pursue appeals and relief options to lessen these profound lifelong effects.
Contact The Chicago DUI Attorneys for a confidential consultation about expungement or sealing your record in Chicago, Illinois. Call our office at 708-787-3412.
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