Chicago Sexual Offense Attorney
If you would like to reach Mr. Weisberg quickly and directly, please call his cell phone 24/7 at (773) 908-9811 or Text LAWYER to 25827 for prompt call back. The consultation is free.
According to the Center for Sex Offender Management (CSOM), approximately one in ten Illinois state prisoners were convicted of sexual offenses. This represents a 7 percent increase in sexual offense convictions since 1980.
Sexual offense charges are not only serious criminal charges, but they can also be humiliating as the details of the accused individual’s personal life are exposed, debated and judged. Sexual offense convictions often result in the following penalties:
- lengthy prison time or jail time
- community supervision, including sex offender registration
- special education classes
- permanent marks on his/her criminal record
If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense / sex crimes in Chicago or the suburbs, it’s essential that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to handle these specific types of cases. Andrew M. Weisberg is a discreet and professional lawyer with extensive experience in Chicago criminal cases, including an array of sexual offense charges. Mr. Weisberg understands these cases as both a former prosecutor and high level criminal defense attorney.
Types of Sexual Offense Charges
Charges for sexual crimes may include:
Criminal Sexual Abuse (720 ILCS 5/11-1.50 or 720 ILCS 5/12-15) is the least serious charge or offense of the common sex crimes in Illinois. The most common charge of criminal sexual abuse is where an individual aged 17 or older has sexual relations with a person under the age of 17 and yet the two individuals are less than 5 years apart in age. An example would be a 20 year old man having sexual relations with a 16 year old girl. This is example would subject the person to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days of jail time. They would also have to register as a sex offender for 10 years. Other versions of this offense are Class 4 felonies, punishable by 1-3 years prison time in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (720 ILCS 5/11-1.60 or 720 ILCS 5/12-16) is a much more serious charge or offense than criminal sexual abuse. The most common form of this charge involves a suspect who has sexual relations with a person under 17 and the suspect is more than 5 years older than the child victim. In this case, the offense is a Class 2 felony, punishable by 3-7 years prison time and lifetime sex offender registration.
Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20 or 720 ILCS 5/12-13) is a more serious charge or offense because it involves the use or threat of force against the victim. In Illinois, this is the legal term for what most people would call a “rape charge”. The usual criminal sexual assault is a non-probationable Class 1 felony punishable from 4-15 years of prison time per count. This means for example if an individual is convicted of 3 counts, they actually face 12-45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Aggravated criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 or 720 ILCS 5/12-14) is an extremely serious charge or offense. This crime occurs where a person commits criminal sexual assault and either causes injury to the victim or uses a weapon. This is a Class X felony punishable by from 6-30 years prison time in the Illinois Department of Corrections per count. The maximum sentence for this particular offense is 120 years in prison where the person is convicted of 4 or more counts.
Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (720 ILCS 5/11-1.40 or 720 ILCS 5/12-14.1) is a very serious charge or offense involving a child victim. The most common charge for predatory criminal sexual assault involves an adult having sexual relations with a child under the age of 13. This is a Class X felony, punishable from 6-30 years prison time per count. This charge can also result in a 120 year prison sentence where the suspect is convicted of 4 or more counts.
In some cases, mooning, streaking, public indecency, indecent exposure and public urination may also elicit sexual offense charges. For repeat offenders, the term sexual predator may be used. In most cases, convicted sexual offenders will have to register with the Illinois police, informing the authorities of where they are living. Currently, the Illinois State Police (ISP) has a free, easy-to-use online sex offender search tool that allows anyone to see where convicts are living, as well as the specific charges they have been convicted of.
Beating Sex Offense Charges
For the best possible outcomes to sexual offense charges, Chicago sex crimes defense attorney Andrew Weisberg evaluates every shred of evidence in the case. He provides his clients aggressive, professional representation from start to finish, and is not afraid to go to trial on your behalf.
When arrested for and facing serious criminal charges such as sex offenses or sex crimes, it is critical to find a great criminal defense lawyer who is at the top of his profession. Finding an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best thing you can do to protect your reputation and avoid jail time or prison time. Mr. Weisberg handles all felony and misdemeanor charges in all Cook County courthouses including Chicago (and all branch courts), Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood (Maybrook), Bridgeview and Markham.
For more information or to schedule a private case evaluation with Mr. Weisberg, contact our offices today.
If you would like to reach Mr. Weisberg quickly and directly, please call his cell phone 24/7 at (773) 908-9811 or Text LAWYER to 25827 for prompt call back. The consultation is free.
