Sex crime accusations in Chicago can destroy everything you’ve worked for. Your reputation, your job, your family relationships, all hanging in the balance. Many people assume these charges automatically mean sex offender registration, but that’s not always true. Illinois law has specific requirements that don’t apply to every case.

At the Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg, our Chicago, IL sex crime defense lawyers have defended countless clients against these allegations. We know how to challenge registration requirements when possible and fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

When Illinois Law Requires Sex Offender Registration

Many assume sex offender registration is automatic, but under Illinois law (730 ILCS 150), sex offender registration is required only after conviction or adjudication for a qualifying offense. Not all cases lead to this outcome.

The Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg has defended numerous clients against sex crime charges, challenging evidence and registration requirements when possible. Early involvement of a skilled Chicago criminal defense lawyer is important to protecting your future.

Differences Between a Sex Offender and a Sexual Predator in Illinois

Illinois law separates “sex offenders” from “sexual predators” based on offense severity.

• Sex Offender: Usually requires 10 years of registration for many sexual offense convictions.
• Sexual Predator: Applies to the most serious offenses, with lifetime registration and stricter restrictions.

This distinction affects registration length and legal duties. A skilled Chicago sex crimes lawyer can assess your case and work to minimize its impact on your rights, work, and future.

Illinois Sex Crimes That Require Registration

Illinois law requires registration for numerous sex offenses, but not all sex-related charges trigger this requirement. Common offenses that typically mandate registration include:

• Child pornography offenses: Any conviction requires lifetime registration
• Criminal sexual assault: All degrees trigger registration requirements
• Aggravated criminal sexual assault: Results in lifetime registration as a sexual predator
• Criminal sexual abuse: Both regular and aggravated versions require registration
• Public indecency: Three convictions can earn registry placement
• Kidnapping or unlawful restraint: When victims are under 18 and the offense was sexually motivated
• Solicitation of sexual acts: Including certain prostitution-related charges

The specific classification of your offense determines whether you’re labeled a “sex offender” or “sexual predator”.

What It Means to Register as a Sex Offender in Illinois

Facing sex crime allegations in Illinois can be overwhelming. Understanding registration requirements is important to protect your rights and your future.

Under 730 ILCS 150, registration requires you to:

• Provide personal information to authorities.
• Update your address within 3 days of moving.
• Renew registration annually.
• Register where you live, work, or attend school.

Consequences:

• Publicly accessible online.
• Can affect jobs, housing, and relationships.

If you are facing these requirements, a skilled Chicago criminal defense attorney can handle the legal process, challenge unnecessary obligations, and safeguard your future.

Illinois Sex Offender Restrictions and Limitations

Beyond registration itself, Illinois law imposes strict restrictions on registered sex offenders:

• Stay 500 feet from schools unless permitted.
• Avoid public parks and park buildings.
• No social media while on parole, probation, or supervised release.
• Notify police within 3 days of living with children under 18 who aren’t your own.

A skilled Chicago sex crimes lawyer can help you manage these restrictions, ensure compliance, and safeguard your future.

Consequences of Failing to Register in Illinois

Failing to comply with sex offender registration laws in Illinois carries serious penalties. Key consequences include:

• First-Time Violation: Class 3 felony, 2–5 years in prison.
• Second Violation: Class 2 felony, 3–7 years in prison.
• Extended Registration: Any violation automatically adds 10 years to your registration period.
• No Excuse for Mistakes: Intentional or accidental noncompliance is penalized equally.

Each of these consequences highlights why strict compliance is essential. A skilled Chicago sex crimes attorney can help ensure you meet all requirements and avoid unnecessary penalties.

How Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight Registration Requirements

Experienced Chicago criminal defense attorneys can challenge registration requirements through various strategies:

• Charge Reduction: Reduce charges to offenses that don’t require registration.
• Motivation Arguments: Show the offense wasn’t sexually motivated to avoid registration.
• Pre-Trial Negotiations: Negotiate plea deals that prevent registration.
• Trial Defense: Defend at trial to achieve an acquittal and remove registration concerns.

A skilled Chicago sex crimes attorney can defend your rights, challenge unnecessary registration, and help safeguard your life, work, and reputation.

Talk to a Chicago Sex Crimes Attorney Today

Don’t assume registration is automatic if facing sex crime charges. Experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyers can influence whether registration is required, protecting your rights and future. Registration impacts your life far beyond criminal penalties, affecting work, housing, and relationships.

Contact a Chicago sex crimes lawyer at 773-908-9811 or contact us online for a free consultation. With proven experience defending against sex crime charges, the Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg fight to keep you off the registry whenever possible.

However, the consequences that follow a conviction of a sex crime are fairly easy to understand because they apply to every sex crime for which a person must register as a sex offender. Several legal restrictions are placed on those convicted of sex crimes in the state, and they can have a huge impact on your life even after you’ve served a prison sentence. ‘

Read on to find out what you need to know about the restrictions on convicted sex offenders in Illinois.

Sex Offender Registration in Illinois

The state of Illinois has something called the Sex Offender Registration Act. If you meet the requirements, you must register as a sex offender in the state. The requirements are:

• You were convicted of a sexual offense
• You were found not guilty of a sexual offense because of insanity
• You were not acquitted of a sexual offense

Once you get labeled as a sex offender in the state, then you will be required to spend at least ten years on the registry, though some offenses will require lifelong registration.

Convictions That Require Sex Offender Registration

In Illinois, convictions of the following crimes will require registration as a sex offender:

• Child pornography
• Criminal sexual abuse
• Aggravated criminal sexual abuse
• Criminal sexual assault
• Aggravated criminal sexual assault

How long you must register as a sex offender depends on the classification of the crime you committed. You will be deemed either a sexual offender or a sexual predator. Sexual offenders must register for a period of 10 years, but how long can vary from case to case. Sexual predators must register for the rest of their lives.

The Restrictions in Place for Sex Offenders

Once you register as a sex offender in Illinois, you will have to live your life according to certain rules for the time you are on the registry. These legal restrictions include:

Vicinity to Schools

If you are a registered sex offender in the state, you may not be within 500 feet of any school building or property. You may be granted permission by the school board or superintendent to enter the ground for academic purposes, such as a meeting with teachers if you have a child at the school.

Vicinity to a Public Park

Illinois registered sex offenders cannot be on land owned by public parks or in any building that is in a public park. Under the law, a park is defined as any forest preserve, conservation, or park by the local or state government.

Social Media Restrictions

Sex offenders cannot use social media or social networking if placed on mandatory supervised release, parole, or probation after 2010 for their sex crimes.

Where You Live

All restrictions listed so far also apply to the place of residence for sex offenders. They cannot buy real estate or live near a school or park. This makes finding a place to live even more challenging for those on the registry.

Residing with Children

If you are a registered sex offender in Illinois, you must provide advance notice to the local police within three days if you plan to move into a household with a child under 18 who is not legally your child.

You Can Be Required to Register Without Conviction

While many people assume that sex offenders are convicted felons, the truth is that under the law in Illinois, more than just convicted felons must register. Those found guilty because of insanity and those who were subject to a ruling on their case that wasn’t acquittal.

That’s why, if you’re facing sex crime charges, you must meet with an experienced attorney to find out how to best defend yourself against them.

If you are facing sex crime charges in Illinois, then consult with an attorney. They can ensure that your rights are being upheld and help you work out a defense that gives you the best chances of not being required to register as a sex offender in the state, a situation that can complicate your life.

About the Author: Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, murder, and drug crimes. His work has been recognized by Avvo, Expertise, National Trial Lawyers, and others, and he has been featured on countless news outlets for his experience and knowledge in criminal law.

When many people hear the term “sex crime,” they often think of sexual assault. But, in Illinois, sex crimes are defined by many acts beyond sexual assault – some of which may surprise you.

When someone is accused of sex crimes, it’s serious. After all, being found guilty of a sex crime can have a profound impact on the rest of a person’s life, beyond any time they may have to spend in prison. This is precisely why it pays to understand the laws surrounding sex crimes in the state.

What types of crimes qualify as sex crimes in Illinois? What are the penalties? These questions and more are answered here in this comprehensive guide to Illinois sex crimes.

Sex Crimes in Illinois

There are several crimes that qualify as sex crimes in our state. They are:

Criminal Sexual Assault

In the state of Illinois, you don’t see the prosecution charge someone with rape. According to Illinois law, what some people would call “rape” is actually criminal sexual assault.

The reason the term rape has been taken out of court proceedings: The state legislature thought that calling it criminal sexual assault would reduce the stigma that often comes attached to the crime. They hoped this would encourage more people who have been victimized to come forward.

Sexual assault takes place when, in an act of sexual penetration, one or more of the following is perpetrated:

• Force or threat is used
• The victim was unable to give appropriate consent
• The victim is under the age of 18 and is a family member of the accused
• The victim is between 13 and 18 years old and the accused is over 17 – they are either in a position of authority over or related to the victim

According to the Illinois Rape Crisis Center, statistically, the most common perpetrator in criminal sexual assault cases is a friend, acquaintance, neighbor, or coworker of the victim.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault

Aggravated criminal sexual assault occurs when sexual assault is accompanied by at least one of these factors:

• The use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of the crime
• Bodily harm is inflicted on the victim
• The victim’s life or the life of another was threatened
• Another felony was perpetrated at the same time
• The victim was over the age of 60
• The victim was considered physically handicapped
• The victim was drugged by the accused with a controlled substance
• A firearm was discharged by the defendant during the crime
• A firearm was discharged by the defendant during the crime and caused bodily harm to the victim or someone else

There are other circumstances where someone can be charged with aggravated sexual assault, as well. These factors are dependent on the age of the perpetrator when compared to the age of the victim and include:

• Sexual penetration of a victim aged eight or younger by someone age 16 or younger
• Sexual penetration of a victim ages nine to 12 where the threat of force or force was used
• Sexual penetration of a victim who, regardless of age, is severely mentally disabled

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault

A person commits predatory criminal sexual assault when they commit a crime that involves these particular elements:

• A defendant aged 17 or older sexually penetrates a victim aged 12 or younger
• A defendant aged 17 or older sexually penetrates a victim aged 12 or younger, and a firearm was involved in some capacity in the crime
• A defendant aged 17 or older sexually penetrates a victim aged 12 or younger, and they delivered a controlled substance to the victim

Criminal Sexual Abuse

Criminal sexual abuse can be either a misdemeanor or a felony in Illinois. Misdemeanor sexual abuse occurs if a person commits sexual penetration or conduct in these varied scenarios:

• The victim was between the ages of 9 and 16, and the person accused was under the age of 17
• The victim was between the ages of 13 and 16, and the person accused is 17 or older, but not more than five years older than the victim

Felony criminal sexual abuse is perpetrated when there is sexual conduct along with the threat of force or force. This occurs with a victim who is unable to understand the act and give their consent.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse in Illinois is perpetrated when criminal sexual abuse occurs along with one of these elements:

• The use of a dangerous weapon
• A victim who is 60 or older
• Bodily harm was done to the victim
• A threat was made against the victim’s life or the life of another
• Another felony was committed at the same time
• The victim was physically handicapped
• The victim was drugged by the defendant with a controlled substance

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse can also occur in circumstances where the victim is 17 or younger, and the perpetrator is a family member – as well as sexual conduct in any of these scenarios:

• The perpetrator is at least 17 with a victim who is 12 or younger
• The perpetrator is at least 17 and the victim is between 13 and 16
• The perpetrator is at least 17 and the victim is under the age of 8
• The perpetrator is at least 17 and the victim is between 9 and 16 and the threat of force was used
• The victim is someone who is mentally disabled with a defendant of any age
• The defendant is at least 17 and in a position of trust or authority over a victim between the ages of 13 and 17
• A defendant who is at least 17 years old and a minimum of five years older than a victim, who is between the ages of 13 and 17

How Are Sex Crimes Investigated?

When police investigate sex crimes in Illinois, they use several different methods depending on the circumstances. In some scenarios, they may have a victim make a report in order to establish that a sex crime took place.

This will result in an investigation where police gather evidence to make a judgment if a crime has indeed occurred. Evidence can include DNA samples or statements from potential witnesses.

If enough evidence is collected to charge someone with a crime, then an arrest is made, and the charges are officially brought against them in court.

Penalties for Sex Crimes Conviction in Illinois

Each sex crime conviction brings with it penalties specific to the crime. The following graph outlines the arrest rates based on each type of sex crime conviction between 2010 and 2019. The most frequent arrests fall consistently into the aggravated criminal sexual abuse category.

SOURCE: CHICAGO ALLIANCE AGAINST SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

Criminal Sexual Assault

This crime is a Class 1 felony. If convicted, you can spend up to 15 years incarcerated for it. It is a crime that does not allow probation, either, so, under the law, a judge cannot sentence anyone convicted of it to probation in lieu of time in prison. There is also a minimum penalty associated with this conviction: Four years in prison.

If the person convicted has a criminal history of sexual assault convictions, then it turns into a Class X felony, the most serious level of felony in Illinois. That can raise the length of the prison sentence up to 30 years or even the length of the offender’s natural life, depending on the circumstances of the conviction.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault

This type of sexual assault is considered a Class X felony. The penalty associated with that is up to 30 years incarceration, with extensions of up to a quarter of a century for aggravating factors. This is also a felony where the judge cannot give probation. Prison time is mandatory.

For anyone who is convicted two or more times for this crime, it can lead to a sentence of the rest of their natural life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault

Another Class X felony, this type of assault can send someone to prison for up to 30 years. In the instances where a firearm is used during the offense, that can add on up to 50 years – or the rest of a defendant’s natural life in prison. A second conviction of this offense will send someone to prison for life.

Criminal Sexual Abuse

This can be either a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 4 felony, as was noted above. If it’s a misdemeanor charge, those convicted can end up in jail. The court may require a person to register as a sex offender.

Class 4 felonies can be eligible for probation, but that is entirely up to the judge in the case. Anyone convicted of a Class 4 felony can spend up to three years in prison.

For anyone with two or more convictions of this crime on their record, a Class 2 felony can be charged. That can send a person to prison for up to seven years, but it is also probational.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse

This crime can also be a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 2 felony. If convicted of a felony, a person can spend up to seven years behind bars.

Registration as a Sex Offender

Anyone convicted of these sex crimes will have to register in the state of Illinois as a sex offender. How long a person must register depends on the crime of which they are convicted.

Anyone who is deemed a sexual predator will have to register for life, but, in other cases, the severity of the crime committed will help to determine how long a person must register. Sex offenders in Illinois must register for at least 10 years.

When someone registers as a sex offender, they must provide information to local law enforcement as soon as three days after they’ve been sentenced. They must renew their registration at least once per year. If any of their information changes, such as their address, they must update it.

They must also provide personal details such as name, date of birth, social media account names, and physical characteristics. These details are uploaded into a system that is available to the public. It will also show up on background checks.

Those who are on the sex offender registry also must abide by certain rules. If they travel out of town, they must inform the local law enforcement of where they are going. If they move to another state, they will have to register under the laws of the new state, and they must follow those rules. If they fail to do this, then they can be charged with an additional Class 3 felony that can send them to jail or require them to pay fines – or both.

They also are restricted from being in certain places as registered sex offenders. For example, they are not allowed to go within 500 feet of a school. They also cannot be within 500 feet of a park, daycare facility, or another public place where children under the age of 17 may be present. They cannot live within 500 feet of any of these places, either.

Can Your Name Be Removed from the Sexual Offender Registry?

A person’s name can only be removed from the sexual offender registry when their required period of registration comes to an end. When it does, you can petition the court to have your name removed. However, it’s not possible to have your records sealed or expunged when you have a sex crime conviction.

Defenses to Sex Crimes

No matter what you are accused of, you have the right to defend yourself in court with the presumption of innocence on your side. Every case is different, but, in general, there are some solid ways to defend against sex crime charges. Your experienced attorney will be able to help guide you once they know the facts of your case.

Some common defense strategies include:

Innocence

This is one of the most basic defenses out there, but if you are not guilty of the crime you are being accused of, you need to make a case for that. If you were, for example, at a different location when the crime took place or with someone else who can corroborate your story, then that is evidence that should be presented to the court to prove your innocence.

Consent

If there are sex acts that took place when the accused believed they had consent from the victim, then that should be brought up in court, as well. If there is some type of evidence that can be produced to show this, then make sure to let your attorney know.

Sex crimes are serious crimes to be accused of and can impact the rest of your life. If you’re facing sex crimes charges, then meet with an attorney as soon as you can.

About the Author: Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, murder, and drug crimes. His work has been recognized by Avvo, Expertise, National Trial Lawyers, and others, and he has been featured on countless news outlets for his experience and knowledge in criminal law.

Sex crimes, unfortunately, happen quite often. And maybe more often in Illinois than other places.

A study from SafeHome.org found that the state of Illinois has the fifth-highest number of people listed on their sex offender registry in the United States. That means that the state has more registered sex offenders than 45 other states out there.

This begs a salient question: what does it mean to be an Illinois sex offender? What types of crimes can put you on the state sex offender registry and how does being on that registry impact your rights? Read on to find out.

What Crimes Can Put You on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry?

Any crime that is sexually violent or exploits minors sexually can land you on the sex offender registry in Illinois. This includes crimes such as:

• Solicitation of a minor
• Sexual assault
• Possession of child pornography
• Kidnapping
• Indecent exposure
• Abuse of a minor

This is not a comprehensive list, but it can give you an idea of the types of crimes that can result in being added to the registry – which will have a huge impact on your life.

The Impact of Being on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry

In Illinois, you are required to register as a sex offender if you are:

• Convicted of a charged sexual offense
• Found not guilty by reason of insanity to the sexual offense
• Subject to a finding that doesn’t result in an acquittal for the sexual offense

How long you must register as a sex offender depends on how the law classifies the charges that resulted in your requirement to register.

The two classifications most often used in Illinois are:

Sexual Predator

A sexual predator classification is one that will require sex offender registration for life.

Sexual Offender

A sexual offender classification is one that will require you to register as a sex offender in Illinois for at least 10 years. However, the actual time period during which you must register can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding your case.

The Legal Restrictions

Registering as a sex offender can limit your life in many ways, including the stigma faced in your community.

The legal restrictions experienced by Illinois sex offenders include:

Where You Can Work, Live, and Visit

You will not be allowed to visit, work, or live within 500 feet of any school building or property. You also cannot be within the boundaries of a public park or any building in that public park.

For schools, some exceptions may be granted, but only by the school board or superintendent if you have a child enrolled in the school. You can only be present at school for the academic purposes of the child.

Social Media Restrictions

Under Illinois law, any person who commits or is convicted of a sexual offense after 2010 cannot use online networking sites or social media sites while they are on mandatory supervised release, probation, or parole.

Advanced Notice If Living with Children

As a registered sex offender in Illinois, you cannot legally live in a household with a child. In some situations, you will have to provide advanced notice if you’re moving into a residence with a person who is younger than age 18 if they’re not legally your child. The local police department must be notified of this at least three days before you move in.

About the Author: Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, murder, and drug crimes. His work has been recognized by Avvo, Expertise, National Trial Lawyers, and others, and he has been featured on countless news outlets for his experience and knowledge in criminal law.

If you are facing a sex crime charge or worried that an accusation might be coming, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably whether or not you could have to register as a sex offender in Illinois.

As consequences go, being on the sex offender registry is one of the worst ongoing hardships someone can be saddled with, as it has been shown to harm job prospects, limit living opportunities, stand in the way of loans, and more.

To give you an idea of what you may be up against, in this post we’re going to list the sex crimes that require registration in Illinois, then explain what you need to know about how the sex offender registry works and how you can fight your charges.

Illinois Sex Crimes Requiring Registration

A conviction for any of the following crimes will require you to register as a sex offender in Illinois:

• Criminal sexual assault
• Aggravated criminal sexual assault
• Predatory criminal sexual assault on a minor
• Criminal sexual abuse
• Aggravated criminal sexual abuse
• Ritualized abuse of a minor
• Forcible detention of a minor
• Permitting sexual abuse of a minor
• Child pornography
• Aggravated child pornography
• Indecent solicitation of a minor
• Sexual exploitation of a minor
• Soliciting, patronizing, or keeping a place of juvenile prostitution
• Juvenile pimping
• Pimping, pandering, patronizing or soliciting a minor
• Custodial sexual misconduct
• Sexual misconduct of victim with a disability
• Indecent solicitation of an adult
• Public indecency (three or more convictions)
• Child abduction

• Kidnapping
• Aggravated kidnapping
• Unlawful restraint
• Aggravated unlawful restraint
• First degree murder (when sexually motivated)

If you are facing charges for any of these crimes, it’s imperative that you get help from a skilled Chicago criminal attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer may be able to get your charges reduced or dropped with a strong, aggressive defense, but the more time he or she has to build your case, the better.

Living as a Registered Sex Offender in Illinois

Once you are convicted for one of the crimes listed above, the courts will require you to register as a sex offender immediately.

For most sex crimes convictions, you will be required to register once per year. Illinois requires retroactive registration for any felony sex crime convictions that occurred after July 1, 2011.

You will be required to remain on the sex offender registry for 10 years. This period begins at the time of your conviction. If you are sentenced to prison, the registration period begins upon your discharge, release, or parole date.

If the court has deemed you to be sexually dangerous or sexually violent, you will need to register every 90 days for the rest of your life. A person deemed to be a sexual predator or convicted of murder is required to register annually for life.

Registrations must be made in person with Illinois law enforcement in your local jurisdiction. A first-time $100 charge will be applied along with a $100 annual registration fee.

Changes to registration information must be made within three days. Additionally, you must register any place where you reside for three days or more.

At registration, the local law enforcement agency will take your photo to be posted on the registration website. This photo is updated every time you register.

Why You Should Fight to Avoid the Illinois Sex Offender Registry

A conviction for a sex crime in Illinois can negatively affect your quality of life for years. In addition to the things mentioned above, being on the sex offender registry can affect your reputation and relationships, and you could even be prohibited from being near a park or school unless you have specific permissions.

This is no way to live, but in order to avoid it, you’ll need to beat the charges against you and prevent a conviction.

About the Author:

Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, murder, and drug crimes.

Five Illinois child sex offenders are taking a stand against the state’s confusing, vague, and highly restrictive sex offender registry.

Over the past 30 years that the Illinois sex offender registry has been in place, there have been more and more restrictions placed on registrants. Illinois law limits where a registrant can and cannot live, work, or even visit. For example, a registrant cannot loiter within 500 feet of a school, public park, or playground. When so much of our beautiful state is public parks, restrictions can get tricky.

Simply living your life becomes like walking a tightrope, and many struggle mightily to survive and even understand the laws that are in place. That, in a nutshell, is why the registrants mentioned above filed their lawsuit.

One registrant involved in the recent lawsuit says that she is not sure whether she can or cannot go to her Baptist church because the church offers programs for kids, including children’s Bible study sessions. But laws prohibit any offender from visiting places that cater to or hold events specifically for children, so would she be breaking the law if she went?

Another registrant said he was forced to move out of the state and cannot go back to Illinois and visit his daughter. He says he is filing the lawsuit because the current laws are too vague and therefore unconstitutional.

And while the lawsuit is focusing more on where an offender can and cannot go, there are also separate discussions within Illinois’ legislature about how to amend sex offender registry laws.

Sexual Predator vs. Sexual Offender: Who’s More Dangerous?

When the sex offender registry was created in 1986, it only listed repeat offenders. As time went on, the registry both became more accessible (it is available to the public on the internet) and the list of offenses, first time or habitual, that required you to register became longer and longer.

These day, most sex offenses and sexually motivated crimes will land you on the sex offender registry. Even if you are convicted of no-contact offenses like possessing child pornography or indecent exposure, you will be restricted by the rules of the sex offender registry.

The current issues that the Illinois legislature are trying to fix involve the classifications of the types of offenders and offenses that are listed on the registry.

In our state, there are several different types of sex offenders: sexual offenders, sexual predators, sexually violent persons, sexually dangerous persons, and child murderers.

“Sexual predator” is a term used only to describe sex offenders who have been sentenced to lifetime registration. It is an offense-based label, but one that often confuses the general public. Being labeled as a “sexual predator” does not mean you pose any greater risk to society. But many people are often more wary of hiring, leasing, or living around someone who is considered a “sexual predator.”

Currently, Illinois’ legislature is looking at creating a task force that will determine how to classify sex offenders by risk and how to better communicate those risks through the registry to the public.

The Future for Sex Offender Registrants

While changing some of these measures will allow sex offenders to have more freedoms after serving their punishment, enacting such changes may make Illinois lawmakers uneasy. The public, in general, does not understand the vague restrictions placed on sex offenders, and often disagrees with loosening restrictions on offenders.

Until we know the outcome of the trial or the decisions of Illinois lawmakers, restrictions against sex offenders will remain as harsh as ever. If you are afraid you may be convicted of a sexual offense in Illinois or Missouri, contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense lawyer or Missouri sex crimes lawyer today.

About the Author:

Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, Murder, and drug crimes.

Fifteen arrest warrants were issued last week for non-compliant sex offenders in Lake County.

The sex offenders, who reside in the suburbs of northern Illinois, have failed to follow the rules for registering with the police. In many cases, the offenders are wanted to failure to appear because they did not physically show up to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their required registry date. In other cases, the sex offenders are wanted for escape.

Local news sources have displayed each registrant’s picture, name, age, and the crime they committed to land them on the sex offender registry. In many cases, the offenders committed crimes against victims who were under the age of 18. News sources also display the reason for the offender’s arrest and the amount of bond they will need to get out of jail. Some offenders are wanted on a quarter-million-dollar bond for failure to appear.

Officials says the arrest warrants were issued at this time because school has let out and children will be more active around their neighborhoods and out of adult supervision. Local news has been urging citizens of Lake County to look out for the offenders and alert the police with any information they might have regarding their whereabouts.

More information about sex offenders in the Lake County area can be found on the sheriff’s office’s website. When someone becomes a registered sex offender, their name and conviction history become public knowledge that can be found with a quick internet search.

The Consequences of Failing to Register

The 15 men mentioned above face arrest and a felony conviction.

That’s right. Anyone who fails to register or is not compliant with the Illinois sex offender registry will be convicted of a Class 3 felony. He or she may face 2-5 years in jail, and aggravating factors may increase that sentence to 5-10 years.

If the person continually fails to register, he or she will be convicted of a Class 2 felony. The sentence for a Class 2 felony typically includes 3-7 years in prison, and aggravating factors may increase that sentence to 7-14 years.

This is why it is so important to register if you are required to do so. And if you miss registration, do not compound the problem by continuing to delay. Contact a knowledgeable Illinois sex crimes attorney and start communicating with law enforcement together. This is your best hope at minimizing any penalties that you might face.

When Must a Sex Offender Register with the Police?

The sex offender registry aims to know where sex offenders live at all times. They make this information public knowledge so any citizen will be aware of when they are interacting with a convicted sex offender.

Law enforcement also wants to make sure that the offender is living within 500 feet of a school, playground, or any facility that caters specifically to children. If a sex offender stays at a home, motel, or apartment for more than five days, he or she must register with the police. If the offender plans on moving, he or she must let the police know of their new residence three days before they move.

There are already severe limitations placed on sex offenders, making it close to impossible to obtain a federal loan, find a decent job, or locate an apartment to rent. Registering with the police takes precious time away from offenders who are just trying to piece their life back together – and that’s just the beginning.

Regular Check-Ins Regularly Disrupt Life

Sex offenders must periodically check in with law enforcement by physically appearing at the police or sheriff’s office. This might be required once a week, once a quarter, or once a year – it all depends on the offender’s specific situation.

Continually checking in with the police can be tiresome and stressful. This can take a lot of time out of the offender’s day, especially if he or she does not own a car or lives far from public transportation.

Thankfully, in most cases offenders only have to register once a year. But offenders who violate the rules of registry, like the ones mentioned at the beginning of this post, will have to re-register once every 90 days. Any offender who is considered “Sexually Dangerous” or “Sexually Violent” is also required to re-register once every 90 days. Failing to meet these requirements will end in an arrest warrant like the ones issued to the fifteen Lake County offenders.

Your Best Protection? Avoid Conviction to Begin With

Once you are convicted of a sex crime, you will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Your job, housing, and financial options will become limited. It is, essentially, a deep pit from which most people can never climb out.

What should you do if you have been charged with a sex crime? Work with an experienced Chicago sex crimes lawyer to create an aggressive defense and fight for your personal freedom.

About the Author: Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, Murder, and drug crimes.