Blog Home Sex Crimes in Illinois: Anyone Can Be Prosecuted
Sooner or later, those who commit sex crimes will have to answer for them, especially those who commit sex crimes more than once. No matter how much money a person has or how famous they are, the law is the law.
A Chicago case centering around a famous singer shows how much this is true. He is being prosecuted in both New York and Illinois for sex crimes including sexual exploitation of children, forced labor, child pornography, and kidnapping. It is alleged he used his position as a famous entertainer to lure young girls into his inner circle, where they were groomed for abuse.
Sex crimes are very serious no matter who you are. Here’s what you need to know about sex crimes in Illinois including what constitutes a sex crime and what penalties can be faced if convicted.
What Constitutes a Sex Crime In Illinois?
There are certain crimes in the state of Illinois considered sex crimes. They include but are not limited to:
- Criminal Sexual Assault
- Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child
- Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault
- Prostitution
- Sexual Battery
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Pandering
- Criminal Sexual Abuse
- Internet Sexual Solicitation
Penalties for Illinois Sex Crimes
If convicted of a sex crime in Illinois, the penalty depends upon the crime for which you were convicted. For example, criminal sexual assault is a Class 1 felony. It can send someone to prison for up to 30 years and require them to pay fines for as much as $25,000. If you are convicted for it and have previously been convicted, you can go to prison for life.
Aggravated criminal sexual assault can send someone to prison for as many as 60 years, while sexual abuse can put you in prison for only six years. The age of the victims and their status, i.e. if they’re over age 60 or disabled, influences how a person is charged and ultimately what penalties they may face. You also may need to register in the state as a sex offender.
Registration as a Sex Offender
If you are found guilty of a sex crime and ordered to register as a sex offender after you’ve served the prison sentence, you must register for a set amount of time – that time depends on the crime for which you were convicted.
To register as a sex offender in Illinois, you must provide personal information such as your birthdate, address, and physical description to local law enforcement. You also must pay any fees that are required by the registration process. Your information is then placed into a system that is available to the public.
Being a sex offender limits where you can live and work. For example, you may not live near or work at a school or even a park. It’s definitely a penalty associated with sex crimes that can change your life forever.
It’s vital that, if you are accused of a sex crime, you not only understand the charges against you but also mount a robust defense in court. This will ensure your rights are upheld.
While many people view sex crimes as some of the worst, and they assume people are guilty from the outset, it’s important to remember: everyone in this country is innocent until proven guilty. You have the right to fight back against these types of charges, because if you are convicted, it will alter the court of your life forever.
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.
