Sex crimes are serious offenses in Illinois – and a conviction can have a huge impact on the rest of your life. You could end up behind bars, on probation, and even barred from some types of employment; most people convicted of sex crimes in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois are required to register as sex offenders.
What Counts as a Sex Crime in Illinois?
The state of Illinois clearly defines sex crimes in 720 ILCS 5/11.
Some of the offenses described in the statute include:
- Criminal sexual abuse (720 ILCS 5/11-1.50)
- Criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20)
- Indecent solicitation of a child (720 ILCS 5/11-6)
- Pimping or pandering (720 ILCS 5/11-14.3)
- Possession of child pornography and creating or distributing child pornography (720 ILCS 5/11-20.1)
- Prostitution (720 ILCS 5/11-14)
- Solicitation of a prostitute (720 ILCS 5/11-14.1)
- Statutory rape or predatory criminal sexual assault of a child (720 ILCS 5/11-1.40)
What Should You Do if You’re Accused of a Sex Crime in Chicago?
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Chicago or any of its suburbs – whether or not the state has pressed charges against you, it may be in your best interests to get in touch with a Chicago sex crime defense lawyer as soon as possible.
The law doesn’t look favorably on people who are accused of committing sex crimes, so in many cases, it’s wise to have an attorney representing you and protecting your rights.
You have the right to have a lawyer with you when police or investigators are interviewing you, and you have the right to bring your lawyer with you to court.
The sooner you get in touch with an attorney, the sooner he can begin formulating a strategy to help you. Your lawyer will ask you several questions so he can defend you aggressively, which is extremely important in such a high-stakes case.
Write a comment: