Decatur, Illinois Sex Crimes Lawyer
A sex crimes allegation can turn your life upside down. Even if a charge is dismissed or you are ultimately found “not guilty” by a jury of your peers, the mere allegation of a sex crime can permanently affect your personal and professional relationships. And of course, a conviction carries severe consequences all its own, including jail time and possibly having to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life.
If you are facing allegations of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual offenses involving a minor, you must prepare yourself to mount an aggressive defense. An experienced Decatur, Illinois sex crimes lawyer can help. At Patel Law, PC, defense attorney Baku N. Patel and his team have represented hundreds of clients striving to protect their freedom in the face of serious criminal charges.
Rape and Other Sexually Based Offenses in Illinois
There is no single “rape” offense in Illinois. Criminal sexual assault is probably the most common charge associated with rape. It refers to a person committing an “act of sexual penetration” using force or threat of force. A person can also be charged with criminal sexual assault if:
- they have sex with someone they know is unable to understand the nature of the act or cannot give consent;
- they have sex with a family member under the age of 18;
- they are at least 17 years old and have sex with a person between the ages of 13 and 18 with whom they hold a “position of trust, authority, or supervision” over.
Some other sex crimes that people are commonly charged with in Illinois include:
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Criminal Sexual Abuse – This refers to engaging in an act of “sexual conduct” with a victim either against their will or in a situation where they cannot legally give consent. “Sexual conduct” itself covers knowingly touching or fondling a person’s sexual organs, anus, or breasts–or any part of the body of a child under the age of 13.
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Child Pornography – It is against the law to manufacture, distribute, or possess any images or depictions of children engaging in sexual conduct. This can include a teenager “sexting” images of themselves to a dating partner.
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Prostitution – Performing a sexual act in exchange for anything of value–not just money–is considered prostitution in Illinois. A person can also be charged with soliciting or promoting prostitution.
Contact Patel Law Today
Sex offenses run the gamut from misdemeanors to Class X felonies in Illinois. At the higher end of the spectrum, this can mean a prison sentence of 30 years for the most serious of sex crimes. But even conviction of a lesser offense may force a person to register as a sex offender long after they have completed any jail sentence. For this reason alone, it is imperative that you take a proactive stance when defending yourself against a sex crimes allegation.
Your first step should be to work with a qualified Decatur, Illinois sex crimes lawyer. Contact Patel Law, PC, today to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
