Rolling Meadows Sex Crimes Lawyer

Sexual Assault Defense Attorney with Offices in Oakbrook Terrace, Rolling Meadows, and Chicago

The Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/Art. 11) defines over 20 distinct sex crimes, ranging from misdemeanors like public indecency, adult solicitation, and prostitution to felonies such as criminal sexual assault and child pornography crimes.

Felony sex crime convictions are particularly serious in that, in addition to long prison sentences and other penalties, they may require sex offender registration and, in most cases, can never be expunged from your criminal record.

At Hartsfield Law, we understand that discovery of a person's involvement in any kind of sexual misconduct can have far-reaching consequences, including the loss of educational, career, housing, international travel, and social opportunities. We promise to handle your case with the utmost discretion. These cases can be difficult to prosecute, as non-victim witnesses are rare, and inaccurate recollections of events are not uncommon. Our skilled attorneys will diligently examine every piece of evidence, looking for inconsistencies that can be used to discredit the prosecution's case.

Sex Crimes Between Adults

The following sex crimes between adults are Class A misdemeanors under Illinois law, and a conviction does not result in a requirement of sex offender registration:

• Public indecency - Performing sexual acts or lewd exposure of the body in a public place. However, if committed near a school when children are present, this is a Class 4 felony.
• Prostitution - Offering to perform sexual acts in exchange for something of value.
• Soliciting a prostitute - Offering something of value in exchange for a sexual act, without actually engaging in a sexual act.

Examples of felony sex crimes involving an adult victim include:

• Patronizing a prostitute - Engaging in sexual conduct with a prostitute. This is a Class 4 felony, rising to Class 3 for a repeat conviction or if committed near a school.
• Promoting prostitution (pimping) - Arranging for others to meet and/or providing a meeting place for the purpose of prostitution. This is a Class 4 felony, rising to Class 3 for a repeat conviction or if committed near a school.
• Criminal sexual abuse - Committing an act of sexual conduct without penetration by use of force, threat of force, or when the victim is unable to give knowing consent. This is a Class 4 felony, rising to a Class 2 felony if the crime is aggravated (e.g., using a firearm or other dangerous weapon, drugging the victim, or attacking an elderly or physically disabled victim), and registration as a sex offender is required.
• Criminal sexual assault - Committing an act of sexual penetration by force, threat of force, or when the victim is unable to give knowing consent. This is a Class 1 felony, rising to a Class X felony for a repeat conviction or if the crime is aggravated, and registration as a sex offender is required.

Sex Crimes Involving a Minor Child

Under Illinois law, sex crimes committed against children and intellectually disabled adults rank among the most serious offenses. Effective in 2017, Illinois has no statute of limitations on felony criminal sexual assault and sexual abuse crimes against children. Hartsfield Law is prepared to defend you against charges such as:

• Child luring, grooming, or traveling to meet a child for the purpose of sexual misconduct.
• Promoting juvenile prostitution, or soliciting or patronizing a juvenile prostitute.
• Child pornography.
• Criminal sexual abuse or assault of a child (child molestation).

Turn to a Rolling Meadows Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Even if you are completely innocent, just being arrested for a sex crime can have a detrimental effect on your life and reputation. If you are not convicted, the arrest can be expunged from your criminal record, but online media reports are almost impossible to erase. Therefore, if you even suspect that you are being investigated by the police in connection with a sex crime, seek counsel from an experienced Rolling Meadows defense lawyer. Hartsfield Law will vigorously protect your rights and work to minimize the damage a sex crimes charge can cause. For a free initial consultation, call 312-345-1700. We serve clients throughout the Chicago area, with an emphasis on Cook County and DuPage County from our offices in Oakbrook Terrace, Rolling Meadows, and Chicago.