Belleville Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Sex crimes, excepting murder, had some of the most harsh penalties and lasting consequences in criminal law. Individuals convicted of crimes of a sexual nature can expect long periods of incarceration, and extended periods of registration as a sex offender if a sentence can be completed in their lifetime. Once convicted of sex crimes, every aspect of your life will be permanently altered. There will be no going back, so the action you take right now matters most.

The Conner Law Firm provides aggressive and calculated defense against sex crime charges in St. Clair, Madison, and Monroe Counties, and throughout southern Illinois, protecting your freedom, reputation, and future from life-altering consequences. Erin K. Conner personally handles these cases with a holistic approach because she knows what is at stake. Don’t face these charges alone – talk to our Firm immediately to get started on your defense.

Sex Crime Charges and Penalties in Illinois

Illinois law has severe penalties for those convicted of sex offenses, typically involving long prison terms. If you were arrested on any of the following charges, you need a Belleville sex crimes defense attorney immediately. Already convicted? Our appellate and collateral attack practice may still be able to assist you with avoiding the lasting consequences of conviction.

Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20)

Criminal sexual assault charges involve sexual penetration by use of force, threat of use of force, when a victim is unable to provide consent, when the victim is a family member under the age of 18, or when the perpetrator is in a position of trust (i.e. a teacher, coach, etc.). While the crime is typically pursued as a Class 1 felony, prior criminal history can enhance the sentencing range from a standard Class 1, to a term of 30 to 60 years of incarceration.

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (720 ILCS 5/11-1.40)

Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child is an even more serious offense, charged as a Class X felony when someone age 17 or older commits a sexual assault or has sexual contact with a victim who is under the age of 13, or is between 13 and 17, but the perpetrator is armed with a firearm or discharges a firearm in the commission of the assault. Prison sentences, depending on the circumstances of the allegations and criminal history of the accused, can range from 6 years to natural life.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.30)

When sexual assault charges are aggravated, they too become Class X felony status. Aggravated criminal sexual assault combines sexual assault with aggravating factors like using a weapon, causing bodily harm, or committing this crime while in the act of committing another felony.

Firearm Enhancements (720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 & 1.40)

When firearms are used in either predatory sexual assaults or aggravated sexual assaults, mandatory sentence enhancements are imposed on the base sentence. While possessing a firearm in the commission of predatory criminal sexual assault may result in an additional 15 years of time at a minimum incarcerated, discharging the firearm and causing life threatening injury or disfigurement escalates the sentence to between 50 years and natural life. With long prison terms for many sex crimes, a firearm enhancement makes the penalties you face even more significant.

Second or Repeat Violations

In situations where a second offense or subsequent convictions occur for criminal sexual assault, the sentence can become one of mandatory natural life in prison.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (720 ILCS 5/11-1.60)

Sexual abuse that involves only sexual conduct without penetration using force, threats, or with a victim who is unable to consent is a Class 2 felony. The prison term ranges between 3 to 7 years.

It is essential to understand that many offenses thought of a sex crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences and require convicted offenders serve periods of incarceration without the possibility of probation, and the the majority of their time, usually 85% to 100%, served before the possibility of parole. Upon release, they must abide by sex offender registration requirements in Illinois, which frequently means they must be on that list for life.

Sex crimes are among the most scrutinized and judged, and for some facing these charges, the accusations are completely false. The Conner Law Firm provides confidential and aggressive defense against sex crime charges here St. Clair County, and throughout southern Illinois to protect your freedom, reputation, and future from these life-altering consequences.

Sex Offender Registration

Serving time for sex crimes is only part of the punishment. Once released, the judgment will continue by having to register as a sex offender or sexual predator on the list overseen by the Illinois State Police For anyone convicted of criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault, or child pornography, the designation of a sex offender is like the scarlet letter that they will in all likelihood bear for a lifetime.

Other sex offenders must comply with a 10-year registration starting from their conviction or release. If you are required to register as a sex offender, you must register in person every year with your local law enforcement department.

Failing to register is an additional crime under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.70, which adds another felony charge to your record while extending the time you are required to be a part of this registration. When you move, you must report it within 3 days to avoid violations as well.

Registering for the sex offender list will affect your housing and where you can live as you are not permitted to be close to schools, parks, and other protected areas. It will also affect employment opportunities. These are among the many reasons why you should not delay getting the powerful defense you need from someone who has worked both sides of these cases. Contact The Conner Law Firm today to learn more about how we can help.

Defense Strategies

Facing sex crime charges can be daunting, and the social stigma of them even before you are formally convicted can completely ruin your standing in professional and personal circles. Erin K. Conner will look for the best strategy to use in your scenario to help minimize the fallout from these accusations.

Consent Defense

The consent defense is commonly used in cases involving alleged sexual assaults for adult cases. Whether an instance of morning regrets for what they were a willing participant the night before, or acts in which the parties were mutually interested in an experiment that would not compute for the typical juror, we search for evidence which supports consent at the outset, and evidence which supports ongoing consent throughout the act. By taking a non-judgmental approach to what acts consenting adults choose to find their fulfillment, we can present to the prosecution or a jury the documentary evidence, as well as the culture or practices otherwise seen as taboo which are built upon initial and continuing consent.

False Allegations

One of the worst things you can be falsely accused of is a sex crime in any form, especially one that involves actions with a minor. What many people don’t realize is that false accusations are commonly thrown around in circumstances involving custody battles, revenge, jealousy, or financial exploitation. Ms. Conner conducts motive analysis and looks for inconsistent statements and malignant interests or motivations to prove you were falsely accused.

Constitutional Challenges

No matter the crime anyone is ever accused of, there are certain constitutional rights and processes granted to every citizen. Illegal searches, failing to conduct Miranda rights accordingly, or improper interrogation are breaches in procedure that can work in your favor.

Forensic Evidence Challenges

DNA contamination of samples taken from the scene or victim, chain of custody issues when turning over evidence, or the presence of the mystery second sample contributor are quite common. When the evidence has been compromised in some way, its admissibility and reliability is put in question. Certain forensic findings, where present, can be utilized to support other defenses, like misidentification, consent, or false allegations.

Illinois Rape Shield Statute Limits

The Illinois Rape Shield is intented to protect victims of sexual assault from having their sexual past or reputation used as evidence in a trial. However, the statute does have exceptions involving prior sexual conduct that was consensual with the accused.

Additionally, a sex crimes case may benefit from expert witnesses, issues with memory and suggestibility, and other areas of forensic analysis. In short, being arrested for these kinds of crimes is something you should not ignore or take lightly. You should also not resign yourself to an allegation against you foreclosing your right to an exhaustive defense. The Conner Law Firm evaluates sex crimes cases and explores every avenue to a viable defense, and has the experience and ability to present that defense on your behalf.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Call (618) 277-2421 or contact the office online to schedule your initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for criminal sexual assault in Illinois?

In Illinois, criminal sexual assault is punished as a Class 1 felony with between 4 and 15 years in prison for first-time offenders. Mandatory sex offender registration is also required, typically for life. If there are any aggravating factors present like causing bodily harm during the commission of this crime or using a weapon, charges can be upgraded to a Class X felony status, which puts offenders behind prison bars for 6 to 60 years or more. There are also enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.

How long do you have to register as a sex offender in Illinois?

For those convicted of sex crimes, registration as a sex offender must take place for at a minimum, 10 years. Those who are classified as sexual predators need to register for life. It is required for you to register with local law enforcement and verify your address every year in person. If you make any changes in your employment or residence, you have 3 days to report it to law enforcement or face additional consequences. The requirements for registration are available through the Illinois State Police, and frequently provided by the police department for the municipality in which you live.

Anyone who is convicted of sex crimes who fails to register for this list can face Class 3 felony charges the first time and Class 2 felony charges for second and subsequent violations. In some instances, it is possible to petition for removal from the sex offender registry, though it will depend on many factors, including whether the conduct took place while you were a minor, and whether the case was pursued under the Juvenile Courts Act or the Criminal Code applicable to adults.

Can sex crime charges be based on false allegations?

Yes, false allegations sometimes result in sex crime charges. Usually, the motive is revenge, a dispute over custody, or even a complete misunderstanding. It is important to know that since these types of crimes are incredibly serious, an accusation alone can lead to your arrest. This creates a domino effect, impacting your reputation, career, and virtually every other element of your life, even where the claim is completely false.

Choosing a criminal defense attorney who has built these cases from both the prosecution and defense, who has extensive trial experience in these cases, is the only way to fight back. There are consequences for those who make false reports that may result in criminal charges for filing a false police report. There are also consequences in the civil side of the law, where purported victims making false allegations can be sued for defamation in civil court. These cases are difficult to win, and quantifying damage to reputation is equally challenging.

Contact The Conner Law Firm

Whatever you do, do not speak to the police or investigators without an attorney present. Sex crimes have some of the greatest potential to completely ruin your whole life and when the charges are unwarranted, using your right to remain silent and seek legal representation is paramount. Your seemingly innocent comment to police may be the piece of information they misconstrue to charge you with a serious crime.

The Conner Law Firm provides aggressive defense against sex crime charges in St. Clair, Madison, and Monroe Counties, and throughout southern Illinois, protecting your freedom, reputation, and future from these life-altering consequences. Call 618-277-2421 today for a consultation.