Being charged with a sex crime is not only a frightening legal prospect, but it also comes with the power to ruin a person’s reputation permanently. If you currently stand accused of committing a criminal sexual act of any kind, you need to contact a seasoned Peoria sex crime lawyer from Giraudo Law, Inc. for help.
Sex Crime Lawyer | Defending Your Rights & Reputation
Here at Giraudo Law, Inc., we believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and we believe that everyone is entitled to a strong defense. By speaking with a dedicated Peoria County criminal defense lawyer, you drastically increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Fortunately, you are in the right place.
Sex Crimes in Illinois
There is a wide range of potential charges a person can face for committing an unlawful sexual act in the state of Illinois. Some of the most common sex crime charges we see are as follows:
- Criminal sexual assault: Criminal sexual assault involves sexual penetration with force, threat of force, lack of consent, or abuse of trust or authority. In Illinois, it is a Class 1 felony, which can warrant anywhere between four and 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000. Importantly, however, a second or subsequent offense, or an offense involving a previous conviction for a comparable offense, is treated as a Class X felony, which can warrant anywhere between six and 60 years in prison or natural life imprisonment.
- Aggravated criminal sexual assault: Aggravated criminal sexual assault is when a person perpetrates an act of criminal sexual assault with certain aggravating factors present, such as causing bodily harm to the victim, using a weapon while committing the act, or committing another felony in the course of the sexual assault. In the state of Illinois, aggravated criminal sexual assault is considered a Class X felony, which can warrant anywhere between six and 30 years in prison, as well as a potential $25,000 fine. That said, depending on the circumstances of your case, a court may impose an extended term of 30 to 60 years in prison.
- Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child: This is when a person who is over the age of 17 commits an act of sexual penetration with a child who is under the age of 13. This crime is considered a Class X felony, which can entail anywhere between six and 60 years in prison, as well as a potential $25,000 fine.
- Criminal sexual abuse: Criminal sexual abuse is when a person commits an act of sexual conduct with force, threat of force, lack of consent, or abuse of trust or authority, such as when a clergy member sexually abuses a child. It is considered a Class 4 felony, which can entail up to three years of incarceration and a potential $25,000 fine. A second or subsequent offense, or an offense involving a previous conviction for a similar crime, is a Class 2 felony, which can entail up to seven years of incarceration, as well as a potential $25,000 fine.
- Aggravated criminal sexual abuse: Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is when a person commits an act of criminal sexual abuse with additional aggravating factors, such as those previously mentioned. Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is considered a Class 2 felony, which can warrant up to seven years of incarceration and a potential $25,000 fine. That said, depending on the circumstances surrounding a case of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, an extended term of seven to 14 years in prison may be imposed.
Importantly, you should also note that if you are found guilty of committing any of the aforementioned crimes, you will most likely become a registered sex offender. This means that your name, address, and the offense you committed will be available to the general public, making it harder for you to get a job, secure loans, obtain housing, and overall move on with your life. For this reason, it is paramount that you do not face a sex crime accusation without a competent sex crime lawyer in your corner. Giraudo Law, Inc. is here to protect your reputation and future.
Potential Defenses
The defense our firm uses will depend largely on the circumstances of your specific case, however, some potential defenses used in sex crime cases can include:
- Consent
- Mistaken identity
- Police misconduct
- False accusations
- Mental incapacity
- Constitutional violations
- Lack of intent
- Lack of evidence
Contact a Sex Crime Lawyer Today
Don’t face your charges on your own. Giraudo Law, Inc. is here to fight for you. Contact our firm today so we can get started working on your case and fighting for the best outcome possible on your behalf. We are on your side, and we will be, every step of the way.
