What is Criminal Sexual Assault in Illinois?
In Illinois, ‘criminal sexual assault' is the legal term for rape. Criminal sexual assault takes place when an individual performs sexual penetration on another individual with force, with threat of force, or commits said sexual penetration knowing the other person lacks capacity to consent. The inability to consent includes instances where the victim is a family member under 18, or where the offender is 17 or over and holds a position of authority over a victim between 13 and 18 years old.
Penalties for Criminal Sexual Assault Conviction in Illinois
Criminal sexual assault is found under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20. A first conviction is considered a Class 1 felony and a non probation-able offense. It is punishable by 4-15 years in prison, and a convicted individual cannot be sentenced any probation. A second conviction is considered a Class X felony and punishable by 30-60 years in prison.
Convicted sex offenders in Illinois are required to register with the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, which makes their status as a convicted sex offender available to public knowledge.
The consequences of a criminal sexual assault conviction can have long-reaching, negative effects on an individual's life. The stigma attached to sex crimes can alienate a convicted individual from their community, and being a registered sex offender in Illinois comes with many limitations and restrictions.
Contact our Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers in Chicago and DuPage County, Illinois
If you or someone you know has been accused of criminal sexual assault, quality legal representation and defense can make the difference between a life-altering conviction or walking free. The attorneys at Dolci & Weiland are former felony prosecutors who have been defending those accused of committing sex crimes in Chicago and DuPage County for over 20 years. We understand how sex crimes are prosecuted in Illinois, and we know how to best defend you in a criminal sexual assault case. Contact us today at 630.261.9098 to speak to an experienced sex crimes lawyer and schedule a consultation.