Sex crimes involving children are among the most serious offenses you can be charged with in Illinois. Just being accused of one of these crimes creates a stigma against you in your community. If convicted, you face a long prison sentence, financially devastating fines, and possible lifetime sex offender registration.
If you have been charged with a sex crime involving children in Chicago or DuPage County, you need a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who is fiercely dedicated to your defense. At Dolci & Weiland, our attorneys have over 45 years combined experience, so you can rest assured that they will create a customized strategic defense for your case, fighting for the best possible outcome for you.
Major Sex Crimes Involving Children
Major sex crimes involving children are offenses related to rape, although Illinois law does not use that term. These are serious crimes that carry long prison sentences and fines up to $25,000 if you are convicted.
Criminal Sexual Assault
Criminal Sexual Assault involving children is when sexual penetration occurs and at least one of the following:
- Threat or use of force
- The victim is unable to understand the act or unable to give consent
- The victim is under 18 years of age and the alleged offender is a family member
- The victim is between 13 and 18 years of age and the alleged offender is at least 17 years of age and holds a position of trust.
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault involving children is when the alleged offender commits Criminal Sexual Assault with one of the following aggravating factors:
- Using a dangerous weapon
- Causing bodily harm
- Threatening or endangering the life of the victim or another person
- Committing any other felony
- The victim has a physical disability
- The alleged offender gives the victim a controlled substance without the victim's consent
- The alleged offender discharges a firearm during the offense
- The alleged offender discharges a firearm during the offense and caused great bodily harm, permanent injury, or death to a person.
- The alleged offender is under 17 years of age and the victim is between ages nine and 13.
- The victim is under 9 years of age.
Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child
Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child occurs when a person over 17 years of age commits any act of sexual contact, no matter how slight, for the purpose of sexual gratification and the victim is under 13 years of age.
Criminal Sexual Abuse
Criminal Sexual Abuse involving children is any sexual contact with a child between ages 9 and 17 when the offender is under age 17, or if the victim is between ages 13 and 17 and the alleged offender is less than five years older than the victim.
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse involving children occurs when one or more of the following aggravating factors exist during an act of sexual contact with a minor:
- Use of a dangerous weapon
- Causing bodily harm
- The victim has a physical disability
- The alleged offender gives the victim a controlled substance without the victim's consent
- The alleged offender is over 18 years of age and has sexual conduct with a victim is under age 13
- The victim is under nine years of age.
Solicitation to Meet a Child
Solicitation to Meet a Child occurs when a person over age 18 uses a computer, cell phone, or any other device arranges to meet with a person they know to be a child for any unlawful purpose. The crime becomes Indecent Solicitation of a Child occurs when someone over the age of 17 solicits someone they know to be a child to commit aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Vulnerable Victim Offenses
Illinois law considers children vulnerable victims, so these crimes carry harsh penalties if you are convicted.
Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Sexual Exploitation of a Child occurs when the alleged offender, in the presence of someone they know to be a child, engages in a sexual act, exposes sex organs, or entices a child to remove their clothes for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.
Permitting Sexual Abuse of a Child
Permitting Sexual Abuse of a Child happens when someone who is entrusted with a child's welfare has actual knowledge of and permits an act of sexual abuse on the child or allows the child to be involved in prostitution. A related offense is Failure to Report Sexual Abuse of a Child, which occurs when someone witnesses sexual abuse of someone they know to be a child by someone they know to be over age 18 and fails to report the incident to law enforcement.
Sexual Offenders and Predators in School Zones and Parks
Illinois law prohibits registered sex offenders and sexual predators from knowingly being present in school buildings (unless they are the legal parent or guardian of a child and they are at the school for a specific purpose). Registered sex offenders and sexual predators may not be within 100 feet of a school bus stop, public park building, or playground. They may also not loiter within 500 feet of a public park.
Prostitution Crimes
Chicago has crime units dedicated to fighting prostitution, and being caught with a child prostitute can severely affect your future.
Promoting Juvenile Prostitution
A person is charged with promoting juvenile prostitution if they profit from prostitution or compels someone to engage in prostitution and the victim is under 18 years of age.
Patronizing a Minor Engaged in Prostitution
A person is charged with Patronizing a Minor Engaged in Prostitution if they perform any act of fondling or touching with a person under 18 years of age engaged in prostitution.
Pornography Offenses
In the digital age, child pornography is a widespread problem, and Illinois law punishes those convicted of these crimes very harshly
Child Pornography
A person commits the offense of Child Pornography if they film anyone they should know to be a child engaged in sexual conduct or sexual penetration. You can also be charged with Child Pornography if you disseminate this material, solicit a child to participate in child pornography, or if you are responsible for a child's welfare and arrange for the child to participate in child pornography.
Child Photography by a Sex Offender
Illinois law prohibits sex offenders from operating any business where they photograph or videotape children.
Other Offenses
These sexual crimes against children do not fall into any of the above categories but are still serious offenses.
Grooming
Grooming occurs when a person knowingly uses digital technology to lure a child to commit a sexual act.
Traveling to Meet a Child
When a person travels within the state or out of state to meet a child for the purpose of sexual conduct, they can be charged with Traveling to Meet a Child.
Contact a Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a sex crime involving children in Chicago or DuPage County, you need an aggressive, experienced criminal defense attorney from Dolci & Weiland to protect your future. Fill out our online case evaluation form today or call our DuPage office at (630) 261-9098 or our downtown Chicago office at (312) 238-9007.