Sex crimes are among the most serious offenses that a person can be accused of. Convictions for these crimes come with steep penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, large fines, long periods of probation or supervision, and sex offender registration. If you are facing charges for a sexual offense in Illinois, you likely have many questions about what the future holds. One of the most common concerns involves when and how you may have to register as a sex offender if you are convicted.
Who Must Register as a Sex Offender?
In Illinois, those who are convicted of certain types of sex crimes will be required to register as sex offenders. This requirement will begin after a person completes a sentence of incarceration or parole and is discharged or released from custody. Those who are sentenced to probation will be required to register immediately after being convicted. The list of qualifying crimes includes, but is not limited to:
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Sexual exploitation of a child
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Child pornography offenses, including the possession, distribution, or production of materials depicting minors engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual conduct
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Patronizing or soliciting a prostitute who was under the age of 18
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Kidnapping or unlawful restraint of a person under the age of 18 in which the offense was sexually motivated
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Child abduction that was sexually motivated and involved luring a child into a vehicle or building
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Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child
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Child pornography offenses
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Indecent solicitation of a child
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Public indecency (registration will be required following a third or subsequent conviction)
Sex offender registration will also be required if a person is found not guilty of an applicable offense because of insanity or if a case is resolved in any way other than an acquittal. Illinois residents who have been convicted of federal offenses or charges in other states that are equivalent to applicable sex crimes in Illinois will also be required to register as sex offenders.
Most people convicted of sex crimes will be required to register as sex offenders for 10 years. However, those who are found to be sexually violent or sexually dangerous or those who are classified as sexual predators will be required to register for the rest of their lives.
Requirements That Apply to Registered Sex Offenders
Sex offenders are required to register with the local law enforcement agency in the area where they will be living. They must provide identifying information and other details, including their name, address, photograph, phone numbers, email addresses, online aliases (such as social media accounts), and information about their employers. They must notify law enforcement of changes to any of this information within three days.
As long as a person is required to remain on the sex offender registry, they must re-register once every year. People who are designated as sexually dangerous or sexually violent must re-register every 90 days. A person’s information will be publicly accessible on a website maintained by the state of Illinois, but this information will be removed after completing a 10-year registration period. Certain other restrictions will apply to registered sex offenders, including a prohibition against living within 500 feet of a school or playground or entering a school without permission from the school board or superintendent.
Contact Our Naperville Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
If you are facing charges related to sexual assault, sexual abuse, child pornography, or another sex offense, it is essential to work with a skilled and experienced attorney to determine your best options for defense. A conviction on these charges can have multiple consequences, including sex offender registration that may limit where you can live and affect your ability to find employment or pursue other opportunities. At [[title]], our DuPage County sex crimes attorney understands the nuances of Illinois law, and we can help you understand how you can defend against these charges and protect your reputation and your future. Contact us at [[phone]] to schedule a free consultation and get legal help with your defense.
Sources:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2009&ChapterID=55
https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/FAQs