Illinois treats sex crimes harshly, in some ways even more than other offenses. Being convicted of a sex crime can lead not only to heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences but can also land someone on the sex offender registry. This can severely affect the defendant’s efforts to find employment and build a life within a community.
Understanding the different defense strategies against sex crime charges is an important step toward protecting yourself and your future. Keep in mind, however, that the best defense against sex crime allegations is to hire an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney to represent you.
What Constitutes a Sex Crime Under Illinois Law?
The defense strategies against sex crime charges can vary depending on what the charge is. Some of the sexual offenses recognized by Illinois law include:
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Criminal sexual assault: This means sexually penetrating someone else without them knowingly giving consent, also known as rape.