Belleville Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Sex crimes understandably have negative associations by their mere mention. When you are sentenced on sex crime charges, you can expect decades of prison time and lifetime sex offender registration as part of the penalties of conviction. Once convicted of sex crimes, every aspect of your life will be permanently altered. There will be no going back, so the action you take right now matters most.

The Conner Law Firm provides confidential and aggressive defense against sex crime charges in Belleville and St. Clair County, protecting your freedom, reputation, and future from life-altering consequences. Erin K. Conner, a former prosecutor, handles these cases with complete discretion and aggressive defense because she knows first-hand what is at stake. Don’t face these charges alone – talk to a Belleville sex crimes lawyer immediately to get started on your defense.

Sex Crime Charges and Penalties in Illinois

Illinois law has severe penalties for those convicted of sex offenses, typically involving long prison terms. If you were arrested on any of the following charges, you need a Belleville sex crimes defense attorney immediately. Already convicted? A criminal appeals attorney in Belleville can also help with many of the following charges:

Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20)

Since criminal sexual assault charges involve sexual penetration by use of force, threat, or when a victim is unable to provide consent, it is a Class 1 felony. Convictions provide a mandatory prison sentence between 4 to 15 years without the option for probation.

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (720 ILCS 5/11-1.40)

Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child is an even more serious offense, charged as a Class X felony when someone age 17 or older commits a sexual assault or has sexual contact with a victim who is under the age of 13. Prison sentences range from 6 to 60 years in this category.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.30)

When sexual assault charges are aggravated, they too become Class X felony status. Aggravated criminal sexual assault combines sexual assault with aggravating factors like using a weapon, causing bodily harm, or committing this crime while in the act of committing another felony.

Firearm Enhancements (720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 & 1.40)

When firearms are used in either predatory sexual assaults or aggravated sexual assaults, mandatory sentence enhancements are imposed on the base sentence. There are an additional 15 years for possession of a firearm, 20 additional years for discharging the firearm, and 25 more years to natural life if firing the weapon causes great bodily harm. With long prison terms for many sex crimes, a firearm enhancement makes the penalties you face even more significant.

Second or Repeat Violations

In situations where a second offense or subsequent convictions occur for criminal sexual assault, the sentence become one of mandatory natural life in prison.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (720 ILCS 5/11-1.60)

Sexual abuse that involves only sexual conduct without penetration using force, threats, or with a victim who is unable to consent is a Class 2 felony. The prison term ranges between 3 to 7 years.

It is essential to understand that these offenses all carry mandatory minimum sentences and require that convicted offenders serve the majority of their time, usually 85% to 100%. Upon release, they must abide by sex offender registration requirements in Illinois, which usually means they must be on that list for life.

Sex crimes are among the most scrutinized and judged, and for many facing these charges, the accusations are completely false. The Conner Law Firm provides confidential and aggressive defense against sex crime charges here in Belleville and throughout St. Clair County to protect your freedom, reputation, and future from these life-altering consequences.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Call (618) 277-2421 or contact the office online to schedule your initial consultation.

Sex Offender Registration

Serving time for sex crimes is only part of the punishment. Once released, the judgment will continue by having to register as a sexual predator on the sex offender registration. For anyone convicted of criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault, or child pornography, the designation of a sexual predator is like the scarlet letter that they will bear for a lifetime.

Other sex offenders must comply with a 10-year registration starting from their conviction or release. If you are required to register as a sex offender, you must register in person every year with your local law enforcement department.

Failing to register is an additional crime under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.70, which adds another felony charge to your record while extending the time you are required to be a part of this registration. When you move, you must report it within 3 days to avoid violations as well.

Registering for the sex offender list will affect your housing and where you can live as you are not permitted to be close to schools. It will also affect employment opportunities. These are among the many reasons why you should not delay getting the powerful defense you need from someone who has worked on the prosecutor’s side and knows how cases are built against offenders. Contact a Belleville sex crimes defense lawyer at The Conner Law Firm to learn more about how we can help.

Defense Strategies

Facing sex crime charges can be daunting, and the social stigma of them even before you are formally convicted can completely ruin your standing in professional and personal circles. Erin K. Conner will look for the best strategy to use in your scenario to help minimize the fallout from these accusations.

Consent Defense

The consent defense is commonly used in cases involving alleged sexual assaults for adult cases. Erin will look for proof that the victim did in fact give their consent to what took place, which would make the charges invalid.

False Allegations

One of the worst things you can be falsely accused of is a sex crime in any form, especially one that involves these actions with a minor. What many people don’t realize is that false accusations are commonly thrown around in circumstances involving custody battles, revenge, or jealousy. Erin conducts motive analysis and looks for inconsistent statements to prove you were arrested based on a web of lies.

Constitutional Challenges

No matter the crime anyone is ever accused of, there are certain constitutional rights and processes granted to every citizen. Illegal searches, failing to conduct Miranda rights accordingly, or improper interrogation are breaches in procedure that can work in your favor.

Forensic Evidence Challenges

DNA contamination of samples taken from the scene or chain of custody issues when turning over evidence are quite common. When the evidence has been compromised in some way, it cannot possibly be admissible.

Illinois Rape Shield Statute Limits

The Illinois Rape Shield is intented to protect victims of sexual assault from having their sexual past or reputation used as evidence in a trial. However, the statute does have exceptions involving prior sexual conduct that was consensual with the accused.

Additionally, any sex crimes case may benefit from expert witnesses, issues with memory and suggestibility, and other areas of forensic analysis. In short, being arrested for these kinds of crimes is something you should not ignore, though if you did not do what you are accused of, protocol wasn’t followed, or there is clear reasonable doubt, the chances for avoiding conviction become higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for criminal sexual assault in Illinois?

In Illinois, criminal sexual assault is punished as a Class 1 felony with between 4 and 15 years in prison for first-time offenders. Mandatory sex offender registration is also required, typically for life. If there are any aggravating factors present like causing bodily harm during the commission of this crime or using a weapon, charges will be upgraded to a Class X felony status, which puts offenders behind prison bars for 6 to 60 years or more. There are also enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.

How long do you have to register as a sex offender in Illinois?

For those convicted of sex crimes, registration as a sex offender must take place for 10 years. Those who are classified as sexual predators need to register for life. It is required for you to register with local law enforcement and verify your address every year in person. If you make any changes in your employment or residence, you have 3 days to report it to law enforcement or face additional consequences.

Anyone who is convicted of sex crimes who fails to register for this list can face Class 3 felony charges the first time and Class 2 felony charges for second and subsequent violations. It is possible to petition for removal from the sex offender registry, though it will depend on the case and how much time has passed. Expungement and record clearing in Belleville may be helpful as well.

Can sex crime charges be based on false allegations?

Yes, false allegations sometimes result in sex crime charges. Usually, the motive is revenge, a dispute over custody, or even a complete misunderstanding. It is important to know that since these types of crimes are incredibly serious, an accusation alone can lead to your arrest. This creates a domino effect of impacts to your reputation and the potential for job loss even if the claim is completely false.

Choosing a Belleville sex crimes defense lawyer is the only way to fight back. Erin will uncover inconsistencies in the story, present evidence that contradicts these allegations, and prove that the alleged victim is motivated to lie. There are consequences for those who make false reports that may result in criminal charges for filing a false police report, and they can also be sued for defamation in civil court.

Contact The Conner Law Firm

Whatever you do, do not speak to the police or investigators without an attorney present. Sex crimes have some of the greatest potential to completely ruin your whole life and when the charges are unwarranted, using your right to remain silent and seek legal representation is paramount.

The Conner Law Firm provides confidential and aggressive defense against sex crime charges in Belleville and St. Clair County, protecting your freedom, reputation, and future from these life-altering consequences. Call 618-277-2421 today for a confidential sex crimes defense consultation with a Belleville criminal defense attorney.