Being accused of any crime is difficult, but the public attitude towards sex crimes makes things even more challenging for those people who have been accused of committing sex crimes.
If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may encounter additional difficulties in different areas of your life because you will have to register as a sex offender. Registering as a sex offender can affect your ability to find a job, get housing, and even make it difficult to do many of the things that you are accustomed to doing in your community. Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe understands how pervasive the effects of being charged with or convicted of a sex crime can be and she works tirelessly to defend the rights and freedoms of people who have been accused of sex crimes in order to obtain the best possible result in each individual case.
TYPES OF SEX OFFENSES
In Illinois, there are several types of sex crimes, including the following:
- Criminal sexual assault – The term “rape” is not contained in the definitions of sex crimes in Illinois and individuals who perpetrate acts of penetration without consent that would, in other jurisdictions, be classified as rape may be charged with criminal sexual assault, which is a Class 1 felony for a first offense. Subsequent offenses are charged as Class X felonies; and
- Aggravated criminal sexual assault – An individual may be charged with aggravated sexual assault if he used a weapon or did one of a number of other things while committing the sexual assault. Criminal sexual assaults against specific types of victims also may be charged as aggravated criminal sexual assaults. For example, if the victim is over sixty years of age, drugged by the defendant, or mentally or physically handicapped, then the criminal sexual assault becomes an aggravated criminal sexual assault. The ages of the victim and the alleged perpetrator also factor into whether a criminal sexual assault will be charged as an aggravated criminal sexual assault.
While criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual assault are the most common sex offenses, there are other types of sex offenses as well. There is a separate felony offense called predatory criminal sexual assault, a misdemeanor offense called criminal sexual abuse, and a felony offense called aggravated criminal sexual abuse, all of which can lead to serious consequences for a person who is charged with the offense.
CONSEQUENCES OF CONVICTION
Since criminal sexual assault is a Class 1 felony, a person who is convicted of a first offense for criminal sexual assault faces between four and 15 years in prison. Probation is not available to individuals who are convicted of criminal sexual assault, so a person who is convicted will actually have to serve out his sentence in jail. If an individual is convicted of a Class X felony, such as a subsequent sexual assault or an aggravated sexual assault, he may receive a sentence of six to 30 years, an extended sentence of 30 to 60 years, or even a life sentence, depending upon the nature of the offense. Individuals who are convicted of sex offenses also must adhere to the requirements for registering as a sex offender, a stigma that will follow the person for the remainder of his life in most cases.
The Longe Law Firm: Protecting the Rights of Persons Accused of Sex Crimes
Being accused of a sex crime can be devastating, both personally and professionally. The punishments for sex offenses are harsh and many people find that life becomes more difficult after they register as a sex offender. If you have been accused of a sex offense, Criminal Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe understands your concerns. Please call our office today to arrange a consultation. Attorney Longe represents clients in the Chicago area including Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg.
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Please call our office today if you have questions about our criminal defense services or to schedule an initial appointment to discuss your case with us.