Sex offenses are among the most serious in our society because of the social ramifications involved. All convicted sex offenders must register online with a statewide sex offender database maintained by the Illinois State Police. The public can access this database. Landing on it could restrict where you live and work.

Even the allegation of a sex offense could prove extremely damaging to your reputation and career. If you face sex offense charges, hire a criminal defense lawyer with the experience and ability necessary to competently protect you. At Kent Law, L.L.C., our goal is to protect your future as well as your reputation by immediately launching a strong defense strategy. We practice in the criminal courts of DuPage County, Kane County, and Cook County.

Charges that you may face include:

• Sexual abuse
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Prostitution
• Pimping
• Child pornography
• Solicitation
• Child molestation
• Statutory rape
• Internet sex crimes
• Public indecency

Our defense attorneys know how to handle all types of sex-related cases—and we understand the specific elements of each offense, so we can best defend against the prosecutor’s allegations. Let us get started building an aggressive and effective defense for you—call our office today at (630) 474-8000 to discuss your case.

Sex offenses can vary widely and can include acts ranging from exposing oneself in a public area to violent rape. Each offense has specific penalties associated with it and our attorneys work to lessen the penalties in your case. The penalties you face will depend on many factors, including the nature of your charge, whether your record contains any prior convictions, and whether there any aggravating factors were present, such as the age of a victim or harm caused to a victim.

Different levels of charges come with different minimum and maximum penalties, as follows:

• Class C misdemeanor – Maximum 30 days in jail and maxiumum fines of $1,500
• Class B misdemeanor – Maximum 180 days in jail and maxiumum fines of $1,500
• Class A misdemeanor – Maximum one year in jail and maxiumum fines of $2,500
• Class 4 felony – One to three years in prison and maxiumum fines of $25,000
• Class 3 felony – Two to five years in prison and maxiumum fines of $25,000
• Class 2 felony – Three to seven years in prison and maxiumum fines of $25,000
• Class 1 felony – Four to 15 years in prison and maxiumum fines of $25,000
• Class X felony – Six to 30 years in prison and maxiumum fines of $25,000

For example, public indecency is generally a Class A misdemeanor, so you could face as long as one year behind bars. On the other hand, aggravated sexual assault is a Class X felony, which could mean decades of imprisonment.

In addition, aggravating factors may extend some prison terms for felony offenses. The possible extended term for a Class X felony is 30 to 60 years in prison. The extended term for a Class 4 felony is three to six years. A skilled defense attorney will identify whether the prosecutor alleges any aggravating factors and fight against extended term sentences whenever possible.

 

Sex Offenses

For some sex offenses—but not those classified as Class X felonies—your attorney may negotiate with prosecutors so that you can avoid jail time altogether, and instead receive a period of probation. A second offense can make probation much more difficult to get, so always hire a lawyer to avoid even a first conviction. Probation can still place many restrictions on your life, so make sure you fully discuss any plea agreement with your attorney before you agree to it.

The penalties for most sex offenses go well beyond prison sentences and fines. One such penalty is the requirement to register with the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry under the Sex Offender Registration Act. Many offenders are required to register each year for at least ten years. Any violation of probation conditions can cause the ten-year period to start over. Sexual predators must register every 90 days for the rest of their lives.

Anyone can search the Illinois sex offender registry. Many people do so when they meet someone new for a potential relationship, move into a new neighborhood, or are considering hiring someone for a new job. Your presence on the registry can destroy your personal and professional relationships, reputation, and opportunities.

Sex Offender Restrictions

The law also provides other restrictions for convicted sex offenders in Illinois, which include:

• Not being in a public park or any park buildings
• Not being within 500 feet of a school unless the offender is a parent of a student and is on school property for an approved reason
• Not using social media
• Reporting to the local police within three days if you move into a home with a minor who is not your child

All of these can create challenges in your life. Many convicted sex offenders also face custody battles, as the child’s other parent will often try to terminate the offender’s custody rights. These are only some of the many lasting consequences of sex crime convictions.

Furthermore, some sex crimes, including child pornography, are prosecuted at the federal level. Martin & Kent, L.L.C., knows how to handle those cases, too.

DEFENDING YOUR RIGHTS

The good news is that an arrest and charge for a sex crime do not automatically lead to a conviction and the above penalties. Instead, all defendants have the right to defend against their charges.

Many sex-related cases are based on the alleged victim’s statements and “he-said, she-said” evidence. Some people make false allegations of sexual assault.

Do not delay in seeking help from our experienced sex crimes defense attorneys. Hire the best possible defense team so you do not risk a wrongful conviction.

When appropriate, our attorneys can:

• Review all of the evidence the prosecutor has against you
• Challenge the prosecutor’s ability to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt
• Identify and present any legal defense appropriate in your case
• Conduct an investigation to obtain any exculpatory evidence
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable plea agreement, which may include a reduction in charges or probation in lieu of jail time
• Identify any violations of your constitutional rights and argue to keep any unlawful evidence out of court
• Represent you at all court hearings, depositions, and at a jury trial, if necessary in your case

The complicated criminal justice system leaves entirely too much on the line to risk not having the highest quality of defense in a sex crime case. Our attorneys at Martin & Kent, L.L.C., handle all types of criminal cases and never judge our clients for any of the allegations against them. We offer completely confidential consultations and always fight for each client’s rights.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A DEFENSE ATTORNEY?

You need an attorney who has what it takes to fight for you successfully. The legal team at Martin & Kent, L.L.C., understands how to defend our clients from the life-altering effects caused by sex crime convictions. We have handled more than 10,000 criminal cases—including thousands of felony trials—so you can feel confident that we are more than ready to protect your rights and freedom no matter how serious the charges you face.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH MARTIN & KENT, L.L.C., TODAY!

As former prosecutors and aggressive DuPage County criminal defense attorneys with more than four decades of legal experience, our criminal lawyers have the muscle and experience you want on your side when you face a serious charge, such as a sex crime.

Contact Scott Kent Law , L.L.C., today at (630) 474-8000 and set up a no-obligation case review with a member of our legal team. We are here to help.