Central Illinois Sex Crime Lawyers

Experienced Defense Against Sex Crime Charges in Illinois

Sex offenses are serious allegations that can tarnish your reputation before the legal proceedings even begin. If you have been accused of one of these crimes, you are likely already experiencing some of the fallout. The good news is that you are not helpless in this situation. Your job now is to work with someone who is committed to protecting your rights, reputation, and best interests.

At Johnson Law Group, our trusted sex crime defense attorneys in Central Illinois work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for these sensitive cases. Our firm brings together 100 years of combined experience, and our lawyers work as a team so that clients gain the full benefit of that knowledge. Several members of our team are former prosecutors who understand how these cases are built from the other side.

You can tell us more about your situation during a free initial consultation. Contact us today by calling (309) 565-8825.

Sex Crimes in Illinois

In Illinois, a sex crime can be defined as a criminal act that involves sexual penetration or contact without the given consent of the victim. This action must be perpetrated with the intent to harm or threaten and must take place in an offensive form. In addition, any attempts to solicit or encourage sexual contact, regardless of whether it was carried out or not, may also be deemed a sex crime. Examples of sex crimes can include sexual assault, rape, solicitation of a minor for sexual activity, the possession of child pornography, and more. The penalties associated with these offenses will vary significantly depending on the severity and particular nature of the act.

Challenging the Evidence

Illinois does not take sex offenses lightly. Due to the serious nature of the charges, they are investigated thoroughly. This also means that substantial evidence needs to be gathered to prove the offense occurred. You and your attorney will need to carefully review the evidence and find the weak points that can be challenged.

Defending yourself from a sex offense charge may involve:

• Challenging false witness testimony
• Verifying forensic and DNA testing
• Challenging the prosecution for creating misleading witness interviews
• Examining the possibility of mistaken identity
• Ensuring racial, economic, or political bias did not play a role in the arrest

Sex Offender Registration in Illinois

Sex crimes can include molestation, prostitution, sexual assault, rape, illegal pornography, and more. In addition to fines and a prison sentence, Illinois requires convicted defendants to register as sex offenders for at least 10 years following their release from prison or probation. Many consider this to be the most serious penalty due to the limitations it places on your employment and housing opportunities.

According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the Illinois State Police are required to maintain a statewide sex offender database that is accessible on the internet. This database identifies all people that have been convicted of certain sex offenses and crimes against children.

Defendants are required to register as sex offenders if they have been convicted for the commission of the offense or for the attempt to commit an offense. Individuals are also required to register as a sex offender if they are found not guilty by reason of insanity of either committing the offense or attempting to commit the offense. Also, individuals must register if their case does not result in an acquittal at a hearing for the offense.

The Illinois State Police Department says that that the database was created to facilitate access to publicly available information about persons that have been convicted of serious sex offenses. The ISP updates the registry regularly but warns that the information does not depict registered offenders as currently dangerous.

Our dedicated sex crime lawyers in Central Illinois keep clients off of this registry whenever possible. Even in situations where a defendant has committed a crime, it may be possible to declassify the charge as a sex offense. Protecting our clients' futures is our priority, and we work closely with them to secure the best possible outcome.

Seasoned Sex Crime Defense in Central Illinois

When facing serious sex crime allegations, it's crucial to have a defense team that not only understands the law but also the unique aspects of our region. At Johnson Law Group, we are deeply familiar with the local judicial systems and the specific challenges residents of Tazewell, Woodford, Piatt, Livingston, DeWitt, Logan, and Ford counties may face.

We recognize that accusations of sex crimes such as sexual assault or rape can be particularly devastating. One of the significant pain points for our clients in Central Illinois is the potential for public exposure and the impact on their reputation. The Illinois State Police maintain a sex offender registry that is accessible to the public, which can severely limit your employment and housing opportunities. Our goal is to keep you off this registry whenever possible, and we work diligently to challenge the evidence and reduce the charges.

We also understand the local economic and social dynamics that can influence a case. For instance, rural areas like those in Logan and Ford counties may have different community standards and biases compared to more urban areas. Our team is adept at addressing these nuances in court, ensuring that you receive a fair trial.

By choosing Johnson Law Group, you are selecting a team that is not only skilled in legal defense but also deeply rooted in the Central Illinois community. We are committed to providing you with high-quality defense, leveraging our local knowledge and resources to guard your future.

Contact Our Sex Crime Lawyer in Central Illinois Today

Johnson Law Group also represents clients throughout several counties in Illinois including Tazewell, Woodford, Piatt, Livingston, DeWitt, Logan, and Ford.

Ready to discuss your defense? Schedule your free consultation at Johnson Law Group today. Call (309) 565-8825 to get started.

Commonly Asked Questions

What Are the Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Illinois?

In Illinois, a sex crime conviction can lead to severe penalties including fines, imprisonment, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The duration of the sex offender registration is typically at least 10 years following release from prison or probation. This registration can significantly impact one's employment and housing opportunities, as well as their overall reputation within the community. The Illinois State Police maintain a publicly accessible sex offender database, which includes individuals convicted of certain sex offenses and crimes against children.

How Can a Defense Attorney Help if I’m Accused of a Sex Crime in Central Illinois?

A defense attorney can provide crucial assistance by meticulously reviewing the evidence against you, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and challenging any false witness testimonies. They can also verify the accuracy of forensic and DNA testing, examine the possibility of mistaken identity, and ensure that no biases influenced the arrest. The goal of a defense attorney is to protect your rights and work towards achieving the best possible outcome, which may include keeping you off the sex offender registry or declassifying the charge.