Life Of Being Accused Of Sex Crimes

Being accused of sex crimes can affect lives negatively. Charges for sexual crimes, sexual conduct offenses or related crimes may be tried in state or federal court depending upon the type of crome and where it was committed. Other supporting evidence often determines where the case is tried as well. This evidence may include intent behind the crime, witness testimony, severity of the actions, adge of the victim and wheter force was used. Some of these actions leave life-long injuries upon rhe bodies and minds of others. When physical harm is commited, injuries may require medical treatment. Though the feelings of family and friens are often not considered when severity of these crimes is deliberated upon, those close to the victim are usually the driving force behind the case against the perpetrator.

Sexually-based offenses, particularly the ones that involve children, are amongst the most serious prosecuted in the State of Illinois. Prosecutors will devote a disproportionate amount of time and resources to convict someone charged with a sexual offense. Sexual assault charges may vary depending on the facts of the case. The most commonly charged offenses include:

Sexual assault;

Aggravated sexual assault;

Predatory criminal sexual assault; and

Forcible rape.

Criminal sexual abuse (commonly known as statutory rape) and other sexual offenses involving a child under the age of 17 years are discussed under the sexual abuse page.

An individual may be charged with sexual assault if he or she penetrates another person in a sexual way and the circumstances involve the following:

Penetration through the use of force or threat of force;

Sexual penetration when the person lacks the capacity to consent or does not understand the sexual nature of the act;

Sexual penetration when the victim is less than 18 years of age and related to the offender;

Sexual penetration when the victim is less than 18 years of age, but older than 13 years and the defendant is more than 17 years of age and is in a position of supervision or trust.

The consent of the victim is a defense to a charge of sexual assault through the use of force or threat of force if the victim is more than 17 years of age. However, the consent must be specific to the act at issue in the charge and may not be from a prior sexual encounter or from sexual activity preceding the act for which the defendant is being charged.

Sexual offenders will face varying degrees of criminal punishment based on the type and degree of sexual abuse, as well as the criminal history of the alleged perpetrator.  For example, some felony sexual crimes can result in a life sentence in state prison, while others carry no more than two years in prison and a fine.

Assault to commit conduct involving penetration is a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Furthermore, a second-degree charge for this same offense carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

If you or a loved one endured sexual assault, molestation, or other forms of sexually-based abuse, it is important to understand your legal options during this difficult time. While criminal punishment for sexual abuse might help to provide a sense of justice for a victim, these charges will not help to alleviate any financial strain they have endured.