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Alleged crime of any kind deserves its day in court, and sex crimes are no different.

That’s why an experienced sex crimes attorney who advocates skillfully on behalf of his clients is your best choice.
  • Have you been accused of a sex crime in Illinois?
  • Are you under investigation for sexual abuse, obscenity or prostitution?
  • Have you been wrongfully accused of a sexual assault, child pornography or rape?
If you are facing any of these charges, your next phone call should be to an experienced sex crimes lawyer. You need an attorney who will listen to you, understand your version of events and create an effective defense strategy on your behalf.
When the stakes are high, an aggressive and fearless sex crimes attorney is your best advocate. With offices in Chicago and Woodridge, we serve clients in and near DuPage and Cook counties. For a free initial consultation about your case, contact Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., at (630) 305-0222.

There is no room for error when creating your defense. If you are found guilty–even of a lesser sexual offense–you will not only serve time, but will be listed on the Illinois sex offender register. Even after you finish your sentence, you may have difficulty finding employment and a place to live, because this crime will be on your record. Look for an attorney who is experienced, on time and skillful.
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Aggressive Sex Crimes Lawyers

The sex crimes attorneys at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., treat every client with respect. We investigate all cases thoroughly, because each is unique and has its own set of circumstances. Our attorneys look for every avenue of defense and will never plea bargain unless you decide to. We will tirelessly evaluate evidence, gather witness statements, look for proof of police misconduct or carelessness, and determine whether your rights were violated during the arrest.

We Can Help

The sex crimes attorneys at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., have defended all kinds of people who have been charged with these crimes, including those who were mistakenly arrested or wrongfully accused. We know that sometimes innocent people are accused of criminal charges they did not commit. For a confidential first conversation about your case, contact our sex crimes defense lawyers at (630) 305-0222.
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Which Sex Crimes Does Your Firm Handle?

Our attorneys are prepared to defend you against all criminal sexual offense charges, including:
  • Criminal sexual abuse
  • Aggravated criminal and criminal sexual assault
  • Prostitution
  • Pandering
  • Obscenity
  • Exploitation
  • Juvenile prostitution
  • Sexual relations with family
  • Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child
  • Criminal transmission of HIV
  • Sex registration
  • Statutory rape

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

We’ve all seen cases on TV and social media in which someone has been wrongly accused of rape or obscenity by someone who feels rejected, jealous or is seeking revenge. We know it happens. That’s why all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. It takes more than a complaint of sexual assault or abuse to be convicted of a crime. There must be corroborating evidence and an airtight account of the crime. We also know that it’s possible for a person charged with a sex crime to have reasonably believed or been told that the other party was an adult over the age of 18 and the actions were consensual. The sex crimes lawyers at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., are highly experienced at knowing the threshold of proof in these cases, and they are prepared to go toe to toe with prosecutors to defend your legal rights.
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Sex Charge Crimes

Rape and Sexual Assault

Sexual assault, or rape, is committed when an individual causes a penetrative sexual act against another person without their consent or ability to give consent. This includes sex with under-age minors (statutory rape), mentally disabled persons or a person who is unconscious, in addition to rape through force or threat of violence.
Because sexual assault cases often include acts that occur between two people in private, it can be difficult to sort out the facts. Often there are conflicting accounts of the events and different interpretations of what took place.
Violation of Illinois sexual assault laws can result in four years to life in prison upon conviction, depending on specific details of the case and whether the defendant is a repeat offender.

Prostitution and Juvenile Prostitution

In Illinois it is a crime to exchange anything of value for sexual acts such as penetration or touching of sex organs to cause arousal. Specific charges in a case are determined by whether the defendant’s role is a buyer, seller or promoter. For example, the crime of “prostitution” applies only to the seller who knowingly performs and/or offers to perform a sex act in exchange for money or valuable goods. A buyer of prostitution in Illinois is charged with “patronizing a prostitute” or “solicitation.” Anyone promoting prostitution (i.e., “pimp”) in Illinois is defined as someone who arranges, compels or profits from prostitution.

Obscenity and Pornography

In Illinois it is a crime to knowingly sell, deliver, create, buy or provide any picture, writing, record or other representation of obscene material. “Obscene” is defined as material or performances that an average person would find appeals to the prurient interest and depicts or describes ultimate sex acts or lewd exhibitions that lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. The law also prohibits a person from performing an obscene act or exhibition of his or her body for gain. It is illegal in Illinois to present or direct an obscene play, dance or other performance and to advertise or promote the sale of anything related to obscenity.

Sexual Relations with Family

The criminal charge of sexual relations within families is considered a Class 3 felony in Illinois. It refers to inappropriate sexual touching or sex acts between familial relatives. The degree of the crime depends on the specifics of the case, with higher degrees generally receiving harsher sentences.

Criminal Transmission of HIV

People living with HIV can be prosecuted for engaging in unprotected sex without first disclosing their HIV status in Illinois. Engaging in condomless sex without telling a partner that you have HIV is a criminal offense. The law extends beyond engaging in sexual acts and also includes donating blood or other bodily products or transferring non-sterile drug paraphernalia. Transmission of disease is not required for prosecution. It is a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Child Sexual Assault

Child sexual assault is a serious crime in Illinois, and state statutes lay out specific descriptions of what constitutes this crime. “Aggravated criminal sexual abuse” relates to child molestation, including:
  • sex with a minor child by a person 17 years of age or older
  • sex with a child under nine years of age by a defendant who is under 17 years of age
  • sex with an adolescent who is between 13 and 17 years old by a person who is at least five years older.
This is a Class 2 felony punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison. A person convicted of this crime must also register as a sex offender.
“Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child” relates to victims under the age of 13 where sexual contact or penetration has been committed. Additional elements like causing the victim bodily harm, using firearms or weapons, giving the child alcohol or drugs and repeat offenses increase sentencing. This crime is considered a Class X felony and is punishable by six years to life in prison and requires registration as a sex offender. There is no statute of limitations on child sexual assault charges in Illinois. A previous 20-year statute of limitations was abolished in 2017. This was done so that victims can pursue treatment, find their voice and seek justice even if it is decades later.

Criminal Sexual Abuse vs. Criminal Sexual Assault

Criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault are two different crimes in Illinois, with different penalties. In some specific cases of sexual misconduct by someone under age 17, criminal sexual abuse can be a misdemeanor. Criminal sexual assault is always a felony. Criminal sexual assault, a more serious crime under Illinois statutes, generally refers to rape (penetration) where there was force or the threat of force, the victim could not give knowing consent or the victim was impaired and did not understand what was going on. It also refers to cases where a victim is between ages 13 and 18 and the accused holds a position of authority, seniority or trust.

A Sex Crimes Charge Is Not a Conviction

Sex crimes in Illinois are serious business; but before you panic, remember that being charged with a sex crime is not the same as being convicted of a sex crime. There is a lot of distance between being arrested and being sentenced. You have the right to a fair trial and all the protections of the legal process. You have the chance to prove that you are not guilty by creating doubt about the voracity of the prosecutor’s account of events. A skilled attorney has represented many clients in these types of cases and knows the potential tactics of prosecutors. An experienced criminal lawyer for a sex offender can proactively formulate a defense strategy that combats a prosecutor’s claims.

Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

Even if a sexual assault did happen, it could have been someone else who committed it. You may have been in a different room in a house and had no idea what was going on. Or you may have been riding in a car with someone who just committed an assault without your knowledge. Sometimes it’s just a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Our sex offender attorneys understand that. We will tirelessly review police reports, witness statements and elements of the crime scene to determine whether you were mistakenly charged because you were just at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Two Sides to Every Story

When it comes to sex crimes, we know there are two sides to every story. We listen closely to our clients to understand their version of events. We look for evidence of consent between adults. You do not have to be afraid to give a thorough description and explanation of what took place leading up to your arrest. We are compassionate and professional, and we are here to defend you.

Our Sex Crimes Attorneys Are Here to Serve You

If you have been accused of violating Illinois sexual assault laws, contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Woodridge or Chicago law offices of Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., at (630) 305-0222. We are willing to listen to your side of the story. Because of the seriousness of sex crimes and the social stigma attached to them, it is essential that you contact a sex crimes defense lawyer right away after you have been charged. Penalties for sex crimes can have devastating consequences for you and your family for decades to come.
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Client Reviews

Fabulous & Straight Forward - Very Easy to Work With

Natalie is incredibly qualified and knowledgeable in her field. She is a straight shooter and gets the job done. When it comes to your case and the direction to take she is honest, ethical, and trustworthy. There was never a question as to where we were in the process or where we were going. I trusted her with my case - completely. She was very easy to work with and kept me apprised of upcoming court dates and details regarding discussions with OC. I highly recommend Natalie as an attorney. 5 out of 5 stars

Worth Every Penny

Natalie is very quick to get back to me with any concerns that I may have. She keeps me informed on court dates and any hearings or work she's done. She's smart when it comes to the law. 5 out of 5 stars
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How Do I Get My Criminal Record Sealed in Illinois?

June 25, 2021 / Criminal Defense

If time has passed since you finished serving your sentence, you may wonder, how do I get my criminal record sealed in Illinois? A criminal record is created if you’re arrested or charged with an offense. It doesn’t go away if you are released without charge or eventually found not guilty. These records may be … Continue reading How Do I Get My Criminal Record Sealed in Illinois?

Woodridge Illinois Law Firm

3321 Hobson Road, Suite B
Woodridge, IL 60517
Phone: 630-305-0222

1 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4200
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-388-7882

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