DuPage County Sex Crimes Attorney

Protecting Your Rights with a DuPage County Sex Crimes Attorney

Any accusations of sex crimes can have a profound impact on your life. These are serious charges, and your freedom and reputation are at stake. Things have become more complicated with expanding the definition of sex crimes under Illinois House Bill 4407. It expands the definition of sex crimes to include involuntary sexual servitude. These changes make it easier to be accused of sex crimes.

A skilled DuPage County sex crimes attorney is critical in protecting your rights. We are dedicated professionals who will aggressively move fast to offer an effective defense. Here are some reasons you need an experienced sex crimes lawyer to handle your case.

A DuPage County Sex Crimes Lawyer Understands the Seriousness of these Charges

Sex crime charges are some of the most serious a defendant can face, including indecent exposure, assault, child pornography, and rape. The convictions have extensive prison sentences, and you must register as a sex offender for the rest of your life after being released.

Even if you do not go to prison, the consequences are devastating. You may be required to register as a sex offender in the community where you live, and this information is made public. Everyone knows what you did, and you are always treated with suspicion.

A DuPage County sex crimes attorney can help you with these charges. We have decades of experience and will put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

Wolfe & Stec are sex crimes attorneys in DuPage County who have decades of experience working on these cases. We listen and create a customized defensive strategy that protects your rights. Contact us at 630-305-0222 to schedule your free consultation with a sex crimes attorney.

SEX CHARGE CRIMES

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 as a buyer, seller, or promoter. For example, “prostitution” applies only to the seller who knowingly performs and 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 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 material or performances that an average person would find appealing 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 someone from performing an obscene act or exhibiting their 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. Engaging in unprotected sex without telling a partner about your having 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 describe 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 between 13 and 17 years old by a person at least five years older.

IT 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 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, 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. It 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 sexual assault are different crimes in Illinois, with different penalties. While criminal sexual abuse is still a misdemeanor, attempted 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 happening. 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 Attorney deals with False Charges

The rise of the Me Too movement has increased the chances of men and women openly reporting sex crimes. Sometimes, respectable people are accused of sex crimes when nothing has happened, and these claims are false.

Getting to the truth requires working with a skilled sex crimes attorney in DuPage County. We will independently investigate your case and work to clear your name. In America, you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and we will tirelessly stand up for your rights.

Sometimes, false allegations are made because of the other party’s anger and wanting revenge. These accusations could arise in child custody and divorces, which they use as leverage for a better settlement.

Your sex crimes lawyer in DuPage County guides you through these situations. We realize that not all cases are identical, and you need a skilled legal professional to assist you.

Why Choose Us?

The sex crimes attorneys at Wolfe & Stec are skilled professionals who will stand up for your rights. We understand the seriousness of these charges and will protect your interests. Our track record speaks for itself.

Advocacy

Your sex crimes lawyer in Illinois works as an advocate who stands up for your rights. We are skilled legal professionals who will not leave anything to chance. Our team will independently investigate your case, such as interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.

Full-Service Legal Representation

Your attorney works with you throughout the case, and we never refer you to other professionals. We handle all court proceedings and represent you during the case. We have successfully litigated many sex crime cases and will use this experience to assist you.

Creativity

One of the most effective avenues for building a strong case is having creativity. Our years of trial experience have taught us to think outside the box to address the legal complexities. We identify possible vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. Our attention to detail and planning helps us offer a strong defense against these charges. We take the time to build an effective case and improve our chances of creating successful outcomes.

Sex crimes are serious, and you need skilled attorneys to guide you. Contact us at 630-305-0222 to schedule your free consultation with a skilled sex crimes lawyer. We will review your case and create a customized legal strategy that protects your rights.

FAQs

Why Do You Need a Sex Crimes Lawyer?

A sex crimes lawyer has experience handling these cases, and we practice in this area of the law. We ensure your rights are protected and you have a strong defense against the charges.

What are Your Rights When You are Accused of Sex Crimes?

You have numerous rights, including the right to an attorney; to remain silent; to have due process of law; and the presumption of innocence.

How can a Sex Crimes Attorney Protect Your Rights?

Our team will protect these rights by examining the evidence, ensuring you have access to an attorney, challenging the case, and advocating for you.

Attorney Natalie Stec

Natalie M. Stec, born and raised in Illinois, and earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her practice has been concentrated in significant pre and post decree marital and family law cases; including custody, visitation, support, and paternity matters. She has important criminal defense experience in both misdemeanor and felony cases. She is a very dedicated and passionate litigator. [ Attorney Bio ]

Attorney Marc Wolfe

Marc Wolfe has been representing clients in criminal matters in Chicago and the entire State of Illinois for over 30 years. Mr. Wolfe has tried over 300 cases to verdict and represents clients facing investigation or prosecution for a broad range of state and federal criminal offenses, including murder, embezzlement, sexual abuse, drugs, marijuana and white collar crimes. [ Attorney Bio ]

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