Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

If you are being investigated for, or have been charged with, sexual assault, your next phone call should be to an experienced sexual assault defense lawyer. You need someone who will listen to you, respect you, understand your version of events, create an effective defense strategy and get you the best outcome possible. With offices in Chicago and Woodridge, we serve clients in and near DuPage and Cook counties.

Defending yourself in a criminal matter like sexual assault would be a serious and probably life-altering mistake you might regret for the rest of your life. Without the knowledge and experience of a seasoned criminal defense attorney to help you, you may say and do things that could change a difficult case for the prosecution into one they could handle with ease.

What is Considered Sexual Assault in Illinois?

Sexual assault means sexual penetration using force or done without the consent of the other party involved in the act of sex. It is also referred to as rape or sexual abuse. Though the principle factor that determines whether an act of sex is considered sexual assault is the lack of consent, it’s important to note that one can be charged with sexual assault if the other person involved in the act is underage or unable to give consent because they are unconscious or lack the capacity to grant consent, as is the case with someone who is mentally impaired.

Penalties for Sexual Assault

Criminal sexual assault is considered a felony in Illinois. The penalties for committing sexual assault range from four years to life imprisonment and potentially include thousands of dollars in fines. Penalties can be harsher, depending the circumstances surrounding the alleged sexual assault and the number of previous charges levied against the accused.

How Defense Attorneys Build a Case Against Sexual Abuse Charges

Defense attorneys will build their case according to the circumstances facing their client. An attorney might state that their client was given consent by the person alleging sexual assault. In cases where the identification of the sexual assaulter is not definitive, an attorney might make the case that their client was not the party who committed the act. If a client experienced mental health issues, an attorney might make the case for insanity.

In all criminal defenses, attorneys will thoroughly review the evidence being presented against their client to look for any oversights, breaches of civil rights or inconsistencies. If there are holes in the case being made against a client or any irregularities in a client’s arrest or in the manner in which police gathered evidence, the attorney will incorporate that into the defense.

If you or a loved one has been charged with sexual assault in Illinois, you should contact a sexual assault defense attorney immediately. It’s vital to start building a defense as soon as possible. We want to help you make the case for your innocence. Contact the Woodridge sexual assault lawyers at Wolfe & Stec today by calling (630) 305-0222 or filling out our online form.

Consequences of Sexual Assault Charges

Few crimes carry the stigma of sexual assault. Not only do people of criminal sexual assault face several years of prison time, they will also face other consequences. A criminal background that includes sexual assault can affect…

• Employment
• Education
• Loan opportunities
• Housing opportunities
• Eligibility for government assistance.

The stigma one faces when accused of being a rapist is almost unimaginable for most people. If you’ve been accused of sexual assault, you will likely be judged harshly by friends, family, peers, coworkers and your community. It’s often the case that someone facing sexual assault charges feels like they have been completely abandoned by their loved ones. This can lead to depression, anxiety and despair.

As sexual abuse defense lawyers, we understand the challenges you are facing. We offer our clients legal representation and support. A criminal defense attorney is your advocate, and they stand behind their clients no matter the charge or accusation being made against them. Having someone in your corner in this difficult time is invaluable, and we make sure to do everything in our ability to get you the most favorable outcome possible.

Contact the Illinois Sexual Assault Lawyers at Wolfe & Stec

Facing criminal charges is stressful, regardless of what that charge might be. However, when the charge against you is sexual assault, you’ll face hurdles that could follow you for the rest of your life. However, a criminal defense attorney will serve as your first and last line of defense.

At Wolfe & Stec, we know how important it is for someone accused of sexual assault or abuse to have an ally. We know that there are two sides to every story. You deserve to have your story heard and to be given the best defense possible.

If you or a loved one has had the misfortune of being accused of sexual assault, your first action should be to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Put Wolfe & Stec to work on your behalf. We will get to work on your defense as soon as we receive your call. Call us today at (630) 305-0222 or fill out our online form to get started.

Illinois Sexual Assault Statutes

There are three Illinois statutes covering sexual assault, including criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault and predatory criminal sexual assault. All are felonies. If convicted, prison time ranges from four years to life.

There are a number of factors to consider when determining whether one of the statutes applies and, if so, which one; the possible penalties vary as well. The factors include …

• Whether or not there was sexual penetration
• The threat of or actual bodily harm
• If there was bodily harm, whether or not it resulted in a permanent disability or was life threatening
• The use of a weapon or firearm (and whether or not it was discharged)
• Whether the alleged victim could understand what was going on or was physically handicapped
• Whether the alleged victim was given a controlled substance
• The ages of the alleged victim and perpetrator
• Whether there was a family relationship or a relationship of trust, authority or supervision
• Whether this is the first or a subsequent conviction.

The Job of a Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

Your case is based on the facts, the law and constitutional protections for those being investigated for or charged with a crime. Wolfe & Stec attorneys …

• Don’t just take law enforcement’s word for it. We investigate all cases thoroughly, because each is unique. We gather witness statements and look for police misconduct or carelessness.
• Consider every possible defense and weakness in the prosecution’s case.
• Will tirelessly evaluate evidence and determine whether your rights were violated during the arrest or while you were in custody.
• Come up with a defense strategy that will result in the best outcome.
• Given the results of our investigation and the problems in the prosecution’s case, we may convince the prosecution to drop the charges.
• May resolve the case, with your consent, through a plea bargain agreement between you and the prosecution based on the evidence and likely outcome at a trial. As a result you may avoid the worst-case scenario of a conviction and lengthy prison time and the prosecution avoids the chance of an acquittal. These agreements usually involve a guilty plea to lesser charges and/or a reduced sentence.
• Will zealously defend your rights if the charges are resolved at a trial. We will contest factual allegations that can be disputed, thoroughly cross-examine hostile witnesses and test the conclusions of expert witnesses for the prosecution. We present your side of the story, the findings of our investigation and establish why the prosecution didn’t meet its burden of proof and a person could not find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Why You Should Trust Wolfe & Stec to Represent You in a Sexual Assault Case

There is no room for error when creating and presenting your defense. A finding of guilt can result in serving prison time and being listed on the Illinois sex offender register. After finishing your sentence, you may have a hard time finding a job and a place to live, because of your criminal record.

Our attorneys have been representing clients in criminal defense matters in Chicago and the entire state of Illinois for more than 30 years. We have tried more than 300 cases to verdict and have represented clients facing investigation or prosecution for a broad range of state and federal criminal offenses, including murder, embezzlement, sexual assault, drug-related and white-collar crimes.

If you are being investigated for or are accused of violating Illinois’ sexual assault laws, contact the sexual assault defense lawyers at the Woodridge or Chicago law offices of Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., at (630) 305-0222 for a free consultation. We are willing to listen to your side of the story. If you are the right client for us and we are the right attorneys for you, we can work together to protect your rights, your family and your future.