Wheaton Sex Crimes Attorney

Sex crimes are afforded special attention and resources in Illinois. Law enforcement devotes significant personnel to investigate, arrest, and prosecute offenders. Sadly, law enforcement crosses the line sometimes and violates rights, prosecutes innocent people, and unreasonably deprives people of their life and liberty. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Wheaton, the only thing standing between you and the state is a Wheaton sex crimes attorney.

Why Choose Us?

Experienced, Effective Fighters

At Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., we defend you like we would defend our own family members. Our sex crimes lawyers in Wheaton devote every available resource to protecting your present and future well-being. If you are facing sex crime charges in Wheaton, look no further than Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. for competent and effective representation.

With Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., you get a firm with:

• Decades of combined criminal defense experience
• Industry-recognized and respected sex crimes attorneys in Wheaton
• 24/7 availability for clients
• Aggressive defense and plea negotiation strategies
• Fierce courtroom representation in the event of a trial.

We will fight tooth and nail for you. All you have to do is reach out and contact us.

If a sex crimes charge is threatening to damage your future, contact Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. at 630-305-0222. Get the effective defense you deserve from our sex crimes attorney in Wheaton. Contact us today.

Understanding Sex Crime Charges in Illinois

Illinois criminalizes a number of sexual acts, and the vast majority of them are crimes with victims. Upon conviction, defendants face serious criminal penalties and life-changing repercussions. If you have been charged with any of the following crimes, contact Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. immediately so we can get to work on your defense.

Criminal Sexual Assault

Criminal sexual assault is the technical term for rape in Illinois, which occurs when a person penetrates another sexually under one or more of the following circumstances:

• Through the use of force
• Through the use of threats of force
• Knowing the victim lacks the ability to consent.

Various factors classify a person as legally incapable of giving consent. People who are unable to consent include:

• Minors under the age of 17
• Mentally incapacitated individuals
• Severely impaired individuals (drugs, alcohol)
• Family members under 18
• Unconscious individuals.

Being 17 or older and holding a position of power over a victim between 13 and 18 also renders consent impossible.

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault

Predatory criminal sexual assault occurs when an aggressor penetrates a minor sexually under the following circumstances:

• The minor was 12 years old or younger.
• The aggressor was 17 years old or older.

To win a conviction, the state must prove that the aggressor intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly committed the act.

Criminal Sexual Abuse

Criminal sexual abuse is similar to rape in that it involves force, the threat of force, or victims who cannot consent. However, criminal sexual abuse does not involve sexual penetration unless the aggressor is a minor and the victim is under a certain age. It is essentially a lesser charge than criminal sexual assault.

Possession of Child Pornography

Police and prosecutors vigorously pursue child pornography charges. Penalties for a conviction are stiff, and offenders with records face lifelong difficulties. If you have been charged with this crime, it is important to note that the state can file individual charges for each piece of pornography in your possession. A strong criminal defense is crucial to protect your future.

Prostitution and Solicitation

Charges may be filed against any party to a prostitution business or operation, including:

• Sex workers and their employers
• Property owners and tenants
• Those seeking to pay for sexual activity.

Frequently, prostitution services are managed over the internet. Law enforcement regularly pursues cases of this nature through months-long stings and investigations. Unfortunately, they often try to turn completely legal behavior into criminal activity, perhaps to justify spending resources on long cases that produce no smoking guns. If the case is weak, an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer in Wheaton will dismantle it.

At Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., our focus is your future. Whether you are facing charges for criminal sexual assault or prostitution, when you become our client, we are here to fight for you to the end.

Fighting Sex Crimes Charges

The Wheaton sex crimes attorneys at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. understand the impact of sex crimes charges. They fight hard to avoid the harshest outcomes, using various defenses and strategies when they apply, including:

• Challenging false testimony
• Challenging vague or unreliable descriptions
• Discovering problematic lab testing procedures
• Proving the alleged victim consented
• Disputing reasonable doubt
• Identifying constitutional violations

In every case, your defense to sex crimes charges will be more effective the sooner you get a qualified Wheaton sex crimes lawyer involved. Once the wheels of justice start turning, they don’t stop until you are convicted or acquitted. You need an effective defense at every stage. In some cases, contacting an attorney early on can lead to a rather quick release.

For example, if your constitutional rights were violated during an arrest or search, your sex crimes lawyer in Wheaton can argue to have any associated evidence thrown out early on in your case. No evidence, no charge.

Sentences and Penalties for Sex Crimes in Illinois

As you might imagine, the penalties for sex crimes in Illinois are harsh. Persons convicted of sex crimes can find themselves behind bars for years and saddled with extreme fines. More specifically:

• Criminal sexual assault nets a Class 1 felony, 4 to 15 years in prison, and $75 to $25,000 in fines.
• Predatory criminal sexual assault leads to a Class X felony and 6 to 60 years in prison.
• Criminal sexual abuse is a misdemeanor with one year or less in jail, but it’s a felony if a minor is involved.
• Prostitution is a misdemeanor with up to one year in jail.
• Possession of child pornography will result in a Class 3 felony and up to 5 years behind bars.

Keep in mind that the above-listed penalties refer to charges in their rudimental form. In many cases, aggravating factors come into play. Aggravating factors are circumstances of a crime that make it more serious and, thus, worthy of harsher punishment. For example, age is often an aggravating factor in sex crimes cases. Victims of criminal sexual abuse age 60 and over aggravate the crime to a felony.

Illinois Sex Offender Registration

The Illinois Sex Offender Registry maintains an up-to-date list of convicted sex offenders in the state. A conviction of most sex crimes in Illinois will land you on the registry. How long you are required to stay on the registry depends on your charges. The bulk of sex offenders must remain on the registry for 10 years and register annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have you been charged with a sex crime and have questions? You are not alone. Sex crimes charges cause many questions and confusion. Our sex crimes lawyers in Wheaton have answered a few common questions.

Is jail time mandatory for sex crime convictions?

It depends on your circumstances. Some sex crimes offenses can lead to probation. However, for many, the state will require some time behind bars. At Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., we fight hard for the most optimal resolution to your case, be it probation, reduced sentencing, or dismissed charges.

What is the statute of limitations for sex crimes in Illinois?

For most sex crimes in Illinois, there is no statute of limitations. Prosecutors may commence legal action at any time after the incident, even decades later. However, some sex crimes, such as certain misdemeanor sex crimes, do have statutes of limitation.

How much do Wheaton sex crimes attorneys charge?

Sex crimes lawyers in Wheaton may charge by the hour or charge a flat rate. Hourly rates can run as high as $700 or more, depending on the experience of the lawyer and the complexity of the case. Most Wheaton sex crimes lawyers will require a retainer to begin representation.

Can I have a sex crime conviction sealed or expunged?

The majority of sex crimes in Illinois are not eligible for expungement. Essentially, any crime that requires you to register as a sex offender will not be eligible for expungement. Additionally, sex crimes requiring sex offender registry may not be sealed either.

If you have more questions, call us any time for answers. Our sex crimes attorneys in Wheaton are happy to take your call.

Hire an Experienced Wheaton Sex Crimes Attorney Now

Let Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. Get Started on Your Defense

Being charged with a sex crime can ultimately lead to serious consequences both inside the criminal justice system and out. However, a robust defense from an experienced sex crimes lawyer in Wheaton goes a long way in mitigating unfavorable consequences.

If you are facing sex crimes charges, you urgently need an effective defense from a sex crimes lawyer in Wheaton to safeguard your future. Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. is here to help. Call 630-305-0222 to schedule a free initial consultation. We are waiting for your call.