DuPage County Criminal Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer

Attorneys Representing Downers Grove Clients in Sex Crime Cases

Sexual abuse crimes are prosecuted vigorously in Illinois, especially those crimes involving the abuse of children. Given the stiff consequences alleged sexual abusers face in the State's criminal courts, as well as in the court of public opinion, if you are arrested for criminal sexual abuse, it is important to get an attorney experienced in defending these charges. It is equally important to resist the temptation to discuss the charges against you with the police or anyone else without a lawyer present. The experienced Oak Brook sexual assault defense attorneys in the law office of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. have successfully represented clients in criminal sexual abuse and sexual assault cases in DuPage, Cook, Kane, and Will Counties.

Penalties for Criminal Sexual Abuse in Illinois

Under Illinois law, criminal sexual abuse involves touching or fondling the victim's sex organs, anus, or breast, either directly or through clothing. No other criminal charge carries the stigma that a sex offense does, not to mention the stiff criminal penalties attached to it. If you are arrested on sex charges, even before your day in court, you will experience an immediate impact on your life.

A sexual abuse conviction can result in serious penalties, including jail or prison time, significant fines or years of probation. If found guilty, you will be required to register as a sex offender, a label that will stay with you for life, and that may limit where you live and where you can go. You could be suspended or fired from your job, your reputation could be damaged, you or your family could receive threats, and the court could restrict you from contacting certain individuals.

The penalty for a Class A misdemeanor charge of criminal sexual abuse is up to a year in jail, a fine up to $2,500 and/or up to two years of conditional discharge or probation. The misdemeanor charge applies in the following cases:

• The accused is under age 17, and the victim is between nine and 16 years old at the time of the act; or
• The victim is between the age of 13 and 16, and there is less than a five year difference in age between the accused and the victim at the time of the act.

A Class 4 felony criminal sex abuse charge carries a punishment of one to three years of incarceration, a fine up to $25,000, and up to 30 months of conditional discharge or probation. If you are found guilty of criminal sexual abuse a second or subsequent time, the crime becomes a Class 2 felony, which is punishable by three to six years of incarceration. These felony charges apply in these instances:

• The criminal sexual abuse involves the use or threat of force; or
• The victim was unable to understand the nature of the act or was unable to give knowing consent.

Contact a DuPage County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

The criminal defense attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. are not only experienced and knowledgeable in the area of criminal sexual offenses; we also have proven results for other clients who have faced these devastating legal charges. If you have been charged with criminal sexual abuse or assault, please contact an Elmhurst sexual abuse defense attorney at 630-472-9700 for a free initial consultation. We represent clients in Downers Grove, Wheaton, Hinsdale, Lombard, Willowbrook, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, DuPage County and surrounding areas.