Lombard, IL Indecent Liberties with a Child Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyers Defending DuPage County Clients Against Child Molestation Charges

In the case of indecent liberties with a child, or alleged child molestation, the accused and the child might be the only two witnesses. A child, under age 17, can be a compelling and sympathetic witness in a courtroom. And, a child can be mistaken, or coached. If you are charged with taking indecent liberties with a child, the allegations alone, not to mention a conviction, could have a devastating impact on your employment, your reputation, your family relationships, and your future. If convicted, you could face incarceration, and be required to register as a sex offender. You need a competent, knowledgeable attorney in your corner to defend you against such serious charges. The criminal defense attorneys in the law office of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. have the experience and tenacity to fight for your rights in the face of great public scrutiny and rigorous prosecution. We have successfully represented clients in sexual abuse cases throughout the Chicago metro area.

Child Molestation Charges in Illinois

In the State of Illinois, the age of consent to any type of sexual activity is 17. Child molestation can occur when a person engages in masturbation, sexual conduct, or sexual penetration with a child under age 17. One of the defenses that may be permitted in certain cases is that the accused reasonably believed that the victim was 17 years or over at the time of the act. In addition to child molestation, there are a variety of other sexual offenses against children that could be charged, including:

• Child pornography
• Public indecency
• Solicitation
• Sexual exploitation of a child
• Juvenile prostitution
• Ritualized abuse of a child (i.e. a child marriage followed by sexual contact)

Charges and Penalties in Indecent Liberties with a Child Cases

Depending on the specific charges and allegations, the penalties for indecent liberties with a child can range from misdemeanors to felonies with increasing penalties, including:

• Fines from $2,500 to $25,000 for sexual abuse and sexual assault
• Possible one year in jail to a lengthy prison sentence
• Supervised probation
• Participation in sex offender treatment program
• Registration as a sex offender

Public indecency, which can occur naked or clothed, is a misdemeanor offense that can result in jail or a sex offender treatment program as a condition of probation.

Any person can be charged with sexual exploitation of a child if they commit a sexual act in the presence or virtual presence of a child under the age of 17, including exposing their sex organs, anus, or breast for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification. Sexual exploitation of a child is a Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this Section is a Class 4 felony.

A person who is at least 17 years old can be charged with indecent solicitation of a child if the accused used a computer or some other form of communication to arrange a sexual act with a child under age 17. Indecent solicitation of a child is a Class 4 felony. If the act is deemed aggravated criminal sexual abuse, it is a Class 3 felony. If the act is deemed criminal sexual assault, it is a Class 2 felony. If the act is deemed predatory or aggravated criminal sexual assault, it is a Class 1 felony.

Producing or disseminating child pornography can result in a Class 1 felony charge for photographs or a Class X felony charge for moving images, with a mandatory minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum fine of $100,000. Possession of child pornography can result in a Class 3 felony charge for photographs or a Class 2 felony charge for moving images, with a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Soliciting a juvenile prostitute under the age of 18 is a Class 4 felony. Patronizing a juvenile prostitute is a Class 3 felony, and if it is committed within 1,000 feet of a school, it is a Class 2 felony. Promoting or profiting from juvenile prostitution is a Class 1 felony, and if it is committed within 1,000 feet of a school or the child is under the age of 13, it is a Class X felony.

Contact a DuPage County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

When faced with crimes involving indecent liberties with a child, it is important to get legal advice from an experienced team of criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible. Do not make any statements to the police or anyone else until you have obtained qualified legal representation. The Oak Brook sexual assault defense attorneys in the law office of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. can help reduce bail conditions, get appropriate motions to suppress evidence, and seek to have your case dismissed. Call 630-472-9700 for a free initial consultation. We serve clients in Downers Grove, Wheaton, Lombard, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Westchester, DuPage County and surrounding areas.