DuPage County Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

Criminal Attorney Defends Downers Grove Clients Against Sex Assault Allegations

A person being accused of criminal sexual assault is being arrested for what is commonly known as rape. Illinois law defines criminal sexual assault as sexual penetration which is committed:

1. By use or threat of force;
2. Against a victim who is unable to give consent;
3. By a family member of a victim under the age of 18; or
4. By a person over the age of 17 who is in a position of authority over a victim between the ages of 13 and 18.

Criminal sexual assault is generally a felony charge punishable by incarceration, significant fines, and registration as a sex offender.

If you are arrested for a criminal sexual assault, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced DuPage County sexual assault defense attorney that can prepare you for every phase of the legal challenges ahead and the life-altering repercussions you may face. The attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. have successfully resolved a wide range of sex crimes charges, including sexual abuse, rape, indecent liberties with a child, and Internet sex charges throughout the Chicago area.

Defending Criminal Sexual Assault Charges in DuPage County

Unfortunately, in cases of criminal sexual assault, there are often no witnesses, and false accusations occur quite frequently. The skilled defense attorneys in the law office of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. will start working to improve your outcome, even before your case goes to trial. We will seek to prepare and file the appropriate motions to suppress evidence and work to get your charges dropped or reduced. We have years of success in the courtroom defending clients facing criminal sex charges, and we will employ the best legal strategies to refute the prosecutor's case against you, including:

• Investigating the accuracy of events described in the charging documents.
• Challenging the veracity of timelines and statements made by the accuser.
• Questioning the rationale and motivations for the accuser to lie in the case.
• Making the case for a consensual sexual encounter.
• Testing the accuracy of police reports and investigative actions.
• Challenging DNA and other evidence offered against you.
• Raising issues of age deception for a victim who is a minor.

Criminal Sexual Assault Penalties in Illinois

Criminal sexual assault is one of the most serious sex crimes, and one that carries particularly severe penalties. Conviction of sexual assault is a Class 1 felony, with a penalty ranging from four to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Prior convictions for sex offenses could increase the charge to a Class X felony and result in longer prison sentences, up to a life term.

If there are aggravating circumstances, such as the victim of assault being elderly or physically disabled, an offender may be charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony. If the victim was under the age of 13, an offender can be charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, which is also a Class X felony. If an offender was armed with a firearm during the commission of the assault, an additional 10 to 25 years could be added to the prison sentence they will face if convicted.

Call an Oak Brook Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been accused of criminal sexual assault, then it is best to turn to legal help immediately. The experienced attorneys in the law office of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. will work vigorously to minimize the damage that these charges can cause for you and your family. Contact our DuPage County sexual assault defense attorneys at 630-472-9700 to discuss your charges in a free initial consultation. Serving Lombard, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, DuPage County and surrounding areas.