According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, there are three different types of sexual assault charges that can be brought forth in court. While these charges may vary in severity and penalty assessments, they are all considered extremely serious criminal offenses. Given the harsh consequences, these crimes pose, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration, all those who stand accused of sexual assault need to take proactive measures to protect their legal rights and future. With the assistance of the nationally recognized Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Okabe & Haushalter, you can better equip yourself and your defense and significantly reduce your risk of suffering the most life-altering penalties. Our firm is prepared to fight relentlessly on behalf of clients charged with sexual assault sex crimes, including:
Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11 – 1.20)
Criminal sexual assault charges can arise when a person commits an act of sexual penetration using force or the threat of force, knowing that the victim is unable to understand the act or unable to give consent, when the victim is a family member under the age of 18, or when the offender is 17 years of age or older and the victim is at least 13 years of age but under 18. Criminal sexual assault is a Class 1 felony that poses fined up to $25,000 and two to five years in a state prison. Defendants who have been previously convicted of sexual assault face severely enhanced penalties, including sentences in a penitentiary for up to 60 years.
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11 – 1.30)
Enhanced sexual assault charges can be prosecuted when certain aggravating circumstances are present. These circumstances include:
- The use of a dangerous weapon or firearm
- Causing bodily harm to the victim
- Threatening the life of the victim or others
- Committing a sexual assault while committing another felony
- The victim is 60 years of age or older, physically or mentally handicapped
- The offender delivers a controlled substance to a victim
Depending on the circumstances involved, convictions can result in additional years of imprisonment added to sentences, including 10 additional years for the use of a weapon, causing bodily harm and threatening victims or others. Other enhancements include 15 additional years for the use of a firearm and 20 for the discharge of a firearm, among others.
Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (720 ILCS 5/12 – 14.1)
When sexual assault is committed by a person who is 17 years of age or older against a victim under the age of 13, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child charges can be prosecuted. Penalties can vary depending on the presence of aggravating circumstances and can range from 6 to 30 years of imprisonment to 50 years, 60 years or natural life sentences.
As evident in the harsh criminal penalties posed by sexual assault charges, the state of Illinois views these offenses as very serious crimes. There is simply too much at stake in these cases to allow yourself to go without the proven and aggressive defense our firm can provide.
CASE RESULTS THAT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
When you face such serious charges and penalties, you cannot make the mistake of hiring inexperienced or unproven criminal defense lawyers. At Okabe & Haushalter, our legal team has shown that we are capable of obtaining favorable results in even the most difficult and high profile cases, and our record of success stands testament to our unrivaled legal abilities and skills. Our team has even been named a national leader in criminal defense in the October 15, 2012 issue of Newsweek. If you want results, you need top litigators in your corner. Contact us today.