Experienced Orland Park Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers
Sexual misconduct charges have frightening implications for the accused. Their reputation, social status, or employment may be at stake. They are also at risk for imprisonment and lifelong, mandatory reporting with the state’s sexual offender registry. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we aggressively protect our clients from these consequences. We strongly believe in the concept that those who face criminal charges are innocent until proven guilty. In every case, we pursue the most positive outcome possible. Our attorney serves as a committed advocate, working to protect the future of our clients at every turn.
Sexual Assault Charges in Illinois
In most cases, sexual assault is considered a felony charge. In fact, the only exceptions are criminal sexual abuse involving a victim between the ages of nine and 16 and an accused under the age of 17, as well as cases involving a victim between the ages of 13 and 16 and an accused who is no more than five years older than the victim. In these cases, criminal sexual abuse is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to one year of imprisonment. All other sexual assault charges carry, at a minimum, a mandatory four-year term of imprisonment. These felony sexual assault charges include:
- Criminal sexual assault
- Aggravated criminal sexual assault
- Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child
- Criminal sexual abuse with a victim younger than age nine
- Criminal sexual abuse of a child with an accused who is more than five years older than the victim
Subsequent offenses, as well as those that are considered violent or particularly heinous, typically carry heavier penalties than other sexual assault charges. For example, aggravated criminal sexual assault and predatory criminal sexual assault both have provisions through which an accused could face up to life in prison. These charges may involve the use of a firearm, discharge of a firearm, or bodily harm to the victim.
In addition to a felony conviction, which could limit housing and employment opportunities, those who are convicted of sexual assault will be forced to register as a sex offender on the Illinois state registry. This turns the accused into a social outcast, which is often undeserved. In fact, a high percentage of sex offenders are juvenile offenders who were, at the time of their offenses, mere children themselves. In these situations, one horrible mistake can lead to a conviction that can completely alter a person’s life and rob them of their future. Our attorney aggressively protects the rights of both adults and juveniles who are facing sexual assault charges.
Contact Our Joliet Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you love is facing a sexual assault charge, do not delay. Get in touch with Fotopoulos Law Office and discover the difference that dedicated and aggressive legal representation can make in your case. We will fight for your rights and work to protect your future, regardless of the charges or evidence against you. Contact us at 708-942-8400 and schedule an initial consultation today. We serve clients in Bedford Park, Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Burbank, Homer Glen, Mokena, Joliet, Will County, and throughout other parts of northern Illinois.
