Sex Offenses

An explanation of Illinois sex crimes

March 5, 2012
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The accusation of sexual misconduct can be devastating for a defendant. First, the person is tried in the court of public opinion, and almost always found guilty when his or her mug shot appears in the news. Second, regardless of any sentence imposed in a criminal case, the defendant will be required to register as [...]

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Offenses that mandate sex offender registration in Illinois

January 22, 2012
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Illinois law provides that any person who is found guilty of a sex offense must register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act. See 730 ILCS 150/1.
A person who is required to register will have his identity made part of the public registry managed by the Illinois State Police. The registry [...]

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Illinois public indecency laws explained

November 8, 2011
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The law in the state of Illinois says that is a criminal offense to expose oneself in public. The crime is called public indecency. The penalties for this offense can include up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2500.
But most importantly, the crime of public indecency is classified as a sex [...]

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Illinois law on felony probation sentences, generally

May 20, 2011
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The principal rule in regards to felony sentencing in Illinois courts is that the judge is not allowed to sentence the defendant to a conviction only. Rather, the law requires that the judge must sentence the defendant to a conviction combined with some other terms.
Usually in felony cases, the judge has discretion to sentence the [...]

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New Illinois law criminalizes parents who leave children with sex offenders

April 29, 2011
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Illinois lawmakers made a new criminal offense concerning sex offenders in 2011. Effective on January 1, 2011, the new law prohibits parents from leaving their children unattended with a child sex offender.
The new law is found in the criminal code at 720 ILCS 5/12-21.6-5. The statute says that it is a Class A misdemeanor offense [...]

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Conviction for felony offense involving a motor vehicle will suspend your Illinois driver’s license

October 5, 2010
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An arrest for a felony offense in Illinois has consequences beyond sentencing in court. In addition to the possibility of a prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections, a defendant may lose his driver’s license.
The Secretary of State in Illinois has authority to suspend, cancel, and even revoke a person’s driving privileges for a [...]

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What is criminal sexual abuse in Illinois?

April 18, 2010
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Sex between two consenting persons who are under 17 years of age is very serious criminal offense under Illinois law. It does not matter whether the two persons have engaged in sexual intercourse willingly. It does not matter that the two persons are in a relationship together. Sex between two minors is criminal sexual abuse.
Criminal [...]

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What is the process for involuntary commitment as a sexually violent person?

February 1, 2010
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Illinois law provides a process for incarcerating sexually violent persons (SVPs) indefinitely in the Department of Corrections.

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I got arrested by an undercover officer. Is that entrapment?

February 1, 2010
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Under Illinois law, a person arrested for a criminal offense when the police have acted deceptively (e.g., undercover) may be able to assert a defense of entrapment.

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