St. Charles Crimes Against Children Lawyers

Knowledgeable Crimes Against Children Attorneys Representing Clients in St. Charles, IL

Allegations of sex crimes involving children are among the most serious criminal charges anyone can face in Illinois. Because of the desire to protect children from sexual predators, the penalties for child sex crimes can be very harsh, and they may include prison sentences lasting for years or decades as well as tens of thousands of dollars in fines. In many cases, the consequences that may affect a person will begin long before a trial takes place, and their reputations, employment, and family relationships may be affected.

Because of the high stakes of these cases, anyone who has been accused of a child-related sex offense should immediately seek legal representation from a skilled lawyer. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we have defended clients in thousands of criminal cases involving sex crimes, crimes against children, and other offenses. We approach these cases with discretion, and we understand the emotional impact that these charges can carry. Our goal is always to protect our clients' rights and work toward the most favorable outcome possible.

Types of Sex Offenses Involving Children in Illinois

To address the long-lasting harm that may be done to children when they are victims of sex crimes, Illinois law imposes harsh penalties for these offenses. Some charges that may apply in situations where people are accused of victimizing children include:

• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child: While sexual assault is a serious offense, the charges are even more serious if the alleged victim was under the age of 13. Any sexual contact between an adult and a child under 13 in which one person touches the other's private parts for the purposes of sexual arousal can lead to Class X felony charges. The potential prison sentence that may apply upon conviction can range from six to 60 years.
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child: A person may be charged with this offense if they knowingly engage in sexual conduct or lewd exposure in the presence of a child younger than 17 years old or if they entice or coerce a child to remove their clothing. Criminal charges may apply in situations where a person is physically present in the same location as a child or if a person is communicating electronically with a child, such as during a video call. This offense may result in Class A misdemeanor charges, with a potential sentence of up to one year in jail. If a child was under the age of 13, a person may be charged with a Class 4 felony, which carries a prison sentence of one to three years.
• Child Pornography: Possessing, producing, or distributing any visual depiction of a child engaged in a sex act or lewd exhibition of the body is a felony offense in Illinois. This includes images found on phones, computers, or cloud storage, as well as physical photographs, films, or videotapes. Each individual piece of child pornography may result in a separate criminal offense. Possession of child pornography may be charged as a Class 3 felony with a potential prison sentence of two to five years for materials such as pictures or still images, but it may result in Class 2 felony charges with a potential sentence of three to seven years for videos or other moving pictures. Producing or distributing child pornography in the form of still images may result in Class 1 felony charges with a potential sentence of four to 15 years, and in cases involving videos, Class X felony charges may apply.
• Online Solicitation of a Minor: Using the internet, social media, or electronic communication to solicit a minor for sexual activity or to arrange to meet a child is a criminal offense in Illinois. The law applies even if the intended meeting never occurs or if the person was communicating with an undercover officer posing as a minor. The charges in these situations may range from Class 3 to Class 1 felonies depending on whether engaging in sexual activity with the child in question would be considered sexual assault, sexual abuse, or another offense.
• Juvenile Prostitution: Illinois law treats minors engaged in prostitution as victims of trafficking, and criminal penalties may apply in cases involving adults who solicit or promote prostitution involving minors. Patronizing a minor engaged in prostitution is a Class 3 felony. Promoting or profiting from juvenile prostitution is a Class 1 felony, and class X felony charges may apply if a person is accused of confining a minor against their will or threatening to harm them in order to compel them to engage in prostitution.

Contact Our St. Charles, Illinois Child Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

Anyone who is facing sex crime allegations involving children will need to make sure to work with a skilled attorney who is prepared to handle the challenges and sensitive issues involved in these cases. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we have decades of experience and a track record of achieving positive results for our clients. We are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every client we represent. To set up a free consultation and learn how we can help you defend against sex crime charges, contact us at 630-786-6062.