DuPage County Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys

Defending Your Rights Protecting Your Future

When your future is clouded by the specter of an investigation or arrest for a criminal offense, feelings of anxiety, frustration and even anger are natural. When the offense is a sex crime, you face particularly harsh consequences that include public contempt and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender. These harsh penalties only make the risk of incarceration even more disconcerting. Fortunately, allegations and even formal criminal charges are not the same as a criminal conviction.

Why Do Individuals Charged with Crimes Entrust Their Future to Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.?

When your future hangs in the balance, you need the experience and proven results of Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. safeguarding your rights and advocating for your future. Our DuPage County criminal defense attorneys have handled over 12,000 criminal cases involving Hall of Fame rock stars, police officers, politicians, physicians and athletes. Our founding attorney Donald Ramsell was formerly named the “Illinois Super Lawyer” by Chicago Magazine, and he was designated both the “Illinois Leading Lawyer in Illinois Criminal Appeals” and the “Illinois Leading Lawyer in Criminal-DUI Defense” by Crane magazine.

Mr. Ramsell has also been rated a 10.0 and Top Attorney by AVVO. Our law firm is comprised of skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyers who are firmly committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for our clients whether that result be dismissal, acquittal or a significant reduction in the charge or sentencing. Our criminal defense attorneys recognize that our role is to provides the most effective defense of our clients without judgment, so we can help our clients move past the dark cloud of suspicion that accompanies a charge of sexual assault in Illinois

What Constitutes Sexual Assault Under Illinois Law?

An individual may be charged with sexual assault under Illinois law under any of the following circumstances:

• Sexual penetration of a complaining witness who is less than eighteen but older than thirteen when the defendant is over 17 and in a position of trust or supervision;
• Use of force or the threat of force to achieve penetration;
• Sexual penetration of someone under 18 by a relative;
• Sexual penetration of an alleged victim who is unable to comprehend the sexual nature of the act or lacks the capacity to provide consent to the sexual act.

Under Illinois criminal laws, sexual penetration is defined as intrusion into the genitals of the purported victim or direct contract between the genitals of the accused and the other party’s genitals, anus, or mouth.

Punishment for Sexual Assault

The offense of criminal sexual assault is considered a Class 1 felony with potential exposure of 4-15 years in state prison. A conviction also carries a potential fine up to a maximum of $25,000. The penalties are even more severe if you are charged with aggravated sexual assault, or certain other factors apply, such as an elderly victims (over age 60), handicapped victim, infliction of injury and other factors. If you are convicted of sexual assault in DuPage County or the surrounding areas of Illinois, you also will be forced to register as a sex offender on a lifetime basis. Sex offender registration can impact where you can work, live and travel while being discoverable to almost anyone with a web based search that takes only moments.

When Your Future Is Threatened by Criminal Charges

Although we have provided some basic information about the offense and penalties associated with a sexual assault charge under Illinois law, there are many nuances and complications that cannot be covered in such a brief discussion. Whether you are under investigation for sexual assault in the Chicagoland area or your have been formally charged, you should assert your right not to talk to the police, detectives or other law enforcement officers. Our DuPage County criminal defense attorneys offer a free consultation, so you should feel free to call us today at 630-256-8001 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation in our conveniently located office in Naperville. We also have offices in Wheaton and in St. Charles or Rolling Meadows by appointment.