20+ Years of Experience
Top Predatory Sexual Assault Defense
Are you facing criminal charges for aggravated battery in Chicago? If you are, contact criminal defense lawyer Gus Kostopoulos for a free consultation. Gus is a former prosecutor with over 18 years of experience. He understands how the State’s Attorney will approach and try your case and uses this knowledge to your advantage. If you are facing criminal charges for aggravated battery, call our Chicago office today for a free consultation.
A conviction for this violent crime can have devastating consequences, including a possible sentence of life behind bars. Once you have been convicted of aggravated battery in Chicago your future will be uncertain. It will be difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or secure a loan. In some cases, your right to own a firearm or participate in government welfare programs could be revoked. You can limit the likelihood of facing these consequences by hiring an attorney to defend you.
20+ Years of Experience
Experienced Former Prosecutor
Top Rated in Criminal Defense
Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child
The crime of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child occurs when you commit sexual acts against a victim who is under the age of 13. You can be charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in Chicago, as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40, if you:
- Are over the age of 17;
- Engage in sexual conduct;
- With a victim under the age of 13;
- For the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal.
For the purpose of this crime, sexual conduct includes sexual penetration and making sexual contact with the sex organs or anus of a child.
The crime of aggravated predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40, occurs when you:
- Possess a firearm during the assault;
- Fire a gun during the assault;
- Cause the victim to suffer great bodily harm or permanent disability;
- Administer a controlled substance without consent, by threat, or by deception.
Criminal Penalties for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child
In Chicago, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child is a Class X Felony. However, the specific criminal penalties that can be imposed will depend on the facts and circumstances specific to your case. Factors that will affect the penalty include the age of the victim, the presence of any aggravating factors, and your own existing criminal record.
No Aggravating Factors
Without aggravating factors, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child can be punished by 6 to 60 years in prison.
Aggravating Factors Present
When aggravating factors are present, the penalties for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child are much more severe. Penalties for aggravated predatory criminal sexual assault of a child include:
- Possessing a firearm: 6-60 years plus up to 15 additional years in prison;
- Discharging a firearm: 6-60 years plus up to 20 additional years in prison;
- Causing great bodily harm or disability: 50 years to life in prison;
- Administering a controlled substance: 50-60 years in prison.
Collateral Consequences of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child
When you are convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child you will be faced with criminal and non-criminal penalties. The non-criminal penalties, also known as collateral consequences, can be even more serious and damaging to your future. Perhaps the most devastating collateral consequence of a conviction for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child is the requirement to register as a sex offender with the state of Illinois.
Your life will be changed forever once you register as a sex offender with the state. Your name, photograph, and details of your crime will be published in a database that can be searched by the public. This means that everyone will have access to information about your crime. In addition to the publicity of your act, you will be faced with serious limitations and restrictions as a sex offender. As a registered sex offender, you will not be able to:
- Live in close proximity to a school;
- Enter public parks;
- Work with or around children; and
- Use social media.
You must register with the state for a minimum of 10 years and provide constant updates about your job, address, and other important aspects of your life.
Defenses to Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child in Chicago
Being accused of a crime does not automatically mean that you will be charged or convicted. Many times, accusations of sexual misconduct with a child are based solely on the testimony of a victim and/or their family. The State’s Attorney may have a difficult time proving their case if they lack sufficient evidence.
When you argue certain defenses, you can make it more difficult for the State’s Attorney to prove their case against you.
When you meet with our experienced Chicago criminal defense team you will be asked a series of questions about your alleged crime. These questions are designed to determine if your rights have been violated and which defenses may be most appropriate in your case. Defenses to predatory criminal sexual assault of a child can include:
- False accusation;
- Mistaken identity;
- Lack of sufficient evidence;
- Alleged victim was over the age of 13;
- Force or duress; and/or
- Violation of Constitutional rights.
Experienced Chicago Criminal Defense Attorneys
Have you been arrested for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in Chicago? If you have, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as you can. The consequences of a conviction will change your life forever. In addition to severe criminal penalties, you will be a registered sex offender and social pariah. You can significantly reduce the chances of a bad outcome by hiring an attorney to defend you.
Our Chicago criminal attorneys are led by Gus Kostopoulos, a former Assistant State’s Attorney. We have more than 30 years of combined experience handling complex legal matters and have successfully litigated thousands of criminal cases in Chicago. We know that your future is on the line and will fight to get the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today to set up a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and answer the questions you may have.
Awards and Associations
Get Free Consultation
Top-client-rated criminal defense law firm in Dupage County. Don’t settle for less when your liberty, family, and life are on the line.
Call Dupage County and Cook County criminal defense attorney Gus Kostopoulos today to discuss your case.