Criminal Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney in Illinois
If you’ve been accused of criminal sexual abuse in Illinois, you face serious consequences following a conviction on the charges. In addition to prison time and a potential civil lawsuit by your accuser, you could be required to register as a sexual offender. Even after you’ve served your time, you might face restrictions on where you can live and what you can do in life. These are serious charges and you need an experienced Chicago criminal lawyer on your side fighting for you.
As a lawyer with experience fighting clients’ sexual abuse charges, we understand that there may be more than one side to the story. Your case might be more complex than your accuser would have authorities believe. We know how to investigate your case to find the evidence you need to prove your innocence.
What is Criminal Sexual Abuse in Illinois?
Criminal sexual abuse (also called criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual conduct) occurs when an unwanted sexual act, often involving penetration, is inflicted on another person by force or the threat of force. It covers a wider range of behavior than the traditional common law definition of rape and can apply to a homosexual act or even to a forced sexual act perpetrated by a man on his wife.
Under Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/12-15, a person commits criminal sexual abuse when:
- Committing an act of sexual conduct by using or threatening force;
- Committing an act of sexual conduct knowing that the victim is unable to understand the nature of the act or give knowing consent;
- Committing an act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct with a victim between 9 and 17 years of age while under 17 years of age themselves; or
- Committing an act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct with a victim between 13 and 17 years of age while less than 5 years older than the victim.
A Lawyer Who Will Fight Your Charges
Matthew Chivari, an attorney in Illinois, understands the harsh effects that a conviction can have on your life. He knows the law and how to fight your charges. He provides a free consultation to review the circumstances of your case with you and explain your available defenses. He will make aggressive efforts to fight the accusations against you and uncover the evidence you need to win dismissal of your charges or a minimum sentence.
Contact Chicago criminal lawyer Matthew Chivari today for your free and confidential legal consultation.
