Posted on August 25, 2025 in Sex Crimes

Aggravated criminal sexual assault is a more serious form of criminal sexual assault because of the additional harmful factors involved. When aggravating facts are present, the charge becomes a higher felony with longer prison terms, stricter supervision after release, and mandatory sex-offender registration. Early legal help is important because even a first conviction can lead to decades in prison and life-changing consequences. If you have been charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault or any sex crime, talk to an experienced Cook County, IL sex crime defense attorney immediately.

What Is Criminal Sexual Assault Under Illinois Law?

Illinois law makes it clear that sexual activity must be consensual. Under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20, criminal sexual assault happens when there is sexual penetration without consent, or when the other person cannot legally consent because of age, intoxication, or a disability. In court, prosecutors must prove both penetration and lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt. The law also addresses situations where someone uses a position of trust or authority, like a teacher, coach, or caregiver. A conviction carries serious consequences, but these can become more severe if the charges are elevated to aggravated sexual assault.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 11, 2025 in Criminal Defense

In Illinois, supplying drugs to someone can result in severe legal consequences, including being charged with drug-induced homicide if the person dies as a result. This charge applies even if the death was unintentional. Hiring legal representation is the first step in building your defense strategy. An experienced Chicago, IL homicide defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you and explain your options.

What Is Drug-Induced Homicide in Illinois?

Drug-induced homicide occurs when a person knowingly or recklessly causes the death of another person by delivering, distributing, or administering illegal drugs. According to Illinois law, you can be charged with drug-induced homicide if the drugs you provided directly result in someone’s death. The charge applies even if you did not intend to cause the death. The implication is that you should have seen it coming.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 24, 2025 in Sex Crimes

Facing a child pornography charge in Illinois can be devastating. A conviction can lead to severe legal penalties, permanent damage to your reputation, and lifelong consequences. These cases are often complex, involving forensic evidence, digital records, and constitutional rights. If you are under investigation or have been charged, you should act quickly and seek out an experienced Chicago, IL child pornography defense attorney as soon as possible.

How Severe Is a Child Pornography Charge in Illinois?

Under 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1, it is a felony to control, possess, or access any visual depiction of sexual activity involving a child. Illinois law takes an aggressive approach to these offenses, especially if the material involves multiple images or victims under 13 years old. Charges can be filed even if the material was downloaded automatically or accessed briefly online.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 09, 2025 in Drug Crimes

Cases involving drug crimes commonly come down to intent. Illegally possessing drugs is not enough to result in the maximum sentence. To get a conviction, the prosecution has to prove intent. This can mean intent to use, manufacture, or distribute the drugs, and it can be difficult to prove. If you have been charged with a serious drug crime, a Chicago, IL drug crimes defense lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply to your case and the possible defenses available to you.

What Is the Difference Between Possession and Intent To Distribute?

In Illinois drug crimes are prosecuted under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, 720 ILCS 570/401. Simple possession, under Section 402, means having a controlled substance for personal use. Possession with intent to deliver under Section 401 refers to possessing drugs to sell or distribute them. The intent factor brings much harsher penalties.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Facing an aggravated battery charge in Illinois when you are sure you acted in self-defense can be overwhelming and frustrating. Illinois law allows you to protect yourself in certain situations. However, the line between self-defense and a felony charge can be unclear. How your actions are interpreted can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, and an experienced Chicago aggravated battery defense attorney will ensure you understand your rights and the defense strategies applicable to your case.

How Does Illinois Define Aggravated Battery?

In Illinois, statute 720 ILCS 5/12-3 defines battery as occurring when someone knowingly causes bodily harm to another person or makes physical contact in a way that is insulting or provoking in nature. When certain aggravating factors are present, such as the use of a deadly weapon or injuries causing permanent disability, the offense is elevated to aggravated battery, a felony charge defined under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 10, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Sexual assault charges, especially aggravated criminal sexual assault, are among the most serious criminal charges in Illinois. If you are facing one of these charges, you need to speak with an experienced Chicago sexual assault defense attorney as soon as possible. Often, these cases involve a complex legal process with a web of laws that apply. Challenging the allegations alone risks conviction, and a conviction can result in devastating penalties.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Sexual Assault?

Several statutes cover the actions and penalties related to sexual assault in Illinois. According to 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20, criminal sexual assault involves penetration with the use of or threat of force. It is a Class 1 felony and carries a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison. Under certain circumstances, such as repeat offenses, it can result in life imprisonment. Other charges to consider are:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 19, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Law enforcement officers often rely on search and seizure to gather evidence in criminal cases. Often, for serious offenses, such as homicide and drug crimes, the prosecution’s case relies heavily on evidence collected during a search and seizure. Proving that evidence was obtained illegally, meaning in a way that violated your Constitutional Rights, can make a strong defense strategy. First, consider some circumstances that may seem unlawful but are not. If you have questions about your rights and how they apply to your case, a Cook County, IL criminal defense attorney can help.

When is No Warrant Required for a Search in Illinois?

The Fourth Amendment guarantees your right to be secure in your person, papers, home, and effects, protecting you from unreasonable searches and seizures by a government entity, including the police. Generally, that means they must have probable cause and a valid warrant to search you or your property. However, exceptions to the rule include:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 08, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A public indecency charge can be a shocking surprise, leaving you wondering what to do next. The penalties for sex-related crime can be severe, including long-lasting implications, and you may be seriously worried about your future and your reputation. 

The first step is understanding the charge against you and how a Chicago, IL public indecency defense attorney can help you challenge the allegations. An experienced attorney will walk you through the laws that apply to your case and help you build a defense.

How Does Illinois Law Define Public Indecency?

Under Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/11-30, sexual conduct, including performing the act of sexual penetration, by a person 17 years or older in public, constitutes public indecency. Additionally, lewdly exposing your body with the intent to sexually satisfy or arouse someone also falls under this statute. The law defines a public place as anywhere that you can reasonably expect to be seen by other people. A common misconception is that you must be nude to be charged with public indecency, but this is not always the case. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 23, 2025 in Violent Crimes

Aggravated assault and attempted murder are among the most violent crimes. Both are serious charges that carry severe penalties if convicted. If you have been charged with either of these crimes, you should contact an experienced Cook County, IL violent crimes attorney to learn more about the specific charges against you and what defense strategy would work best in your case.

Definitions of Aggravated Assault and Attempted Murder

According to Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/12-2, aggravated assault is a form of assault that is escalated by specific factors. Typically, if you use a dangerous weapon or behave in a way that implies that you will use a deadly weapon to cause someone bodily harm, you can be charged with aggravated assault. A deadly weapon could be a firearm, a vehicle, or any object that could be considered a weapon.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 14, 2025 in Violent Crimes

The consequences of a violent domestic battery conviction extend beyond the immediate penalties. The legal aftermath can be life-changing, affecting everything from your personal relationships to your financial situation. If you have been charged with battery after a domestic altercation, a Chicago, IL domestic battery defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you and what they could mean for your future.

Employment With a Criminal Record

One of the most damaging effects of a battery conviction is that it will appear on your criminal record indefinitely. In 1991, Illinois passed the Uniform Conviction Information Act, requiring the state police to make public a collection of a person’s criminal convictions. Note that charges alone are not public, only convictions.

Continue Reading ››