Chicago Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer

Internet Sex-Related Crime Charges Defense in Cook County

As people spend more and more of their lives online, they may engage in activities that could potentially lead to criminal charges. In some cases, the material that people share online or the ways they interact with others over the internet may lead to accusations of sex crimes. These can be very serious offenses, and they can not only result in criminal penalties, but they may also damage a person's reputation and limit the ways they will be able to use the internet in the future. Anyone who is charged with an internet-related sexual offense will need to understand how these charges may affect them and how they can defend themselves.

In cases involving internet sex crimes, it is important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to fight these charges. At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, our skilled lawyer will take an aggressive approach to these situations, working diligently to protect our client's rights and build the strongest possible defense against any accusations they are facing. With our knowledge of the laws that apply to online sexual offenses and other types of criminal charges, as well as our experience representing clients in Cook County criminal courts and federal criminal cases, we can help defendants take the proper steps to minimize the potential consequences they may face.

Types of Internet Sex Crimes in Illinois

In many cases, internet sexual offenses will involve crimes against children, although criminal charges may also apply in situations involving adults. Offenses that are related to the internet include:

• Indecent solicitation of a child - Some of the most serious internet sex crimes involve contacting children over the internet and attempting to meet with them in order to engage in sex acts. The offense of indecent solicitation of a child may apply if a person requests or encourages a child under the age of 17 to perform acts of sexual intercourse or sexual conduct. If a person solicits a child to commit an act that would be considered aggravated criminal sexual assault or predatory criminal sexual assault, they may be charged with a Class 1 felony. If a sex act would consist of criminal sexual assault, Class 2 felony charges may apply, and a person may be charged with a Class 3 felony if an act would be aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Knowingly discussing sexual acts with a child online with the intent of committing aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a Class 4 felony.
• Solicitation to meet a child - Contacting a child under the age of 17 online and enticing or encouraging them to meet with a person without the knowledge of their parent(s) or guardian is a Class A misdemeanor. The offense may be charged as a Class 4 felony if the person believes that they are at least five years older than the child.
• Sexual exploitation of a child - This offense involves engaging in sexual acts in view of a child under the age of 17 or enticing or encouraging a child to disrobe for the purpose of sexual arousal. While this offense may be committed in person, it can also take place virtually, such as when a person engages in these types of activities while video chatting with a child via a webcam. Sexual exploitation of a child is generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor. However, Class 4 felony charges will apply if the child is under the age of 13 or if a person had previously been convicted of a sex crime.
• Child pornography - Offenses involving images, videos, or other visual depictions of children under the age of 18 engaging in sexual intercourse in sexual conduct or portrayals of nudity or other acts that are meant to be sexually arousing are incredibly serious. Possession of child pornography is usually charged as a Class 3 felony at minimum. More serious charges will apply if a person is accused of producing or distributing child pornography, up to a Class X felony.
• Distribution of harmful material - Selling, giving, or otherwise distributing material depicting nudity or sexual conduct to children under the age of 18 may result in criminal charges, including in situations where this material is made available to children to download via the internet. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images - A person who distributes sexual images of an adult to others in which the person can be identified may face criminal charges. This offense is sometimes known as "revenge porn," and it may involve uploading nude images, sex tapes, or other material that was meant to be private to the internet. In these cases, a person may be charged with a Class 4 felony.

Contact Our Cook County Internet Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Allegations of sex crimes that involved the internet can not only lead to criminal charges and serious penalties, but they may permanently harm your reputation and standing in the community. At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we can help you determine the best ways to respond to these accusations, and we can provide you with a strong defense during your case. With our understanding of the complexities involved with these types of cases, we will fight hard on your behalf for a favorable outcome. Set up a free consultation by calling our office at 312-627-9482 or contacting us online.