Sexually Based Crimes and the Illinois Sex Offender Registry
After a conviction, any crime has the potential to be life-altering. Although, most crimes do not carry the additional stigma and other consequences as a conviction for sex crimes. Unfortunately, many sexually based crimes are based on false accusations, landing many innocent individuals on the sex offender registry for an extended period. It is imperative to protect yourself using proper legal representation to better your chances of avoiding the worst case scenario.
Is Registration Required?
Any crime involving sexual assault or that is sexually motivated faces judgment as a sex crime. Upon a charge of any of the vast number of sexual offenses, including rape or public indecency, an unfavorable result would require the necessity of publically registering as a sex offender. The case outcomes requiring automatic registration include:
- A conviction of actually committing the offense,
- A conviction of attempting to commit the crime,
- A decision of not guilty because of insanity for either committing or trying to commit the offense
- Any outcome other than an acquittal for the offense.
The Offenses
As previously mentioned, there is a broad and extensive list of sex crimes that are required by the Illinois State Police (ISP) to register upon any of the above results. A few offenses include:
- Child pornography,
- Juvenile pimping,
- Indecent solicitation,
- Forcible detention, if the victim is under 18,
- Sexual misconduct of a person with a disability,
- Kidnapping someone under the age of 18 and it is sexually motivated, and
- First-degree murder, age dependant.
Effects of Registration
The point that the information is available to the public may be the least of the repercussions for many. Registration requires annual renewal or renewal every 90 days dependent on the severity of the crime, at the cost of $100.00 each renewal for the rest of the offender's natural life. With this label, the guilty person is bound to the following restrictions:
- Unable to be on school property,
- Restrained from loitering within 500 feet of a school,
- Barred from public parks, including conservation areas and forest preserves, and
- Prohibited from the use of social networking sites.
Facing Charges?
Sexual crimes are not taken lightly in a court of law. However, the ease of which anyone can accuse another remains nearly effortless. There seems to be a great proclivity of scorned lovers or persons having ulterior motives to point the finger at the innocent, hoping to force an outcome they desire. If you have been accused of a sexually based crime, it is important to retain legal counsel immediately. In Illinois, without the proper representation, registration can affect you for the rest of your life.
If you are interested in discussing your situation with a Maywood, IL sex crime defense attorney, contact Stringini & Garvey, P.C. today by calling 630-834-9595. Together, we use our over 65 years of experience to defend our clients in Addison, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Bloomingdale, and all surrounding Chicagoland areas.
Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2009
http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/faq.cfm
https://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/ilcs/720ILCS5_11-9.3.pdf
