Internet Sex Crimes: Predators and Punishments

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Chicago criminal defense lawyer

Being labeled as a sex offender is a punishment with wide-ranging implications that can have a detrimental impact on your life. Internet sex offenses may range anywhere from sexual harassment to producing obscene materials to a minor. Regardless of the cause of action, sexual crimes are viewed among the most severe and unforgiving under the law, and all allegations should be taken very seriously.

Sex Offender Registry

Probation, fines, and jail time aside, one of the most damaging aspects of a sex crime conviction is that you will have to register as a sex offender. Being labeled a sex offender can greatly compromise your ability to find housing, make a living, visit with your children, or maintain custody of your child. You will have restrictions placed on your ability to travel, and be present around children, schools, or parks. These limitations can greatly affect your freedom, future, and emotional well-being. You must register as a sex offender for life, and failure to timely register as a sex offender in Illinois can carry its own significant criminal penalties.

If convicted, you will be required by law to provide basic demographic information in addition to your photograph, address, place of employment, employer telephone number, personal phone number, aliases utilized on instant messenger/chatrooms/blogs, conditions of parole/probation, license plate numbers, and other personal information that may be accessed by the public.

Punishments

The Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act provides punishments for solicitations and physical acts pertaining to both minors and those of consenting age, though many enumerated laws specify punishments for interactions with minors. Some of the commonly-charged crimes under this act include:

• Publicizing obscene and sexually explicit material to a minor;
• Online child pornography possession or distribution;
• Online solicitation of sexual acts or prostitution;
• Sexual harassment; and
• Lewd sexual offenses resulting from webcam, chatroom, or instant message discussions.

Studies from the United States Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Registry indicate that sexual predators are likely to seek vulnerable youth who post sexually provocative photos online. It is estimated that 13 percent of Internet users have received undesired sexual solicitations from other online users. Some users may genuinely not know the age of those they are soliciting, but underage or not, such solicitations are a crime in Illinois. In addition, many uses of the Internet may result in federal punishments, which in many cases will result in more significant punishments. An Illinois state-charged internet sex crime can alone lead to up to a 20-year prison sentence and up to $25,000 in associated fines.

Internet Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

Having sexual abuse or Internet sex crime allegations raised against you can be frightening, embarrassing, and emotionally traumatizing. In order to have the best chance at having your charges reduced or dropped entirely, you need knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense attorneys. Our DuPage County sex crime defense attorneys will listen to your account of the events, and work with prosecutors to ensure the most favorable outcome that will be the least damaging to your future. Contact Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. at 630-472-9700 today.