Sex Offenses

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Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys Representing Those Accused of Major Sex Offenses

Sex offenses, especially those involving children or the solicitation of a child, elicit more outrage and condemnation than almost any other type of crime. The mere accusation of a sex crime is a bunch to the gut and those who are accused are presented as leading double lives and unworthy of the basic constitutional freedoms that we often take for granted.  Even the accusation or mention of one of the sex offenses considered Major Sex Offense under the Illinois Criminal code generates horrific negative connotations - from articles involving bad press to posts on social media.  From teachers accused of having sexual contact with their students, to step parents and others involved in domestic accusations of a sexual nature, we have handled hundreds of cases involving felony sex charges and felony sex crime investigations.

The five crimes that are listed as Major Sex Offenses are as follows:

1.  Criminal Sexual Assault - 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20 (Typically a Class 1 Felony but up to a Class X Felony)

2.  Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault - 720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 (Typically a Class X Felony)

3.  Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40 (A Class X Felony up to 60 years in IDOC)

4.  Criminal Sexual Abuse 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50 (Typically a Class 2 Felony)

5.  Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse 720 ILCS 5/11-1.60 (Typically a Class 2 Felony)

Rigorous Defense for the Falsely Accused

If you or a family member has been accused of one of the Major Sex Offenses listed above, you need experienced advice and representation as time in the Illinois Department of Corrections is something the prosecution will push for.  Because of the stigma attached to sexual offenses, many unstable or unscrupulous people will falsely accuse a family member, neighbor, teacher, or someone else they dislike of committing a sex crime. Sometimes, prosecutors unknowingly rely on false statements and testimony. The results can be devastating, even if the allegations are proved false.

People who are charged with sex crimes are fearful of what could happen to them if they go to prison. Those convicted of sex crimes often face lifetime registration as a sex offender. Essentially, they will carry the sex offender label with them for the rest of their life, no matter where they move.

Confronted with the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence and a lifetime of monitoring and registration, you cannot afford to plead guilty if at all possible. You need a sex crime defense lawyer who is willing to fight for you and who can poke holes in the prosecution's case.

At the criminal defense law firm of John W. Callahan, Ltd., we have obtained dismissals and not-guilty verdicts in dozens of sex offense cases, including criminal sexual assault, solicitation, sexual abuse, rape, solicitation of a minor, Internet sexual solicitation, child pornography, criminal sexual abuse, indecent exposure, pandering, prostitution, statutory rape, child solicitation or enticement, possession of child pornography, and aggravated sexual battery.

If hired early or late in the process, your sexual offense defense attorney can contact the prosecution and negotiate to reduce or minimize the charges against you.

Discovery Is Specific in Sex Crime Cases

There are specific discovery requests (requests to see the state's evidence against you) that need to be made in sex crime cases, which most other attorneys don't even know to request. John W. Callahan, Ltd., attorneys fight vigorously to make sure the prosecution does not take liberties with evidence, testimony, or witnesses. If the state has accused you of a sex offense, we'll say, “Prove it.” We will challenge evidence and witness statements, hold investigators and experts accountable, and insist on procedural justice. We will find alibis, work records, and phone records to help prove that you are innocent.

Don't Let Questionable Evidence or Lies Ruin Your Life
Chicago Sexual Defense Attorneys John W. Callahan, Ltd.

A criminal sexual charge is a serious matter. If you have been accused of a sexual offense, you could face jail time and a lifelong stigma as a sexual offender. Are you sure your constitutional protections have been preserved by police and prosecutors? At the law office of John W. Callahan, Ltd., located in Schaumburg, Illinois, and representing clients in Cook, DuPage and Kane counties, we demand an impartial and fair trial for our clients.

Contact the law office of John W. Callahan, Ltd., today if you are facing a criminal sexual charge. Understanding what you are up against and the defenses available to you are crucial for maintaining your rights throughout your case.

Gathering All the Facts

We are all familiar with news stories involving rejection, spurned lovers, jealousy, vindictive co-workers, unstable students, or blackmail. False sexual charges are not unusual and challenging witnesses, testimony, and evidence is crucial. The attorneys at the law office of John W. Callahan, Ltd., challenge the prosecutor to consider all the facts. In defending your case, we will:

  • Gather evidence in support of your defense
  • Demand a psychological evaluation of the accuser
  • Determine if the accuser suffers from false memories or fantasies
  • Introduce supporting medical evidence or expert psychological opinion
  • Suggest possible motives the accuser might have for making his or her accusations

All of these defense measures require time and preparation. If you haven't contacted a criminal defense attorney yet, contact our offices immediately so that we can start the processes necessary for constructing your defense.

The Scope of Criminal Sexual Offenses

Criminal sexual offenses include a number of misdemeanor and felony charges. The criminal defense law office of John W. Callahan, Ltd., represents clients charged with the following:

  • Criminal Sexual Assault
  • Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault
  • Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child
  • Criminal Sexual Abuse
  • Aggravted Criminal Sexual Abuse
  • Rape
  • Solicitation
  • Prostitution
  • Solicitation of a minor
  • Illegal possession of pornography
  • Child pornography
  • Indecent exposure

Avoid Complications — Hire an Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Immediately

Certain sexual offenses can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the prosecutor's judgment. It is important to hire a criminal defense attorney right away to protect your rights.

Don't make matters worse by delaying your defense. The prosecution has investigators, experts, lab technicians, and monetary resources to put you behind bars. If they've arrested you … it's a pretty good indication they believe you committed a crime.

Contact the sexual offense defense lawyers of John W. Callahan, Ltd., today to make sure you get a fair trial.

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