Belleville Internet Sex Crime Lawyer

Internet Sex Crime Attorney in Belleville, IL

If you or someone you love has been accused of internet sexual offenses, you should hire a skilled Belleville internet sex crime lawyer immediately. Cases of Internet sex crimes are typically prosecuted under federal criminal statutes, which can carry significant penalties, including prison time, public registration requirements, and lifelong collateral consequences.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we defend individuals in Belleville, Edwardsville, and throughout the Metro-East area who are facing federal or state internet sex crime charges. Attorney Jessica Koester has been practicing high-stakes criminal defense, including federal sex crimes, for decades and knows how serious the charges are and the impact these charges can have on the rest of your life.

The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, gives you dedicated and assertive defense representation during every phase of your case, from early investigation to trial. We work with your individual case to determine the greatest course of action.

What Is an Internet Sex Crime?

Internet sex crimes are an umbrella term that can include a range of offenses that involve the use of the Internet or other electronic means to commit or facilitate sexual crimes. These offenses can include online child exploitation or production of illegal materials, possession or distribution of obscene or child pornography, solicitation or enticement of a minor, or facilitation of child exploitation through technology or other electronic communications.

Many of these offenses are prosecuted under federal internet sex crime laws if they involve the Internet or interstate or international communications.

For example, under 18 U.S.C. § 2252, it is a federal crime to knowingly receive, distribute, or transport any visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct via computer or other means of interstate commerce. 18 U.S.C. § 2251 also criminalizes persuading, coercing, or transporting a minor to produce such material, including for online distribution.

Because the Internet inherently connects people and devices in different locations that cross state lines and may be in other countries, these crimes typically give rise to federal jurisdiction, even if the alleged acts initially only involved local activity. Federal law enforcement and prosecution resources can have more significant and steeper penalties if convicted.

Possible Defenses in an Internet Sex Crime Case

The United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) reports that 1,375 of the 61,678 federal cases reported in Fiscal Year 2024 involved offenses involving child pornography. Additionally, 45.8% of those convicted of child pornography in FY 2024 were found guilty of simple possession, 43.1% of child pornography trafficking, and 11.1% of receiving child pornography.

These internet sex crime penalties can be steep, requiring a strong defense. Common defenses that may be used in your case include:

• Illegal search or seizure
• Lack of knowledge or intent
• Missing or inconsistent evidence
• Entrapment
• Violation of rights

Additionally, your Belleville internet sex crime attorney may fight for reduced charges. Sometimes, mitigating circumstances, the age of images, or other factors can make this option available.

Hire an Internet Sex Crime Lawyer

If you choose to hire an internet sex crime lawyer in Belleville, you are getting legal representation that can help you build a strong defense strategy customized to your unique circumstances. If you are being charged with any type of child pornography, solicitation of a minor, or other sexual offense involving the Internet, a skilled and experienced attorney in the area of Internet sex crimes can make a difference.

Belleville Internet Sex Crime Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been charged with an internet sex crime, seek legal help right away with The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC. Contact us today for a free consultation.