East St. Louis Sex Crime Lawyer

Sex Crime Attorney in East St. Louis, IL

Facing sexual offense charges can be overwhelming and frightening. The legal ramifications for sex crimes in East St. Louis are significant and can lead to extended prison sentences, financial penalties, and obligations to register as a sex offender. At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, an East St. Louis sex crime lawyer can help you.

An East St. Louis criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this process, safeguard your rights, and devise an aggressive defense to counter the prosecution’s charges, starting with the very first phone call.

About The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, near the Madison County Courthouse, our firm provides assertive, knowledgeable defense for those accused of a serious sex crime in East St. Louis and the Metro East. With over two decades of criminal defense experience, Jessica Koester personally reviews each case, challenges evidence and constitutional violations, and protects each client’s rights. We give each person the attention they need for a positive outcome.

Understanding Sex Crime Laws

Sex crimes in East St. Louis, Illinois can be broadly defined as illegal sexual behavior or conduct that is sexually motivated. The Illinois statute does not differentiate between the different types of sex crimes but does provide that different classes of crimes are determined by the age of the victim, the use of force, coercion, or intimidation, and whether the accused person was in a position of trust or authority over the victim.

Any person who commits sexual penetration or sexual conduct with a person, without that person’s consent or with a minor, has committed criminal sexual assault. Sex crime cases are difficult, and thus, the defense must know and understand all of the laws surrounding these charges to craft a defense strategy.

Examples of Sex Crime Cases

One source shows that in 2024, 9,864 individuals in Illinois who experienced sexual violence or who were living with someone who experienced sexual violence were served by sexual-violence service providers. In the same report, the percentage of clients served in 2024 that were age 17 or younger was 34%. Sex crimes can be a variety of things under Illinois law. Some of the most common sex offenses include:

• Criminal sexual assault. Non-consensual sexual penetration or contact with an adult or minor. This includes when it happens under a threat of force, with the use of force, or when the victim is unable to consent to the activity.
• Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. Having sex or sexual penetration with someone who is younger than 13 or a child who is under 18 by someone who is five or more years older.
• Aggravated criminal sexual assault. A sexual assault that includes some additional or aggravating factor, such as the use of a weapon, multiple offenders, or great bodily harm.
• Sexual exploitation or child pornography. Producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit photographs of children.
• Grooming or enticing online. Persuading a minor to engage in sexual conduct over the internet.

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer

Sex crime charges are serious and require immediate, professional legal assistance. A skilled East St. Louis sex Crime attorney can review the state’s evidence, protect your constitutional rights, and defend against unlawful search and seizure.

In a criminal defense case, it may be possible to question a witness’s credibility, challenge the validity of evidence, or conduct an independent investigation of the incident in question. Hire a sex crime lawyer with The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC. Contact us today for a free consultation.