Criminal sexual assault charges carry heavy consequences for those who are convicted. Even for those who manage to avoid conviction, public opinion can still wreak havoc on both your personal and professional life. If you have been charged with aggravated sexual assault or another sexual crime, it is important to reach out for legal help as soon as possible. An O’Fallon, IL predatory criminal sexual assault lawyer can assess your case and provide a legal defense.
At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we understand the complexities you are up against. We also understand the pressures you are likely facing at home, work, and in other areas of life. We are here to help bear the legal burden and to ensure you receive a fair trial. We can gather evidence, assess the prosecution’s argument for holes and inadmissible evidence, and work to achieve an optimal outcome.
The state of Illinois defines predatory criminal sexual assault as any action that forcefully commits a sexual act with an unwilling individual or with someone who is unable to understand the action. Extenuating circumstances, such as unlawful sexual activity with a minor or actions involving a deadly weapon, may increase the severity of the penalties.
In 2021, St. Clair County, Illinois, reported 61 rape offenses, yet only 5 rape arrests. This is an important statistic for anyone who has been charged with a sex crime in St. Clair County because it reveals the fact that not every charge ends in conviction. Understanding that simply being charged is not the end of your story is an important step towards achieving the outcome you desire.
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Sexual criminal cases in O’Fallon are serious. Baseline sexual crimes are categorized as a class 4 felony crime, which demands a minimum of 1-3 years in prison. If the person who has been convicted has a criminal history or mitigating circumstances were involved, such as possession or use of a deadly weapon, the terms of imprisonment will almost certainly be extended.
In addition to terms of imprisonment, individuals convicted of sexual offenses are required to register as sex offenders for a certain period of time. This will impact various aspects of life, including where you can live, work, and more.
It is important to hire a predatory criminal sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible after you have been charged. These cases involve detailed laws and regulations that can be difficult to stand against in court. However, a skilled defense lawyer will know how to fight such accusations and work towards achieving either a dismissal of your case or having your penalties lessened.
The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, has spent decades representing and defending clients just like you. If you are facing sexual assault charges, our legal team is ready and equipped to provide a strong defense on your behalf. Our experience and drive to ensure all clients get a fair trial will culminate in your case being adequately defended. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help and what our process looks like.
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