Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Sex Crime Cases in Chicago Often Come Down to One Person’s Word Against Another
In many Chicago sex crime cases, there is little or no physical evidence. Unlike other criminal offenses that may involve surveillance footage, fingerprints, or multiple witnesses, sex crime allegations often depend heavily on statements made by individuals involved. When this occurs, the credibility of those witnesses becomes one of the most important issues in the case.
Prosecutors in Cook County aggressively pursue allegations involving criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, and related offenses. Illinois statutes governing these charges include 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20 for criminal sexual assault, 720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 for aggravated criminal sexual assault, 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50 for criminal sexual abuse, and 720 ILCS 5/11-1.60 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse. These offenses are typically charged as felonies and carry severe penalties including prison time and mandatory sex offender registration.
