Statutory Rape Defense Attorneys

The technical name for statutory rape in Illinois is criminal sexual abuse or aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Statutory rape may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony crime, depending on the age of the victim, the age of the accused and other key factors. Any person who is convicted of statutory rape may face significant criminal penalties.

If you have been charged with statutory rape or feel you may become the target of a criminal investigation, protect your rights by contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney at Acosta Law Group. Our attorneys are committed to providing the strong defense you require. With convenient local office locations, we serve clients throughout the Greater Chicago land area and the surrounding suburbs.

Statutory Rape Law in Illinois

Illinois defines criminal sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse in a variety of ways to prohibit adults and juveniles from engaging in sexual conduct with anyone under the age of legal consent. Key aspects of Illinois statutory rape laws include:

• A person is guilty of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a class 2 felony, if he or she is 17 or older and commits an act of sexual conduct with a victim who is under 13. Mistake of age is not a defense to this charge. [720 ILCS 5/11-1.60(c)(1)]
• A person is guilty of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a class 2 felony, if he or she commits an act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct with a victim who is between age 13 and 16 and the person is five or more years older than the victim. Mistake of age is a defense to this charge (the defendant may argue as a defense that he or she reasonably believed the victim to be 17 or older). [720 ILCS 5/11-1.60(d)]
• A person is guilty of criminal sexual abuse, a class A misdemeanor, if he or she is 16 or younger and has sexual penetration or sexual conduct with a child between the ages of 9 and 16. Mistake of age is a valid defense to this charge. [720 ILCS 5/11‑1.50]
• A person is guilty of criminal sexual abuse, a class A misdemeanor, if he or she has sexual penetration or sexual conduct with a victim between age 13 and 16 and he or she is less than five years older than the victim. Mistake of age is a defense to this charge. [720 ILCS 5/11‑1.50]

Put Our Experienced Defense Attorneys to Work for You

Whether you are an adult or a parent of a juvenile accused of a sex crime, contact our firm immediately if you need legal help. Our criminal defense attorneys have defended many clients accused of statutory rape and other serious sex crimes charges. With more than 40 years of experience, our team of skilled trial lawyers are ready to provide the aggressive defense you require.

Contact Our Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

To schedule a free consultation with a sex crime lawyer at one of our local offices, call (773) 521-3300, (708) 788-900 or contact us by e-mail.