720 ILCS 5/11-9.4-1 – Sexual Predator and Child Sex Offender; Presence or Loitering in or Near Public Parks Prohibited
This law makes it illegal for sexual predators or child sex offenders to be in or near public parks.
This Illinois law says that people convicted as sexual predators or child sex offenders cannot go into or hang around public parks or nearby areas. Breaking this rule can lead to a misdemeanor or, for repeat offenses, a felony charge.
(a) This section defines key terms:
“Child sex offender” means someone defined as such under another Illinois law, with some exceptions for specific offenses. “Public park” includes parks, forest preserves, bike trails, and conservation areas managed by the state or local government. “Loiter” means standing or sitting around a park, whether in a car or not, possibly to commit a sexual offense. “Sexual predator” has the same meaning as in the Sex Offender Registration Act.
(b) It is against the law for a sexual predator or child sex offender to knowingly go into or be on any public park property or building.
(c) It is also against the law for these individuals to hang around or loiter within 500 feet of any public park or park building. This 500-foot distance is measured from the outer edge of the park property.
(d) Sentence: Anyone who breaks this law commits a Class A misdemeanor. If they break it again, it becomes a Class 4 felony.
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