A Montgomery County, IL sex crimes lawyer defends individuals accused of sexual assault, abuse, or related offenses under Illinois law. Being accused in Montgomery County, IL or elsewhere in Southern Illinois puts your liberty and good name on the line.
If convicted, you could face severe penalties: incarceration, financial burdens, and permanent placement on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry. Combs Waterkotte’s Montgomery County, IL criminal defense attorneys fight aggressively to protect your rights and build the strongest defense possible.
Call (314) 900-HELP today for immediate help, or reach out online to arrange a free and confidential consultation. Put an experienced lawyer on your side right away.
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At a Glance: Montgomery County, IL Sex Crime Charges
- Charges can be classified anywhere between misdemeanors and Class X felonies, sometimes carrying life sentences.
- The most common charges include sexual assault, sexual abuse, child pornography, solicitation, and public indecency.
- Convictions often require mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, along with fines and serious limits on housing and employment.
- Defense strategies may include consent, false accusations, lack of evidence, or constitutional violations.
- Hiring a lawyer quickly can make the difference between dismissal and conviction.
Common Sex Crime Charges in Montgomery County, IL
Illinois law prosecutes a wide range of sexual offenses, and the penalties depend on the severity of the conduct, the ages of those involved, and prior convictions. Below are examples of charges in Montgomery County, IL:
- Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1 Felony)
This offense involves sexual penetration carried out by force, threats, or when the victim is legally unable to consent, including cases involving family members or those in positions of authority. Punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison for a first-time conviction. - Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X Felony)
Aggravated sexual assault includes additional elements like weapons, serious bodily harm, or very young victims under 13. Carries 6 to 30 years in prison, and in some cases, a potential life sentence. - Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (Class X Felony)
Sexual penetration with a victim under 13 when the offender is 17 or older. Punishable by 6 to 60 years in prison, with no probation allowed. - Criminal Sexual Abuse
Involves sexual conduct without penetration, such as touching or fondling, when it is against the victim’s will, the victim cannot consent, or the age difference makes it illegal. Penalties range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony. - Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Felony)
Involves sexual conduct with aggravating factors such as the victim being under 13, the offender holding a position of trust, use of a weapon, or causing bodily harm. Penalties vary from Class 2 felonies to Class X felonies, depending on circumstances. - Child Pornography
Possession, distribution, or production of child sexual abuse material is aggressively prosecuted under Illinois law. Penalties escalate with the number of files and can result in multiple felony counts. - Public Indecency
Sexual acts in a public place. Usually a misdemeanor for first offenses, but prior convictions can elevate it to a felony. - Solicitation of a Child / Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Asking, luring, or enticing a child to commit a sexual act. Depending on circumstances, this is often charged as a felony. - Soliciting or Grooming (Online or Otherwise)
Using the internet or electronic communication to seduce, solicit, or groom a minor for sexual purposes. - Exploitation of a Child (Non-Physical Contact)
Acts such as exposing a child to sexual material or behavior, even without direct contact, which can lead to felony charges. - Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Not a new sex act, but a serious crime tied to prior convictions. Illinois aggressively prosecutes registration violations. - Sexual Relations Within Families (Incest)
Sexual activity between family members who cannot legally marry, regardless of consent. Charged as a felony. - Indecent Solicitation of an Adult
Trying to pay or convince someone to commit a sex act in violation of the law, often related to prostitution but with aggravating circumstances.
Comparison of Illinois Sex Crime Offenses
| Offense | Felony Class / Level | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Sexual Assault | Class 1 Felony | 4–15 years in prison |
| Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault | Class X Felony | 6–30 years or life |
| Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child | Class X Felony | 6–60 years, no probation |
| Criminal Sexual Abuse | Class A Misd. / Class 4 Felony | Up to 1 year (misdemeanor) or 1–3 years (felony) |
| Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse | Class 2 to Class X Felony | 3–30+ years depending on age/circumstance |
| Child Pornography | Felony | Multi-count charges; lengthy prison terms |
| Public Indecency | Misd. / Felony | Up to 1 year (misdemeanor) or more with priors |
| Indecent Solicitation of a Child / Sexual Exploitation | Felony (varies) | Several years in prison; harsher for younger victims |
| Soliciting or Grooming (Online/Otherwise) | Felony | Typically Class 4 to Class 2 Felony; 1–7 years or more |
| Exploitation of a Child (Non-Physical) | Felony | Prison time depending on nature of offense |
| Failure to Register as a Sex Offender | Felony | 1–7 years or more; aggressive prosecution |
| Sexual Relations Within Families (Incest) | Felony | Class 3 or Class 2; 2–7 years or more |
| Indecent Solicitation of an Adult | Misd. / Felony | Misdemeanor to several years depending on aggravating factors |
The Impact of a Sex Crime Conviction in Montgomery County, IL
Illinois law imposes punishments from probation for misdemeanors all the way to life sentences for aggravated felonies. Even after prison, the effects of a conviction can last a lifetime.
- Prison Sentences
A conviction for a Class 1 felony can result in 4–15 years in prison; Class X felonies may bring 6–30 years or even more. - Fines
Heavy fines can also be imposed, often amounting to tens of thousands. - Sex Offender Registration
Nearly all sex crime convictions result in mandatory registration in the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, frequently for life. - Restrictions
Registered offenders face restrictions on housing, employment, and travel. - Reputation Damage
Because convictions are public, they can devastate careers, relationships, and standing in the community.
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How Can a Lawyer Fight Sex Crime Charges in Illinois?
To fight these serious charges, a lawyer will employ different strategies designed to protect your rights and expose flaws in the case. Examples of defense strategies are listed below:
- Consent Defense
Demonstrating that the act was consensual and not criminal. - False Accusations
Demonstrating that the allegations stem from bias, manipulation, or personal conflicts. - Mistaken Identity
Pointing to errors in identification that led to an innocent person being accused. - Evidence Suppression
Seeking to suppress statements or materials gathered unlawfully. - Forensic Challenges
Attacking the reliability of scientific evidence, including lab testing and expert opinions. - Procedural Errors
Demonstrating that procedural violations undermined the fairness of the trial.
Because each case is different, an individualized defense from a skilled Southern Illinois attorney may determine whether charges are dismissed or reduced.
What Happens After an Arrest for a Sex Crime in Montgomery County, IL?
After an arrest for a sex crime in Illinois, the legal process unfolds in a series of steps leading up to trial. Awareness of the process helps you and your lawyer plan an effective defense.
- Arrest & Booking
The process begins with police custody, formal recording of charges, and temporary detention. - Bond Hearing
A judge decides whether you can be released and sets the conditions of release. - Pre-Trial Motions
This step allows your attorney to attack improper evidence or raise procedural issues. - Discovery & Negotiations
Both sides exchange evidence, and plea bargaining may take place. - Trial Preparation
Defense preparation includes organizing witnesses, analyzing expert testimony, and anticipating prosecution tactics. - Trial
Evidence and arguments are presented before a judge or jury. - Sentencing & Appeals
Convictions can be followed by sentencing arguments and possible appeals.
What Sets Combs Waterkotte Apart in Montgomery County, IL Sex Crime Defense
- Proven Experience
The firm has handled and won some of the most challenging sex crime cases in Illinois. We win cases other firms won’t touch. - Aggressive Advocacy
At each step, we push back against prosecutors and hold them accountable to strict standards of proof. - Confidential Support
We know these charges are highly personal, and we provide support with professionalism and compassion. - Results-Driven Defense
Every strategy we build is aimed at securing the best possible result for your life and future.
Answers to Common Questions about Montgomery County, IL Sex Crime Charges
- Do all sex crime convictions require registration as a sex offender?
Yes, the majority of convictions—such as assault, child pornography, and abuse charges—require registration. Registration is often for life. - Can a sex crime charge be reduced or dismissed?
It is possible. Effective defense strategies may lead to reductions via plea deals or outright dismissal where evidence is weak or unlawfully gathered. - What if the accusation is false?
False accusations are more common than many realize. A defense attorney can investigate motives, challenge inconsistencies, and present evidence disproving the claim. - Is a sex crime always a felony in Illinois?
No. While most sex crimes are felonies, lower-level charges such as indecency may be treated as misdemeanors.
Get Legal Help for Sex Crime Charges in Montgomery County, IL
If you or someone you love is facing sex crime charges in Montgomery County, IL, don’t wait to get help. The earlier you contact a lawyer, the stronger your defense will be.
Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a confidential consultation with a sex crimes lawyer in Montgomery County, IL at Combs Waterkotte.
