Call the Experienced and Knowledgeable Springfield IL Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation.
Sex crimes are considered especially heinous in our society. Prosecutors side with alleged victims and will often not listen to your side of the story. You need someone who is on your side and who will fight for you in the courtroom. You need a lawyer who is willing to challenge the state’s evidence and defend your rights.
The criminal defense lawyers at the Noll Law Office located in Springfield, Illinois are knowledgeable and experienced in defending sex cases. They have a proven track record of getting charges dismissed or reduced because they are willing to fight for their clients all the way through the criminal process. Often, prosecutors try to obtain DNA or other forensic evidence to prove their case. The Noll Law Office understands the science behind forensic testing and how it can be used to the defendant’s benefit.
What Types of Sex Charges Do You Represent Clients On?
The Noll Law Office will represent a client who has been charged with any type of sex-related offense. The following list is a sample of the types of cases we regularly handle:
- Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault – There are 13 ways the State may charge Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault. The easiest way to understand the intricacies of this charge is to look at the sex crimes chart. Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault is a Class X Felony punishable from 6-30 years (and up to natural life in certain circumstances).
- Possession or Production of Child Pornography – The defense attorneys at the Noll Law Office have successfully represented clients in both state and federal court who have been charged with the production and/or possession of child pornography. They understand the particulars of these charges and how to defend them. They have consulted with leading forensic computer experts and demonstrated that their clients did not download child pornography. In other cases, the defense lawyers were able to obtain favorable mitigating evidence which allowed their client to obtain probation.
- Criminal Sexual Assault – There are several ways a person may be charged with criminal sexual assault. The most common alleges that an individual committed an act of sexual penetration and used force or the threat of force. Criminal sexual assault is a non-probational Class 1 felony punishable by 4-15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The criminal defense lawyers at the Noll Law Office have obtained “not guilty” verdicts on criminal sexual assault charges.
- Criminal Sexual Abuse – Criminal Sexual Abuse can either be a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 4 felony depending on how it is charged. It is a felony offense if a person commits an act of sexual conduct by the use of force or threat of force. However, a person may be charged with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse if certain factors are present such as bodily harm is present.
- Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault – A person charged with Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault in Illinois is not eligible for probation and is facing a sentence of 6 to 30 years in the Department of Corrections (Class X Offense). In addition, if a firearm was present, a mandatory gun enhancement will apply to increase your sentence by up to 25 years. You need experienced and established criminal defense attorneys to represent you against these serious charges.
- Public Indecency – Any person over the age of 17 who performs any of the following acts in a public place commits a public indecency: 1) an act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct; or 2) a lewd exposure of the body done with intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desire of the person. If convicted of three or more violations, it is a Class 4 felony (instead of a Class A misdemeanor).
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Sexual Exploitation of a Minor can be charged in either state or federal court. This charge carries 6-60 years in state court and 15-30 years in federal court. The lawyers at the Noll Law Office have represented clients in both jurisdictions. If you or your loved one has been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child (minor), you need an attorney who has the experience and skills to properly defend against these serious charges.
What Are the Penalties for Sex Cases in Illinois?
The penalties for sex charges vary widely in Illinois. It would be unfair to give a generalization on what sentence a person is looking at without knowing the exact charges they are facing.
That said, below are some of the common factors which can impact the sentence of a case, including:
- The jurisdiction in which the charges are filed (state v. federal);
- The use of force or the attempted use of force;
- The age of the victim;
- Presence of a weapon;
- Great bodily harm;
- Prior criminal history; and
- Consent
Regardless, if you have been arrested or charged with a sex offense, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. You should know your rights prior to walking into court.
What Are the Possible Defenses of a Sex Case in Illinois?
Prior to deciding on a defense, you should always speak to your criminal defense attorney, review the discovery in your case, and have a solid understanding of the charges you are facing. While every case is unique and depends on specific facts, there are some common defenses to cases.
In their experience, the Noll Law Office has identified are two common defenses to sex cases. The first defense is reasonable doubt. Essentially, this means that the prosecutor cannot prove their case. It may be because there is no forensic evidence such as DNA. It could be because the eyewitness testimony is unreliable. Whatever the reason, this is far and away the most common defense to sex charges.
The second defense is consent. Consent is usually only a defense when force or the threat of force is an element of the offense. For example, consent is a defense to Criminal Sexual Assault because it requires the prosecutor to demonstrate both sexual penetration plus force or the threat of force. In some cases where the DNA of the accused is found, consent may be their only defense. It would be a stretch to say you did not have sexual penetration with a person if your DNA was found inside of them.
Where Does the Noll Law Office Represent People Accused of Sex Crimes?
The Noll Law Office is located in Springfield, Illinois. Their criminal defense lawyers have represented clients throughout the State of Illinois. Generally speaking, the lawyers at the Noll Law Office will represent individuals accused of crimes in:
- Central District of Illinois (Springfield, Peoria, and Urbana)
- Springfield, Sangamon County
- Jacksonville, Morgan County
- Hillsboro, Montgomery County
- Carlinville, Macoupin County
- Petersburg, Menard County
- Virginia, Cass County
- Lincoln, Logan County
- Taylorville, Christian County
If your case is outside of that geographical area, don’t worry, they still may represent you. Call them today and they can let you know if it is a case they would handle and what the fee would be.
How Do I Find the Right Lawyer for My Case If I Am Charged with a Sex Crime?
If you are charged with a sex offense, your future is at stake. You are likely facing a jail or prison sentence, registration on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, fines, and the embarrassment of the charges themselves. Whether it is the Noll Law Office or someone else, you should make sure you have a lawyer who is qualified to represent you in court.
These are some of the questions we recommend you ask a lawyer before hiring them on your case:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- How often do you practice where the case is located?
- Do you have experience with the judge and prosecutor?
- How many sex offense cases have you handled in your career?
- Have you handled any like mine?
- When was the last time you represented someone on a sex charge?
- What type of results have you gotten for people in my situation?
- Do you go to trial?
- When was the last time you had a jury trial that went to a verdict?
- How many jury trials do you do a year?
- What is your fee?
- Are there any additional expenses I should anticipate?
Noll Law Office Car Accident Lawyers – Springfield
930 E Monroe St, Springfield, IL 62701
Office Hours:
Monday – Open 24 hours
Tuesday – Open 24 hours
Wednesday- Open 24 hours
Thursday – Open 24 hours
Friday – Open 24 hours
Saturday – Open 24 hours
Sunday – Open 24 hours
How Can the Noll Law Office Help Me with My Sex Charges?
The Noll Law Office has significant experience in both state and federal court representing those who have been accused of sex crimes. They are trial lawyers who are not scared to go in front of a jury. They fight for their clients. Their lawyers have obtained numerous “not guilty” verdicts on a variety of different charges throughout Illinois.
If you retain them, you will have lawyers who will be in communication with you. They will listen to your input in developing your defense. You will have competent lawyers who have handled cases like yours. They will make sure that you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. If you would like proof of this, look at their online reviews from prior clients.
If you are being investigated or have been charged with a sex offense, contact the criminal defense lawyers at the Noll Law Office today. Financing is available.