A criminal record can seriously derail your life. This is true of a wide variety of offenses – but it is perhaps especially true of sex crimes that require you to register as a sex offender. This kind of registration can lead to a variety of inconveniences and issues that hinder your own growth and daily life. The best thing that you can do if you are facing the possibility of having to register as a sex offender in Illinois is to reach out to an experienced attorney who can help you defend yourself and your rights as much as possible. Brian G. Hiatt, attorney at law, can help.

Sex Crime Attorney in Illinois

In Illinois, sex crimes vary in severity and degree. That means that some sex crimes might actually be consensual and completely nonviolent. Think of an 18-year-old having sexual relations with their 17-year-old partner as an example of this. The crime itself was not violent nor was it nonconsensual, but it is a crime nonetheless. Other sex crimes in Illinois are more serious and can net the offender serious penalties. These include crimes like child molestation and rape – these are known as “predatory criminal sexual assault”.

Because there are a wide variety of sex crime levels in Illinois, it is important to speak with an attorney who is experienced in handling sex crime cases. Not all sexual crimes should be treated the same – so make sure that you reach out to an experienced attorney like Brian G. Hiatt as quickly as possible to ensure you receive a robust defense.

Sex Offender Registration

The Illinois State Police, in accordance with Illinois law 730 ILCS 152/115, have established a database that is statewide and exists to collect the data of individuals who must register as sex offenders. The information that is collected about registrants is then made available online. This can include extensive personal information and can attract attention to the perpetrator even years after the fact. And while some might proclaim the creation of such a database to be just in nature, the fact of the matter is that this kind of global punishment can make it incredibly difficult for the defendant to move on with their life and live normally. And depending upon the crime in question, defendants will register for either 10 years or a lifetime.

You are at risk of being an entry on the sex offender register if you are charged with any of the following crimes in Illinois:

• Forcible Rape
• Criminal Sexual Abuse
• Criminal Sexual Assault
• Statutory Rape
• Pimping
• Traveling to meet with a minor
• Exploitation of a child(ren)
• Juvenile Prostitution Crimes
• Sexual Misconduct with Someone Who is Disabled
• Possession of Child Pornography

Note that the above list is not absolute. There are even more crimes that could force you to register as a sex offender, especially as many of the above crimes are broad categories that cover many more specific crimes.

If you have been charged with any of the crimes above, you must register as a sex offender if the charge in question resulted in at least one of the following:

• A conviction for the attempt to commit the crime or the commission of the crime
• Being found “not guilty” by insanity
• Not being acquitted at the hearing for the alleged attempted crime or crime

What information is visible on the sex offender registry?

There is a wide array of information that will be available on the sex offender registry should you be required to register. This includes some or all of the following:

• Your Name
• Your Age When the Crime was Committed
• A Current Photograph
• Your Current Address
• Your Current Employer
• Your Current Telephone number
• Your Email Address
• Your Instant Messaging (IM) Identities
• Websites and/or Blogs Maintained by You
• Information About the Terms of Your Parole
• License Plate Number

As you can see, the information that you can be compelled to reveal as a sex offender registrant is quite extensive – and the above is not even an exhaustive list. The best way to avoid becoming a registered sex offender is to reach out to an experienced attorney.

Brian G. Hiatt, attorney at law, can help. Contact him today at 815-304-5441 for a consultation.