Over the years, a number of school teachers and coaches have faced vigorous prosecution for alleged sexual abuse or misconduct with students. Even when the alleged actions occurred several years in the past, victims have raised concerns that impact the lives and careers of those who may have been involved.

New Cases Emerge From Incidents That Occurred in the Past

Both current and former school employees are the targets of prosecution when it comes to allegations of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct. Even when the incident includes claims of a consensual relationship, a situation involving a person of authority over a student results in aggressive investigation by law enforcement. Two cases that came to light in Illinois last year demonstrate how claims of past incidents can result in charges against educators.

In Illinois, as is the case in all other 49 states, lawmakers have established statutes that set the age at which an individual may legally give consent to participate in sexual activity. Violation of the age of consent, by one or both partners, can result in serious sex crime charges that carry severe consequences.

Sexual Abuse Laws

In nearly all cases, the age of consent in Illinois is 17, which means engaging in sexual activity with a partner 16 or younger will result in a range of charges, from a misdemeanor to a felony, under the state’s sexual abuse laws.

Except in cases of murder, treason, arson and forgery, among others, the prosecution of crimes is restricted by a statute of limitations. This law sets a time limit under which law enforcement and prosecutors have to charge a suspect with a crime. Illinois made a change earlier this year when legislation was passed and signed that eliminated the statute of limitations for sexual assault and abuse committed against children. 

Reaction to Decades-Old Case Prompted Change

A once-prominent elected official  from the state of Illinois had sexually abused high school students during his time as a teacher and coach in the 1960s and 1970s. When it was learned that he would only face sentencing for financial-related crimes, citizens urged their legislators to make changes to state law. 

Sex crimes, in general, are severely punished in the state of Illinois. However, those that pertain to children often receive the heaviest of consequences. This includes (but is not limited to) the possession, distribution, and production of child pornography. Of course, not all cases are as clear-cut as they seem. So, if you or someone you love is up against child pornography charges, learn the consequences, along with what you may be able to do to protect yourself from them.

What Constitutes Child Pornography?

The term child pornography is a broad one, covering all types of media that depict a child (anyone under the age of 18) or disabled person engaging in a sexual act or a simulated sexual activity, including any acts involving penetration, oral sex, masturbation, sexual touching or fondling, and/or urination or excretion of a sexual nature. Owning, distributing, purchasing, possessing, creating, sharing, or selling any such content is illegal in the state of Illinois. So is the act of coercing, soliciting, persuading, enticing, or forcing a child or severely intellectually disabled person to create any such content.  

While almost any criminal charge can have a serious and negative impact on your life and future, those that arise from sexual assault allegations can be especially devastating. Now, instead of just having your job, freedom, and finances on the line, your reputation – and where you fit into your community – could be jeopardized. Moving will not fix anything either since a conviction for one of these crimes tend to follow you everywhere you go. If you are facing a sexual assault charge, understand what is at stake, and what you can do to avoid the negative consequences of conviction.

Majority of Sexual Assault Crimes Are Charged as Felonies

While not all sexual assault crimes are considered felonies, a large percentage of them are. This means that consequences of conviction could be greater. You may be sentenced to a year or longer in prison and you may be forced to undergo onerous supervision once you are released. The felony conviction on your record could also limit your employment and housing opportunities, making it difficult for you to support yourself or your family once you are released.