Consequences of Being a Registered Sex Offender in Illinois

 Posted on May 08,2019 in Sex Crimes

Some of the most serious and damaging crimes a person can be accused of are sex crimes. Sex crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement and the courts. Convictions for certain sex crimes in Illinois require registration as a sex offender, which brings with it numerous restrictions and requirements. If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you understand the ramifications a conviction could bring, and that you secure experienced legal representation immediately.

Who Must Register as a Sex Offender?

According to the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act, individuals convicted of a sex crime, found not guilty by reason of insanity, the subject of a finding not resulting in an acquittal, or adjudicated as being sexually dangerous or violent, are required to register as a sex offender. Common offenses that require sex offender registration include:

• Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault;
• Sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse; and
• Any crime involving child pornography.
• Legal Restrictions and Requirements for Sex Offenders

In Illinois, there are requirements and prohibitions for sex offenders, including:

• Being within close proximity to a school. Child sex offenders are not permitted to be on school grounds or within 500 feet of school property unless they have permission from the school superintendent or school board.
• Being within close proximity to a public park. Child sex offenders and sexual predators are also not permitted to be on the grounds of any public park or they risk being charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
• Use of social media. Sex offenders are not permitted to use social media websites while they are on probation, parole, or mandatory supervised release.

Being a registered sex offender in Illinois means you are required to:

• Report changes in your circumstances. Convicted persons are required to notify law enforcement of changes to their address, place of employment, phone number, email addresses, or instant messaging identities.
• Provide advanced notice before living with a minor. There are no laws prohibiting a sex offender from living with a minor, but offenders are required to notify law enforcement agencies a least three days prior to residing with a minor who is not their own child.
• Re-register on a regular basis. Depending on the offense, a sex offender will be required to re-register with law enforcement officials annually or quarterly for at least 10 years.

An Arlington Heights, IL Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Can Help

If you have been accused of a sex crime, contact an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL sex crimes defense lawyer right away. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law has more than 25 years of experience working with clients accused of various crimes and can help you fight a sex crime allegation. Call our office today at 847-253-3400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/faq.cfm?CFID=113097022&CFTOKEN=2075e04326df545-7DF94C88-F66C-BA13-20F314123366C722&jsessionid=ec305dbfe6e9e9011ee3653b3364624b3f2e

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2009&ChapterID=55