Most Common Charges for Sex Crimes Against Children

 Posted on July 24, 2025 in Sex Crimes

Crimes against children are some of the most serious offenses in Illinois. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, often to make examples out of the accused, and convictions lead to long prison sentences, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and extremely serious personal and professional consequences.

If you are facing allegations of a sex crime against a child, you need to know what you are up against. Even false accusations can lead to arrests, damaged reputations, and intrusive investigations. The sooner you get an Arlington Heights, IL criminal defense attorney for sex crimes involving minors on your side, the more likely you are to improve the outcome of your case.

Here are some of the most common sex crimes against children in Illinois and the consequences a conviction carries.

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child

720 ILCS 5/11-1.40 defines predatory criminal sexual assault of a child as an act of sexual contact with a child under 13 by a person 17 or older. This is one of Illinois’s most serious sex crimes and carries harsh penalties.

This offense is commonly charged in cases where a young child reports abuse by a family member, neighbor, teacher, or other trusted adult. Often, these allegations involve situations where there are no witnesses, and the prosecution relies on the child’s testimony, medical examinations, and any corroborating evidence such as text messages or social media interactions.

Defense attorneys in these cases often focus on challenging the reliability of the child’s statements and ensuring that forensic interviews were conducted properly. If police or child welfare investigators fail to follow proper protocols, that can also become a key issue in the defense.

Someone who is convicted of criminal sexual assault of a child faces a Class X felony, with a mandatory prison sentence of six to 60 years and lifetime sex offender registration.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse

720 ILCS 5/11-1.60 covers aggravated criminal sexual abuse, which includes sexual conduct with a child under 13 by a person at least five years older, or with a child aged 13 to 17 by a person in a position of trust or authority.

Many of these cases are charged in situations where a teacher, coach, religious leader, or other authority figure is accused of inappropriate touching or sexual contact. These cases are often highly sensitive and may involve multiple victims or prior allegations.

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse can also be charged after an act of criminal sexual abuse involves weapons, physical harm to the alleged victim, an elderly or disabled victim, and more.

This offense is punishable as a Class 2 felony, with possible prison terms of three to seven years. In certain circumstances, probation may be available, but mandatory registration as a sex offender is still required for those convicted.

Child Pornography

Possession, distribution, or production of child pornography is prohibited under 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1. Even a single image can result in felony charges. Illinois law distinguishes between mere possession and acts of producing or disseminating material, with production carrying the most severe penalties.

Law enforcement agencies frequently conduct sting operations and forensic examinations of computers, phones, and online accounts. Cases often involve search warrants and complex digital evidence that must be carefully analyzed for potential constitutional violations.

For example, possessing fewer than 50 images is a Class 3 felony, while distributing material is a Class X felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Indecent Solicitation of a Child

Under 720 ILCS 5/11-6, indecent solicitation of a child involves enticing a minor younger than 17 years old to perform or submit to a sexual act. With the rise of online communication, many cases arise from sting operations where undercover officers pose as minors in chat rooms or on social media.

These cases present unique challenges because the "child" involved is often not an actual minor but a law enforcement officer. Courts have held that this distinction does not invalidate the charges, but defense attorneys can sometimes raise arguments about entrapment or improper police conduct.

This offense is charged as either a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 felony depending on the circumstances, and penalties can include several years in prison.

How Charges of Sex Crimes Against Children Are Investigated and Prosecuted

Allegations of sex crimes against children almost always trigger immediate investigations by both law enforcement and child protective services. Under Illinois law, professionals such as teachers, doctors, and counselors are mandated reporters, meaning they must tell authorities if they suspect abuse.

Once a report is made, investigators often begin with a forensic interview of the child conducted at a child advocacy center. These interviews are carefully designed to minimize trauma to the child while allowing trained professionals to gather detailed information about the alleged incident. Medical examinations may follow, with doctors looking for physical evidence that could corroborate the accusations.

Digital communications, including text messages, emails, and social media accounts, can be seized under a warrant or subpoenaed. Investigators use this information to build a timeline of interactions. In cases involving online solicitation, undercover operations are frequently used, with officers pretending to be minors to find and apprehend suspects.

In Cook County, prosecutors assign these cases to specialized units that focus exclusively on sex crimes and crimes against children. These teams typically include experienced investigators, forensic specialists, and victim advocates who coordinate efforts to prepare the case for trial.

Defending Against Allegations of Child Sex Abuse

Because of the seriousness of these accusations, even an unproven claim can cause lasting damage to a person’s reputation and relationships. Developing a strong defense requires a thorough, methodical approach.

One possible strategy may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, particularly if their statements are inconsistent or appear to have been influenced by outside factors. Forensic evidence must also be examined carefully for any signs of contamination or misinterpretation, as errors in collection or analysis can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

Defense attorneys typically examine the conduct of law enforcement officers to try to find potential constitutional violations during searches, seizures, and interrogations. If police overstep their authority or do not follow procedures, evidence may be suppressed. Finally, highlighting discrepancies in the accuser’s statements can be an essential part of demonstrating reasonable doubt and protecting the accused’s rights.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer for Sex Crimes Against Minors

If you are accused of a sex crime involving a child, contact an Arlington Heights, IL sex crimes attorney at Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law who has experience defending against charges for very serious sex crimes against children. We believe every one of our clients is innocent until proven guilty. Call 847-253-3400 today for a free, confidential initial consultation.