Experienced Representation For Sex Abuse Charges

If you are accused of criminal sexual abuse, you are facing a criminal charge with an immediate stigma and the possibility of severe criminal penalties, including registration as a sex offender. At the Law Office of Philip R. Nathe, you will find an experienced Naperville sex crime defense attorney who will begin work immediately to protect your rights and your freedom and create a defense that will be effective in local courts.

Consequences Include Sex Offender Registration

Criminal sexual abuse is a less serious charge than criminal sexual assault. Often, criminal sexual abuse is thought of as an offense involving sexual touching, while criminal sexual assault involves penetration. In some cases, commonly referred to as statutory rape, criminal sexual abuse may involve intercourse or other sexual conduct with a person under the age of 17 by a person who is at least five years older than the victim.

The level of charge and potential sentence if you are convicted of criminal sexual abuse will depend on the nature of the allegations and the circumstances. In many cases, criminal sexual abuse will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a prison sentence of up to one year. However, sexual abuse involving acts of sexual conduct committed using force or the threat of force or in situations where the victim was unable to give consent may result in Class 4 felony charges, which carry a prison sentence of one to three years.

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges may apply if a person is accused of using a dangerous weapon or date rape drug, if the victim was over the age of 60 or was disabled, or in circumstances involving other felony offenses. This offense is generally charged as a Class 2 felony, which may result in a prison sentence of two to seven years.

As with other convictions for sex offenses, if you are convicted of criminal sexual abuse, you will be required to register as a sex offender in Illinois. This requirement places significant restrictions on your life, including where you will be able to live.

Contact Our Naperville Criminal Sexual Abuse Attorney

When you retain our law firm, we will work to avoid the stigma of the sex offender registration requirement and help you reduce the consequences of your charge. Our attorney has worked in the DuPage County criminal court system for more than 30 years. Before entering private practice, Mr. Nathe worked as a probation officer and a prosecutor. As a result, he knows how the state will attempt to prove the charges — and how to best defend against them.

If you have been charged with criminal sexual abuse, do not wait to begin your defense. Call our office at 630-416-7600, toll free at 888-583-6197, or contact us online. We offer free initial consultations.