Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Defending Against Sexual Exploitation of a Child Charges in DuPage County, Illinois
DuPage County, Illinois, is a beautiful suburban area offering families a safe and welcoming environment. However, accusations of sexual exploitation of a child carry serious legal and personal ramifications that can impact your life, regardless of whether you are guilty or not. If you are facing charges for this crime, you need a lawyer who understands the intricacies of Illinois law and who will work tirelessly to defend your rights.
At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we specialize in defending individuals accused of serious crimes like sexual exploitation of a child. With years of experience in DuPage County, we understand the stakes involved and are committed to providing the best defense possible for those facing such life-altering charges.
The Legal Definition of Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Illinois
In Illinois, sexual exploitation of a child is defined under 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1. This offense involves the use of a child for the production of explicit material or engaging in sexual acts intended to exploit the child for pornography, prostitution, or other illicit activities. Illinois law considers the sexual exploitation of a child to be a Class X felony, which is one of the most serious categories of felony offenses in the state.
This charge can include:
- Production of child pornography: Creating, filming, or distributing sexually explicit images or videos involving a child.
- Possession of child pornography: Having any form of illegal, explicit material involving a minor.
- Soliciting or coercing a child to engage in sexual activity: This includes online communications, as well as physical acts.
Because this charge is so severe, it carries serious penalties, including:
- 6 to 30 years in prison
- Mandatory sex offender registration for life
- Fines up to $25,000
- Probation, supervised release, or both
These penalties are designed to serve as a deterrent and ensure that individuals convicted of such crimes face significant consequences. However, the legal process can often be complex, and mistakes can be made by law enforcement or the prosecution.
How the Criminal Process Works for Sexual Exploitation of a Child
The process for defending against charges of sexual exploitation of a child begins with an investigation. Law enforcement may conduct surveillance, seize electronic devices, and collect physical evidence. If a child is involved, the case may be handled by special task forces trained to investigate child exploitation.
Once evidence has been gathered, the individual will be arrested and charged. The legal process typically begins with an arraignment where the charges are formally read. The defendant can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The case then proceeds through pretrial motions, discovery, and possibly trial, depending on the circumstances.
For cases involving allegations of sexual exploitation, the defense must challenge the evidence, provide counterarguments, and expose any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Evidence in Child Exploitation Cases
Evidence in child exploitation cases is often complex and includes digital evidence, such as images, videos, and communications. Law enforcement may seize electronic devices, which may then be analyzed by experts for illicit materials. Testimony from experts and witnesses can also play a central role in the case.
Because the stakes are so high, the defense must scrutinize the collection process of evidence to ensure that it was done legally and without violating the defendant’s rights. A strong defense strategy will include challenging the authenticity and admissibility of the evidence presented.
Legal Defenses in Sexual Exploitation Cases
Several defenses may be available in child exploitation cases, including:
- Lack of intent: The defendant may argue that they did not knowingly engage in the alleged criminal activity.
- Mistaken identity: The defendant may have been wrongly identified, or the evidence may be linked to someone else.
- Illegal search and seizure: If law enforcement violated constitutional rights by obtaining evidence unlawfully, it could be excluded from trial.
An experienced attorney will evaluate the facts of your case and develop the best possible defense strategy to achieve the most favorable outcome.
Why You Need an Attorney for Sexual Exploitation Charges
If you are charged with sexual exploitation of a child, it is crucial to hire an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. A conviction for this offense can ruin your life, affecting your relationships, career, and future. Our experienced defense attorney will protect your rights, provide a strong defense, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive defense for individuals accused of child exploitation offenses. We will carefully investigate the case, challenge the evidence, and stand by your side throughout the legal process.
Call Attorney David Freidberg For a FREE Consultation
If you are facing sex crime charges in DuPage County, Illinois, do not delay in seeking legal counsel. You need a skilled defense attorney to protect your rights and future. The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg offers compassionate and aggressive representation for clients facing these serious charges. Contact us today for a free consultation 24/7 at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442. We proudly serve DuPage County, Cook County, Will County, and Lake County. Let us fight for your defense and your future.
