Buffalo Grove, Illinois Indecent Liberties With a Child Defense Attorney

Experienced Defense Attorney for Charges of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Lake County

There is little room for error when you have been charged with a sexual offense, since a conviction can bring harsh penalties. A conviction for indecent liberties with a child can result in a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, and the necessity of registering as a sex offender for life. As a registered sex offender, your life will never again be the same. You will be required to register within a strict timeframe any time you move to a new state or town, and will be closely monitored by local law enforcement.

Because sex crime charges present particular challenges and can be very complex to defend, it is important that the attorney you choose has substantial experience defending those charged with sex crimes. Matthew R. Gebhardt understands the strategies necessary to protect your rights and defend you against the charges. Attorney Gebhardt is highly skilled at the preparation and presentation of effective defenses and will zealously argue for dismissal, acquittal, or reduced charges. Gebhardt will assertively seek to prevent you from having your future altered forever by avoiding a conviction for indecent liberties with a child.

Charges for Sexual Abuse or Sexual Assault of a Child in Illinois

Illinois treats sexual offenses against children with some of the harshest penalties in the criminal code. Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child applies when the victim is under 13 years old and involves specific sexual acts, and this offense carries a mandatory prison sentence upon conviction. Aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child can apply in a wide range of situations, including when the offender holds a position of trust or authority over the victim.

The age of the victim, the age difference between the parties, and the specific conduct involved all shape how a case is charged. A conviction can carry lengthy prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, and restrictions that follow a person for the rest of their life.

What Is Indecent Solicitation of a Child?

Indecent solicitation of a child involves asking, commanding, encouraging, or coercing a child to commit a sexual act. The charge does not require that the act actually take place, since the solicitation itself is enough to support a conviction. Even if the offender does not directly solicit the minor, the intent to commit a sex offense is enough to support a conviction. This offense can arise from in-person conversations as well as messages sent through text, email, or social media platforms.

Indecent solicitation of a child is a felony crime in Illinois, with penalties based on the crime it would have led to. A conviction can also require registration as a sex offender.

Contact a Lake County Sex Crimes Attorney Today

If you are facing crimes involving indecent liberties with a child, getting skilled legal advice from a reputable attorney as soon as possible is critical. Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt will work zealously to have your bail conditions reduced, suppress evidence when warranted, and have your case dismissed when the evidence does not support the charges. Attorney Gebhardt understands there are few accusations more damaging to your reputation than those of indecent liberties with a child. You may already be viewed as guilty, even by friends and family, when the only "evidence" against you is the word of a child who may not fully understand the charges.

As a skilled defense lawyer and a former criminal prosecutor, Attorney Gebhardt has more than twenty years' experience and a goal of a positive outcome for your case. Even when your charges have no factual basis, you still require an aggressive defense to protect your rights. In fact, in many ways, an innocent person may need an aggressive defense even more than a guilty person. If you are facing charges of indecent liberties with a child, contact our Buffalo Grove sex crime defense attorney today or call 847-239-4703 for a free consultation.