Illinois May Soon Be One of the Toughest States on Sex Crimes

 Posted on October 19, 2016 in Sex Crimes

Sex crimes are considered to be some of the most heinous acts, and they are already harshly punished. Yet legislators, activists, and survivors are all working (in their own ways) to toughen up the current statutes in Illinois. What might this mean for those who have allegedly committed such crimes? The following explains how proposed bills and a federal grant may change the face of sex crimes in Illinois.

Federal Grant to Strengthen Current Policies and Procedures

In August of 2016, Governor Bruce Rauner signed a new law that is aimed at strengthening current policies and procedures for sex crimes. Included in this effort is a $750,000 federal grant that will reportedly be used to train first responders and dispatchers on how to encourage sex crime victims to come forward and press charges. The law also made Illinois the first state to mandate the testing of any submitted rape test kit, and it addressed some of the obstacles that the state faces when it comes to completing those tests in a timely manner. What does this mean for those accused of a sex crime?

In some cases, the changes may be irrelevant, since the alleged victim may have reported the incident anyway. Yet, it could also increase the number of false rape reports. For example, a young teen who feels guilty about willfully engaging in a sexual act may feel pressured to call the act rape if law enforcement is called by their parents, even if it was not.

Bills Propose a Removal of the Statute of Limitations

Earlier this year, a prominent public figure was accused of sexually abusing several children. The allegations came too late to result in criminal charges (current law gives abused minors 20 years after turning 18 to come forward). Victims, along with the Illinois Attorney General, are now pressing four separate bills, three in the House and one in the Senate, that would remove the statute of limitations for the sexual assault, sexual abuse, and other sexual offenses against children, including incest, prostitution, failure to report sexual abuse of a child, grooming, possessing and disseminating child pornography, and others. The potential implications here are clear; if the bills pass, an alleged victim may come forward and press charges against their abuser, regardless of how long ago it might have been.

Obtain Aggressive Criminal Defense for Your Case

Sex crime charges can result in more than just jail time and fines; they can completely ruin your reputation and upend your life. Do not try to face them alone. Instead, contact Stephen A. Brundage, Attorney at Law, and get the aggressive representation you need. Call 630-260-9647 and schedule a consultation with our DuPage County criminal defense lawyer today to learn more.

Sources:

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/10/04/sex-abuse-survivor-urges-lawmakers-to-change-state-statues-on-child-sex-abuse/

http://rebootillinois.com/2016/10/05/illinois-receives-grant-landmark-sex-crimes-law/