Joliet Internet Sex Crimes Attorney

Comprehensive Legal Defense for Internet Sex Crimes in Joliet, IL

There are a wide range of illegal activities that may involve computers or the internet, including sex crimes. In Illinois, these crimes may be investigated by law enforcement, and alleged perpetrators may face harsh penalties, especially in cases involving potential harm to minors. People who have been accused of internet sex crimes will need to understand the nature of these charges and the penalties they might face if they are convicted.

At Carlson Law Group, P.C., our criminal defense lawyer understands the serious nature of these offenses and the ways they can affect multiple aspects of a person's life. Attorney Carlson will use his experience in the Will County criminal justice system, which includes service as a judge and prosecutor, to help clients develop successful defense strategies in these cases.

Different Types of Internet Sex Crimes

Sexual offenses related to computers may involve online communications and information sent or downloaded over the internet. Some of the most common internet-related sex crimes that people may be charged with in Illinois include:

• Child pornography: The possession, distribution, or creation of sexually explicit images or videos of minors is one of the most serious sex crimes that people may be accused of. Depending on the types of materials involved in a case and whether a person allegedly produced child pornography or distributed it to others, charges can range from a Class 3 felony to a Class X felony.
• Online solicitation of a minor: This crime occurs when an adult uses the internet to communicate with a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activities. A person may be charged with solicitation to meet a child if they make arrangements using a computer or electronic device to meet the child in person without the knowledge or consent of the child's parent or guardian. Solicitation to meet a child is a Class A misdemeanor, but if the person believes that they are at least five years older than the child, they may be charged with a Class 4 felony. The more serious charge of indecent solicitation of a child may apply if a person over the age of 17 discusses sex acts with a child online with the intent of engaging in behavior that would constitute sexual assault or sexual abuse. Online solicitation of a child is typically charged as a Class 4 felony, but more serious felony charges may apply if a person took action to solicit a person they believed to be a child with the intent of committing a sex crime.
• Distributing harmful material to a minor: A person may be charged with this offense if they are accused of providing minors with pornographic images or videos or other material that may be considered harmful due to its sexual content. Materials sold or distributed to children under the age of 18 through emails, social media, or other online platforms may result in criminal charges. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense or a Class 4 felony for a second offense.
• Prostitution/solicitation: Prostitution generally involves engaging in sexual intercourse in exchange for money or other forms of payment. Using the internet to offer money in exchange for sex or agree to engage in prostitution may result in Class A misdemeanor charges. Solicitation of sexual acts from a person who is under the age of 18 is a Class 4 felony. The use of the internet to promote prostitution by arranging transactions involving the exchange of sex for payment is a Class 4 felony, but this charge will increase to a Class 1 felony if the prostituted person is under the age of 18 or a Class X felony if the prostituted person is under the age of 13.
• Revenge pornography: A person may be charged with non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images if they intentionally distribute images depicting nudity or sex acts without the consent of the person depicted. Examples of this offense may include sharing images or videos of a former romantic interest online after the couple's breakup. This offense is a Class 4 felony.

Contact Our Joliet, IL Internet Sex Crimes Attorney

Accusations of sex crimes related to the use of the internet may involve a variety of complex issues. Defending against these charges will require the assistance of a skilled, experienced attorney. At Carlson Law Group, P.C., we understand how these accusations can affect you, and we can help you determine the best strategies for defense. Contact our office at 815-710-3700 to discuss your case in a free consultation and make sure you will be prepared to defend against a conviction.