Sex Crime Defense Lawyers In Illinois
Building a Strong Defense in State and Federal Sex Crime Cases
Sex crimes – like criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault, and child pornography – carry a stigma that can be difficult, or even impossible, to overcome in the job market, your community, and in your personal relationships. Due to the nature of sex crime allegations, it is common for detectives, prosecutors, witnesses, and jurors to unfairly judge the accused before he or she is proven guilty in a court of law. Sex crimes are cases in which it is often easier to condemn the suspect than to question the accuser, or the reliability of the State’s evidence.
When it comes to sex crimes, the attorneys at Lyon & Kerr vigorously defend the accused, and we treat our clients like human beings that well deserve the presumption of innocence, as well as a dynamic defense. The scariest thing about a sex case is that many cases – without any physical, or other corroborating, evidence – hinge solely on the word of the accuser. The consequences after conviction are among the harshest penalties available under the law. Whether it’s a “he-said-she-said” case or a case involving DNA, social media, or digital forensic evidence, we strongly believe in fighting these allegations head on. Consecutive prison sentences and lifetime registration as a sex offender are penalties that deserve your best defense. If you or your loved one is facing a criminal indictment or a DCFS investigation – please contact our offices immediately for help.
Sex crime allegations not only expose the accused to lengthy prison sentences, but also sex offender registration laws and a life-long stigma that can burden the accused for years to come. At Lyon & Kerr we have handled hundreds of serious sex crime cases, but we subject each allegation to very close and careful scrutiny. Our experience with the defense of cases ranging from grooming and sexual exploitation of a child, to predatory criminal sexual assault and the dissemination of child pornography, can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.
If you are being investigated for a sex crime, have already been arrested by the police, or have already been “indicated” by DCFS, it is imperative that you immediately consult with an experienced Chicago sex crime defense lawyer. After an investigation by the police, prosecutors decide whether or not criminal complaints will be filed in State or Federal Court. After an investigation by DCFS, DCFS investigators decide whether or not the accused will be “indicated” for allegations of abuse or neglect. At Lyon & Kerr, our attorneys are prepared to employ our experience and resources in your defense in a criminal courtroom; we are also prepared to appeal any DCFS indicated findings in an administrative hearing unit.
It is critical that the attorneys from whom you seek advice have not only represented other, similarly charges individuals; you are advised to consult with attorneys who have taken these types of cases to trial, and successful held the State to its burden of proving the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The attorneys at Lyon & Kerr are prepared to defend you as an individual, and to build a team that includes attorneys, private investigators, and expert witnesses that will have the strength and experience to meet the power of the prosecution.
Before your arrest, you are able to assert your right to an attorney, exercise your right to remain silent, and to limit your exposure to certain criminal charges, or even prevent charges from being brought against you. We will advise you to exercise your constitutional rights during the investigative phase of the case; do not make any statements or provide law enforcement with consent to search or seize any property or other information.
Following your arrest, and after formal charges are filed, we will work diligently to convince the prosecutor to reduce, or even dismiss, the charges before trial. We will work with private investigators, doctors, and other service providers to ensure that your story is shared with the prosecutor before proceeding to trial.
Lyon & Kerr attorneys can help you understand:
- Who to hire to represent you if you are charged or accused of a sex crime?
- When you need to hire a sex crime defense lawyer?
- How much do sex crime defense lawyers cost?
- How to choose a sex crime defense attorney?
- What sex crimes are felonies?
- Why you may need to hire a sex crime defense attorney?
- Why it is important to hire a sex crime lawyer if you have been charged or accused?
Our criminal defense attorneys defend clients accused of all types of sex crimes. Some cases can be highly complex and involve challenges to DNA and other forensic evidence. Others can hinge on the testimony of biased witnesses, unreliable victim statements or unqualified investigators. We have the resources and relationships to create a team built to address the unique issues in your case. Whatever the particular circumstances of the case, we will work to build the strongest defense possible — one designed to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation.
We defend clients accused of sex crimes in both the state and federal courts. We practice throughout the State of Illinois, especially in Cook County and the Greater Chicago’s collar counties, and in Federal District Courts throughout the United States.
We advise our clients about the most effective ways to resolve such charges as:
- Criminal sexual assault
- Statutory rape and other sex crimes involving minors
- Aggravated criminal sexual abuse
- Predatory criminal sexual assault
- Solicitation of a minor for sex over the Internet
- State or federal child pornography charges
- Prostitution and solicitation
- Indicated findings of abuse in Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigations and appeals
AVOIDING A SEX CRIME CONVICTION
We can help you with:
- What You Need To Know
- What To Do If You Are Accused
- What To Do If You Are Under Investigation
- What To Do If You Are Arrested
- Sex Crime Defenses
- Understanding the Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
Contact A Sex Crime Defense Attorney In Illinois For Help
If you have been charged or accused of a sex crime, contact Lyon & Kerr for a free and confidential consultation. We work for YOU, and we work with YOU, to fight the prosecution and to protect and YOUR RIGHTS!