Call Our Experienced Chicago Sex Crimes Attorneys
According to Illinois law, solicitation of a sexual act is a sex crime defined as “when any person offers another person who is not his or her spouse money, property, token, object, article, or anything of value to perform any act of sexual penetration, fondling or touching of the genital area, or other contact intended to lead to sexual gratification.” If you are arrested for soliciting a sexual act, typically your mugshot will be placed in the newspaper. A conviction can be extremely humiliating and can often lead to negative social stigmas. These days “johns” are treated more harshly than sex workers.
Serving Chicago and all surrounding neighborhoods, our criminal defense lawyer knows that we all make mistakes. Fortunately, our legal team has the power to help you obtain the outcome you desire in order to get back on the right track.
Penalties
A conviction of soliciting a sexual act is a Class A misdemeanor. A first-time conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to 364 days and a fine of up to $2,500. However, if the act takes place within 1,000 feet of a school, a person could face Class 4 felony charges, which could lead to a three-year prison sentence.
A second conviction could lead to penalties related to a Class 4 felony, including three years in prison and a huge legal fine. Likewise, if a vehicle was involved in the crime and was impounded, it may cost up to $2,000 to retrieve the car.
Call Our Experienced Attorneys Today
A conviction of solicitation could lead to serious consequences, both financially and socially. Law enforcement has been cracking down on solicitation through undercover stings on Craigslist. If you've been accused of solicitation, make sure you have a skilled criminal defense attorney in Arlington Heights and surrounding Chicago areas on your side. Wierenga | Chiapelli is equipped to tailor your defense to your particular case to make a strategy that is just for you.