Chicago & Cook County Sex Offenses Defense Lawyer

Q: What should I do if police want to question me about a sexual assault allegation?

Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not make statements to detectives, do not contact the accuser, and preserve all electronic communications and records.

An accusation of a sex offense carries immediate, life-altering consequences—even before a single piece of evidence is tested in court. Beyond the threat of mandatory prison sentences served at 85% under Illinois Truth-in-Sentencing laws, a conviction can trigger mandatory lifetime registration under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), strict residency restrictions, and permanent damage to your career and family.

At The Thiel Law Group, P.C., we provide discreet, trial-tested defense for individuals investigated or indicted for sex offenses across Chicago and Cook County.

Illinois Sex Offense Charges We Defend

Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20): Allegations of sexual penetration by force or threat of force, or where the complainant was allegedly unable to understand the nature of the act or give knowing consent—a non-probationable Class 1 felony carrying 4 to 15 years in prison.
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.30): Class X felony charges (6 to 30 years, or 30 to 60 years under certain aggravating factors) involving allegations of bodily harm, weapon possession, victim age or disability, or administration of a controlled substance.
Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (720 ILCS 5/11-1.40): Non-probationable Class X felony carrying 6 to 60 years (or natural life) when the accused is 17 or older and the complainant is under 13.
Criminal Sexual Abuse & Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (720 ILCS 5/11-1.50 & 5/11-1.60): Charges involving alleged sexual conduct without penetration, ranging from Class A misdemeanors to Class 2 felonies.
Child Pornography & Solicitation Offenses (720 ILCS 5/11-20.1 & 5/11-6): Digital forensics cases involving alleged possession, dissemination, or online communications.

How We Build a Defense in Sex Offense Cases

Digital & Electronic Communications Forensics: Subpoenaing and preserving text messages, social media DMs, rideshare receipts, location metadata, and surveillance footage that establish consent, timeline contradictions, or motive to fabricate.
Pre-Charge & Detective Investigation Intervention: If Chicago Police detectives contact you to "come in and give your side of the story," do not speak without counsel. We intervene immediately to prevent self-incrimination and control communications.
Challenging Forensic DNA & SANE Medical Evidence: Distinguishing between evidence of sexual contact and evidence of non-consensual force, and cross-examining delayed reporting or suggestive forensic interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone be charged with Criminal Sexual Assault in Illinois based solely on an accuser's statement?

Yes. Illinois law does not require physical injury, DNA evidence, or third-party eyewitness corroboration to file charges or sustain a conviction if a judge or jury finds the complainant's testimony credible beyond a reasonable doubt. That makes thorough cross-examination and digital timeline reconstruction critical.

Is probation available for Criminal Sexual Assault in Illinois?

Generally, no. Both Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1) and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X) are mandatory prison offenses in Illinois and must be served at 85% of the sentence imposed, followed by mandatory supervised release (MSR) and sex offender registration.

What should I do if police want to question me about a sexual assault allegation?

Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and your Sixth Amendment right to counsel immediately. Politely state that you will not answer questions without your attorney present, do not contact the accuser, and preserve all text messages, call logs, and social media records.