Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois’ Sex Offender Registry

 Posted on October 06, 2020 in Sex Crimes

Most people know that when they are convicted of a crime, the conviction will likely affect their lives in some way in the future. When it comes to certain offenses, such as sex crimes, the effect on your future can be a bit more severe than other crimes. Much of this is due to the fact that a conviction for most sex crimes will typically require you to register as a sex offender. Being a registered sex offender means you could be limited as to where you can live and work and you could also be subject to other requirements. If you have been charged with or convicted of a sex crime in Illinois, you should be aware of how the state Sex Offender Registry works. Here are a few common questions about the Illinois sex offender registry and their answers:

What Offenses Would Require Sex Offender Registration?

There are many criminal offenses in the state of Illinois that would require a convicted person to register as a sex offender. Typically, sex offender registration is required for misdemeanor and felony convictions for crimes such as:

• Criminal sexual assault

• Criminal sexual abuse

• Child pornography

• Sexual exploitation of a child

• Solicitation of a minor

• Permitting the sexual abuse of a child

• Kidnapping

• Aggravated kidnapping

• Unlawful restraint

• Child abduction

How Long Does the Sex Offender Registration Status Last?

According to Illinois law, once a person is required to register as a sex offender, he or she is required to register annually for at least 10 years. If the individual is convicted of violating any portion of the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act, he or she will be required to re-register every 90 days for the duration of his or her time in the registry. If an offender is deemed to be sexually dangerous or sexually violent, he or she must register every 90 days for the rest of his or her life. If an offender is classified as a sexual predator or convicted of first-degree murder and registering under the Act, he or she must register once per year for his or her lifetime.

Are There Certain Places Sex Offenders Are Prohibited from Being?

For the safety of all children, Illinois law does have certain safeguards in place to help keep offenders away from common areas where children congregate. This means that a child sex offender is not permitted to be in any school building or within 500 feet of school property without permission from the superintendent or school board for extenuating circumstances, such as if the offender had a child who went to that school. It is also illegal for any child sex offender or sexual predator to be present in any public park.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Today

A sex crime conviction is a very serious offense to have on your criminal record, especially since that conviction will stay with you for life. If you have been accused of committing a sex crime, you need skilled legal counsel from a Rolling Meadows, IL criminal defense lawyer who has experience both prosecuting and defending individuals for these types of crimes. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, can help you figure out the best possible solution and course of action for your situation. To set up a free consultation, call our office today at 847-253-3400.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2009&ChapterID=55

https://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/faq.cfm