What Restrictions Does Illinois Place on Child Sex Offenders?

 Posted on January 17, 2025 in Sex Crimes

Becoming a sex offender can change everything about your life. You will face restrictions on where you can live, where you can go, and who you can be around. Issues with housing and employment are to be expected. Many find that the social scorn that comes with being a registered sex offender has the biggest impact on their daily life. If you have been accused of a sex crime, you need a highly experienced Arlington Heights, IL sexual offenses attorney to fight for you. An accusation is not a conviction, and there is a lot an attorney can do to help you. It is best to reach out to an attorney as soon as you are aware that you are suspected of or have been accused of any sex crime, even if you have not been arrested yet.

Child Sex Offenders Must Avoid Places Where Children Congregate 

In Illinois, child sex offenders cannot live near a school, daycare facility, park, or other places that are designed for people under 18 years old to congregate. This can make it challenging for a sex offender to find housing in more condensed urban areas.

Sex offenders convicted of crimes involving children also cannot visit parks, including both playgrounds and nature preserves, or businesses that offer programming intended for minors. Parents of minor children who are sex offenders may enter school grounds for certain limited purposes, such as parent-teacher conferences.

Restrictions on Unsupervised Contact With Children 

A child sex offender cannot have unsupervised contact with children other than his or her own children or step-children. It is a criminal offense for a parent to knowingly leave his or her child in the care of a child sex offender or to give a child sex offender unsupervised access to a child. While there are no laws outright prohibiting you from being around children, offenders should avoid places where children are gathering.

You are also likely to find that many other parents do not want you around their children at all, even in public spaces. If you do live with a child, there is a strong chance that DCFS will become involved to ensure that there is no abuse currently taking place.

The Realities of Being on a Public Registry

Being on the sex offender’s registry means that information about your offense and your personal details, including where you live, are always public. This means that you cannot hide your convictions from others around you. Word tends to get out when a sex offender moves into a new neighborhood or even joins a social club. It is important to be prepared for the likely impact that becoming a sex offender could have on your personal and social life.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Sex Crimes Attorney

Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law is committed to providing people who have been accused of sex crimes with an excellent legal defense. Experienced DuPage County, IL sex crimes lawyer Scott Anderson will stand up for your rights in court. Contact us at 847-253-3400 for a complimentary consultation.