​Being accused of Criminal Sexual Assault or Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, formerly known as Rape, is extremely serious. If you are charged with Criminal Sexual Assault or Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, it is vital to hire an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney.
​The lawyers at Pechter & Pechter LLP have experience defending those who have been charged with Criminal Sexual Assault and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault and will not only aggressively fight your case, but will explain your options and assist you in making an informed decision. 

How is Criminal Sexual Assault defined?

There are four types of Criminal Sexual Assault.
First, a person commits Criminal Sexual Assault if that person commits an act of sexual penetration and uses force or threat of force. 
Second, a person commits Criminal Sexual Assault if that person commits an act of sexual penetration and knows that the victim is unable to understand the nature of the act or is unable to give knowing consent. 
​Third, a person commits Criminal Sexual Assault if that person commits an act of sexual penetration and is a family member of the victim and the victim is under 18 years of age.
Fourth, a person commits Criminal Sexual Assault if that person commits an act of sexual penetration and is at least 17 years of age and holds a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to the victim and the victim is at least 13 but under 18 years of age. 
Generally, Criminal Sexual Assault is a Class 1 Felony. However, various conditions such as prior convictions make Criminal Sexual Assault a Class X Felony. Be sure to talk to an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney if you are charged with Criminal Sexual Assault.
​See our Felonies and Misdemeanors page to learn more about Class 1 Felonies and Class X Felonies. 

What is Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault?

There are three primary ways Criminal Sexual Assault becomes Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault.
First, a person commits Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault if that person commits criminal sexual assault and an aggravating circumstance exists during the commission of the offense such as:
  1. The person displays, threatens to use, or uses a dangerous weapon other than a firearm in a way that leads the victim to reasonably believe that the object is a dangerous weapon,
  2. The person causes bodily harm to the victim, or
  3. The person acts in a manner that threatens or endangers the life of the victim or any other person, or
  4. The person commits criminal sexual assault during the course of committing or attempting to commit any other felony, or
  5. The victim is 60 years of age or older, or
  6. The victim is a person with a physical disability, or
  7. The person delivers any controlled substance to the victim without the victim’s consent or by threat of deception, or
  8. The person is armed with a firearm, or
  9. The person discharges a firearm during the commission of the offense, or
  10. The person discharges a firearm during the commission of the offense and causes great bodily harm or death to the person.
​Second, a person commits Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault if that person is under 17 years of age and  either (1) commits an act of sexual penetration with a victim who is under 9 years of age; or (2) commits an act of sexual penetration with a victim who is at least 9 years of age but under 13 years of age and the person uses force or threat of force to commit the act. 
​Lastly, a person commits Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault if that person commits an act of sexual penetration with a victim who is severely or profoundly intellectually disabled. 
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault is a Class X felony. Certain conditions may add to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court, and in some cases the person may be sentenced to life imprisonment. Make sure you talk to an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to understand the possible sentencing range.

What should I do if I am charged with Criminal Sexual Assault or Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault?

Barry Pechter and Scott Pechter concentrate their practice on Criminal Defense including defending those who have been charged with Criminal Sexual Assault and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault and are ready to help you with your case.  Call us at (708) 599-4300 if you or someone you know was charged with Criminal Sexual Assault or Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault.
Barry Pechter and Scott Pechter are the firm's partners.
​Our office is located at 10135 South Roberts Road, Suite 204, Palos Hills, Illinois, 60465 Four blocks directly west of the Bridgeview courthouse.
We serve Cook County, Will County, DuPage County, and Kane County.