What Happens to an Illinois Minor Convicted of a Sex Crime?

 Posted on April 24, 2025 in Criminal Defense

It goes without saying that being charged and convicted of a sex crime is incredibly serious. But when the offender is a minor, there may be unique considerations and legal procedures. If your child faces allegations of a sex crime, it is imperative that you work with an Illinois criminal defense lawyer who can represent him or her in court.

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have over 20 years of proven legal experience in criminal law. Moreover, Attorney Gebhardt has previously served as a Cook County prosecutor, giving him a clear perspective of how sex crimes are handled in court. When you work with our firm, you will receive a zealous defense no matter what you have been accused of.

Minors Must Register as Sex Offenders

If you are convicted of certain sex crimes, you will be placed on a sex offender registry. Information about your conviction will be publicly accessible, and in many cases, registration is for life. Being placed on a sex offender registry can potentially affect where you live and restrict your job opportunities.

Minors are not automatically exempt from registering as sex offenders. This applies whether the minor was convicted in adult court or adjudicated delinquent in juvenile court. Even if your child is not charged as an adult for a sex crime, he or she could still face very adult penalties. As such, it is important that you seek strong legal representation to defend your child in court.

Criminal Penalties for Sex Crimes Committed by Minors

If the crime is serious enough, an underage offender could be prosecuted as an adult. This means that your child could be sentenced to hard prison time and fines, along with a permanent criminal record. It is at the court’s discretion to transfer a case from juvenile court to adult court, and generally, it is only reserved for cases where it would be in the interest of public safety.

A child over the age of 16 charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault may be automatically transferred to adult court. This is a Class X felony in Illinois, the single most serious class of felony in the state. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, this crime carries the potential for life imprisonment.

Possible Defenses Against Charges of Sex Crimes

A skilled criminal defense lawyer can work with you one-on-one to discuss possible defenses for a sex crime allegedly committed by your child. The best defense should be highly specific to the circumstances of your child’s case. Our legal strategy may revolve around consent, questioning the credibility of the accusation, or a lack of criminal intent.

Meet With a Lake County, IL Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

If your child has been accused of a sex crime, it could have serious implications for his or her future. As such, it is important that you contest any allegations with an aggressive legal defense. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., our Waukegan, IL criminal defense attorney can represent your child in court and protect his or her best interests. Call us at 847-239-4703 to schedule a free consultation today.