Few offenses carry the same level of long-term implications as sex crimes. A conviction can lead to an extended prison sentence, as well as the required registration as a sex offender. Registry creates complications for the rest of a person’s life by limiting opportunity and damaging their reputation and professional life. Officials in Illinois are particularly tough on sex crimes that involve children, whether it is the possession of child pornography, sexual assault of a child or online solicitation. For this reason, it is especially important for those who face these charges to pursue a criminal defense as quickly as possible.
An Illinois man faces Super X felony charges for child pornography. The defendant was initially registered as a sex offender more than 10 years ago for the production and sale of child pornography. Due to his previous conviction, the new charges against him are classified as Super X felonies. The new charges are a result of Illinois’ Operation Glass House, which is an effort to locate and punish online users allegedly associated with child pornography.
Officials note that the man’s sex crime arrest is the 58th like it connected to Operation Glass House. The law enforcement project is an example of how state authorities want to identify, charge and lock up whom they believe to be sexual predators. That mission, however, doesn’t take away from people’s rights, including the right to a fair trial. A suspect also has the right to privacy. Police searched the defendant’s home to find evidence that linked him to child porn. A criminal defense attorney would want to ensure that the search was legal and based on probable cause.
The man now faces charges for possession of child pornography and for violation multiple sex offender registry requirements. If convicted of all the criminal charges before him, could face up to 30 years in prison. That potential sentence is another example of Illinois’ strict sex crime laws.
Illinois, like other states in the country, is adopting increasingly strict policies against sex crimes, especially when they involve minors. Those who face criminal charges for these offenses need to work with an aggressive sex crimes defense lawyer who can help serve the best interests of a client whose future is at risk.
Source: CBS Chicago, “Registered Sex Offender Faces ‘Super X’ Felony Charges In Child Porn Case,” March 21, 2014