As a criminal defense lawyer in Illinois who represents people charged with all types of crimes including sexual related charges, I have come across numerous cases where a young woman has had sexual relations with a boyfriend who is significantly older than the young victim.  In this case, the charge is typically Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.

The Illinois statute for Aggravted Criminal Sexual Abuse can be found at 720 ILCS 5/11-1.60 and it was formerly coded as 720 ILCS 5/12-16.  The statute reads as follows pertaining to a relationship where the accused is more than five years older than the child victim…
Sec. 11-1.60. Aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

A person commits aggravated criminal sexual abuse if that person commits an act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct with a victim who is at least 13 years of age but under 17 years of age and the person is at least 5 years older than the victim.

This means that any relationship between a minor between age 13 through age 16 when the older person is more than five years older than the minor is forbidden.  It does not matter if the minor consents or if the parents are aware of the relationship and consent to it.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse is a Class 2 Felony in Illinois and if you are charged with it you may face time in the Illinois Department of Corrections from between 3-7 years for each separate act of penetration or sexual conduct between the parties.

If you have been accused or are being investigated for a criminal sexual related offense, you should contact the criminal defense law firm of John W Callahan, Ltd. to discuss your case immediately with an attorney who can guide you through the process.

Posed by criminal defense lawyer John W Callahan