{"id":373148,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-sexual-assault-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-09-02T13:36:42","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T18:36:42","slug":"illinois-sexual-assault-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-sexual-assault-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Sexual Assault Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illinois Sexual Assault Charges<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Featuring real-world insights from Gal Pizzetsky<\/a>, an Illinois defense attorney with more than 25 years of experience.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Illinois sexual assault<\/span> charges include criminal sexual assault<\/span>, which involves penetration, and criminal sexual abuse<\/span>, which involves unwanted sexual touching. These crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on factors like the use of force<\/span>, the victim’s age, and other aggravating circumstances. A conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Most sex crimes in Illinois fall under the umbrella of either criminal sexual assault<\/span><\/a>\u200b or criminal sexual abuse<\/span>. The difference typically depends on the type of contact the person commits. Sexual assault<\/span> involves an act of sexual penetration<\/span>. Sexual abuse generally involves sexual conduct, which includes touching someone’s sex organs without their consent.<\/p>\n

Violating Illinois’ sexual assault<\/span> laws can result in years in prison, sometimes up to a life sentence. Criminal penalties vary<\/a>\u00a0depending on the conduct, the victim’s status, whether the accused has a criminal history, and other factors.\u200b<\/p>\n

How Does Illinois Define Sexual Assault?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A person commits criminal sexual assault<\/span><\/a> in Illinois if that person commits an act of sexual penetration<\/span> and:<\/p>\n