Many of the crimes that can be, and are, committed in the state of Illinois come with a state of Illinois. Just as you might assume, one of these crimes is sexual assault.
Going over the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Illinois and speaking with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer will allow you to protect your innocence.
What Is A Statute Of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that prevents legal claims regarding a civil or criminal act from being made after a certain amount of time has passed.
One example of the above is that if a doctor causes an injury to a patient, the patient usually has two years to file a personal injury claim against that doctor.
If the person who was injured fails to file a claim within two years, then, in most cases, they will be unable to do so and unable to obtain compensation for their injury.
The same basic concept applies to a wide variety of other civil and criminal acts. And what this means is that if one of these acts is committed, and a certain amount of time passes, taking legal action against these acts is impossible.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Sexual Assault In Illinois?
The statute of limitations for sexual assault in Illinois is as follows: there is none. And what this means is that if a sexual assault is committed, then there is no time limit regarding when a prosecutor can bring a case forward.
Just as an example, if a woman is sexually assaulted, and she tells the police, then a prosecutor can bring a case against the person who allegedly assaulted her, even if ten or twenty – or more, for that matter – years have passed.
Or, at the very least, that is the basic idea.
Prior to 2017, there was a statute of limitations for sexual assault in Illinois, and this statute of limitations was as follows: ten years after the sexual assault occurred or when the victim turns eighteen, whichever comes first.
If a sexual assault was committed before 2017, then the statute of limitations that used to apply will, generally speaking, still apply to that sexual assault.
On the other hand, if a sexual assault was committed after 2017, then the prosecutor can pursue legal action, even if more than ten years have passed since the sexual assault occurred.
If You Have Been Accused Of Sexual Assault, What Should You Do?
If you have been accused of sexual assault, then the first thing you should do is speak with a lawyer.
A lawyer will go over the facts of the accusation you are facing, the statute of limitations for that case, factors that may affect that statute of limitations, as well as what you must do to defend yourself.
Right after your lawyer clarifies this information with you, they will help you develop an effective defense that allows you to protect your innocence.
As an example, a good lawyer may question the veracity of your accuser’s claims, especially if a great deal of time has passed.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you need representation for a sexual assault charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.