Chicago Federal Sex Crime Charges Attorney

Cook County Criminal Lawyer for Sex Offenses Prosecuted in Federal Courts

There are multiple different offenses that are considered to be sex crimes. Being accused of these types of crimes can be devastating for a person's reputation, and a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, as well as the requirement to register as a sex offender. Charges can be even more serious if sex crimes are prosecuted at the federal level. Those who are facing federal criminal charges related to sex offenses will need a strong legal advocate on their side to help them determine the best defense strategy.

Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel is a criminal defense attorney with more than 20 years of experience, and he has represented clients in a wide variety of cases in both state and federal courts. He has successfully defended people who have been charged with sexual offenses and other related crimes, including multiple high-profile cases involving coverage by local and national news sources. If you have been accused of a sex crime, he will advise you on the steps you can take to protect your reputation and minimize the consequences to your life.

Federal Sex Offenses

In many cases, sex crimes such as sexual assault, sexual abuse, or prostitution are charged at the state level. However, an offense may be elevated to the federal level if it involved people in multiple states or the transportation of a person across state lines or international borders. In many cases, child sex offenses are prosecuted in federal courts. Offenses that may result in federal sex crime charges include:

• Sexual assault or abuse - Engaging in a sexual act with a person through force or threats of harm may result in federal charges if an offense took place on federally-owned property, such as a military base. Aggravated sexual abuse charges may apply if a person allegedly traveled across state lines to engage in a sexual act with a child under the age of 12. A conviction for these charges may result in a sentence of up to life in prison.
• Sexual exploitation of a child - Federal child pornography charges may involve employing, enticing, persuading, or coercing a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating a visual depiction that will be transmitted or distributed to others. A conviction for these charges may result in a prison sentence of 15 to 30 years. A person may also face federal charges if they possess, distribute, or sell child pornography in any form, including photos, videos, books, magazines, films, or digital files. A conviction for these charges may result in a prison sentence of five to 20 years.
• Human trafficking - Recruiting, enticing, harboring, or transporting a person with the purpose of forcing them to engage in labor, including sex work, is a federal offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years, or up to life in prison if the offense involved kidnapping. Sex trafficking of a child is also a federal offense. Trafficking of a child under the age of 14 can result in a prison sentence of 15 years to life, and trafficking a child between the ages of 14 and 18 can result in a prison sentence of 10 years to life.
• Sex offender registry violations - A person who is required to register as a sex offender because of a federal sex crime conviction who does not register as required, fails to update their registration, or fails to provide the required information when engaging in foreign commerce may face federal charges, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Contact Our Chicago Federal Sex Crime Charges Lawyer

While all sex crime accusations are serious, offenses that are charged at the federal level can result in severe consequences. If you are facing federal sex crime charges, Attorney Hal Garfinkel can provide you with a skilled and experienced defense. To set up a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case, contact our office today by calling 312-629-0669.