Blog Home Charged with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse? 4 Steps to Take Today
Being charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse is serious. A conviction can lead to prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and a permanent record that affects your future. The legal process moves quickly, and waiting to respond can hurt your case.
You may not know what to do next, but what you do today matters. What you say, who you talk to, and how you handle the situation can influence the outcome of your case.
If you don’t know what to do next, speak to our Chicago, IL criminal lawyer, Andrew M. Weisberg. The best way to defend yourself is to have a strong legal strategy in place.
1. Stay Silent—Don’t Talk to the Police
One of the biggest mistakes people make after an arrest is trying to explain themselves to law enforcement. You might think cooperating will clear things up or prove your innocence, but that’s not how it works. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Police officers may tell you they just want to hear your side of the story or say that staying silent makes you look guilty. Don’t fall for it. Even a seemingly harmless statement can be twisted and used to strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Instead, politely but firmly say, “I am invoking my right to remain silent, and I want to speak with my attorney.” Then, stop talking. You are under no obligation to answer questions without a lawyer present.
2. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a serious charge, and the prosecution is already working to convict you. Fighting this alone is risky. You need a criminal defense lawyer who understands Illinois law and will protect your rights.
A defense attorney can:
- Review the charges and explain your legal options
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Gather evidence and find witnesses for your defense
- Challenge unlawful police tactics or rights violations
- Negotiate for reduced charges or case dismissal
- Represent you in court and build a strong defense
Not all lawyers are the same. You need someone who understands Illinois law, knows the local courts, and has experience handling sex crime cases.
3. Gather and Preserve Any Evidence That Supports Your Defense
The prosecution will present evidence, but their version isn’t the only one that matters. Preserve anything that could help your defense, including:
- Text messages, emails, or social media conversations
- Receipts, GPS data, or surveillance footage proving your location
- Witness statements that support your account
- Medical records that contradict the accuser’s claims
Do not delete or alter anything. Tampering with evidence can lead to additional charges.
4. Follow All Legal Requirements and Court Orders
After an arrest, the court may impose restrictions on your actions. These could include:
- No-contact orders prohibiting communication with the accuser
- Bail conditions that require check-ins, travel restrictions, or electronic monitoring
- Court appearances that you must attend on specific dates
Ignoring these orders, even accidentally, can lead to additional charges or a revoked bail.
Build Your Case with Chicago, IL Criminal Defense Lawyers
Aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges are serious, but they are not unbeatable. Our defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg know how these cases work. We understand the tactics prosecutors use and how to challenge weak evidence, misleading testimony, and unfair legal strategies.
Every case is different, and a strong defense starts with a criminal defense lawyer who knows how to build the right strategy for your situation. Whether it’s negotiating for reduced charges, fighting for a case dismissal, or taking your defense to trial, hiring Andrew M. Weisberg can be the difference between conviction and freedom.
Don’t wait for the prosecution to gain the upper hand. Call (773) 908-9811 or contact us online to start your defense today.
