Illinois Child Enticement Laws

Child enticement laws in Illinois addresses both enticement online and in person. The crime is committed when a person over the age of 17 is shown to have committed one of the following acts:

• Knowingly and indecently solicits or lures a minor to perform an act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct or for the intent of committing sexual assault or sexual abuse against said minor; or to
• Knowingly discuss an act of sexual conduct or sexual penetration with a minor child over the Internet for the intent of committing sexual abuse or sexual assault against said minor child.

Penalties for Child Enticement in Illinois

A person that is convicted of child enticement will be guilty of a class one, two, or three felony on the basis of whether the illegal sexual act was sexual assault or sexual abuse. A defendant convicted of child enticement that involves online communication will be guilty of a class 4 felony. Defendants convicted of this crime shall also be required to register as sex offenders.

Defense of Child Enticement in Illinois

There are a number of defenses that may be available to a person charged with child enticement that will absolve them of liability:

• Mental defect or illness that renders a person with the inability to distinguish between right or wrong;
• Involuntary intoxication
• Duress by virtue of being forced to under threat of imminent death or great bodily injury

Attempted Child Enticement in Illinois

A person commits the offense of attempted child enticement when, with intent to commit said enticement or online enticement of a minor child, he or she commits any act that can be viewed as taking a substantial step towards the completion of the at offense. Also the offense of attempt is committed when a person commits the offense of child enticement against a law enforcement officer that is posing as a minor child, but whom the defendant actually believes to be a minor.

W hen to Talk to a Lawyer

Whenever faced with a felony charge, the first step a defendant should take is to contact an attorney that is licensed to practice law in his or her state. An attorney that has experience with criminal law will be able to advise you on your rights and defenses with the criminal court system and ensure that these rights are adequately protected.