At Edward Johnson & Associates, we have stood beside countless clients falsely accused of sexual assault across Illinois. These cases destroy reputations, tear apart families, and threaten a person’s freedom before a single piece of evidence is examined. A false accusation can turn your life upside down overnight, and the only way to protect yourself is to fight back with skill, strategy, and relentless determination. We understand what’s at stake, and we attack every angle of the prosecution’s case to expose inconsistencies, uncover motives, and protect our clients’ rights in and out of the courtroom.
Understanding Illinois Sexual Assault Laws
Under Illinois Compiled Statutes 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20, criminal sexual assault involves any nonconsensual sexual act or penetration, often charged as a Class 1 felony. When aggravating factors are alleged—such as the use of force, threats, or the involvement of minors—the charges may rise to aggravated criminal sexual assault under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.30, punishable as a Class X felony. These crimes can carry long prison sentences, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and devastating personal consequences.
What most people don’t realize is that Illinois law does not require physical evidence for prosecutors to file charges. In many cases, an accusation alone is enough to trigger an arrest and prosecution. This makes false accusations especially dangerous, as prosecutors and juries are often influenced by emotion and assumption. Our job is to bring the case back to facts, not feelings.
Why False Accusations Happen
False sexual assault allegations often arise in situations charged with emotion and conflict.
Common motivations include:
- Personal revenge or retaliation following a breakup or argument
- Custody disputes or family conflicts
- Attempts to gain leverage in divorce or civil cases
- Misunderstandings fueled by alcohol or drugs
- Pressure from others to file a complaint
We have seen innocent clients accused because someone wanted control, attention, or sympathy. Others have been targeted by those trying to avoid personal embarrassment or criminal charges themselves. Whatever the reason, we treat every false accusation as a direct attack on your freedom and we fight it accordingly.
How We Build A Strong Defense
Defending against false allegations of sexual assault requires an aggressive yet calculated approach. We do not wait for the prosecution to dictate the narrative. We move first. Our team investigates every detail, from text messages and surveillance footage to witness statements and police procedures. We uncover evidence that the prosecution ignores or hides and expose contradictions in the accuser’s story.
We also work with forensic specialists and medical professionals when necessary to challenge so-called “scientific” evidence. In many cases, DNA, medical reports, or digital data are misinterpreted or incomplete. Our job is to highlight these weaknesses and show the truth behind the accusation.
Sometimes, the best defense is an all-out courtroom battle. Other times, strategic negotiation can lead to reduced charges or complete dismissal. We make those decisions with precision, guided by experience and the facts—not emotion or pressure.
Protecting Your Rights From Day One
If you are accused of sexual assault in Illinois, do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney. Law enforcement officers are trained to collect statements that can later be used against you, even if you are innocent. Anything you say can be twisted to fit the prosecution’s theory.
Our role is to protect your rights from the start. From your first phone call, we take control of communication, manage interactions with law enforcement, and position your case for the strongest possible defense.
Sexual Assault Charge Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If I Am Falsely Accused Of Sexual Assault In Illinois?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense attorney. Do not try to explain or argue your innocence to the police or the accuser. Anything you say can be taken out of context. A lawyer can intervene quickly to protect your rights and start building your defense before damage is done.
Can Someone Be Convicted Without Physical Evidence?
Yes. Illinois prosecutors can pursue charges based solely on an accuser’s statement. That is why aggressive cross-examination, investigation, and evidence gathering are critical. We have successfully defended clients in cases where the state relied entirely on unreliable or contradictory testimony.
How Can An Attorney Prove An Accusation Is False?
We use evidence to show inconsistencies, motives, and contradictions. This may include analyzing phone records, text messages, security footage, or witness statements that contradict the accuser’s claims. We also investigate the accuser’s background and credibility, exposing any history of dishonesty or ulterior motives.
What Are The Penalties For Criminal Sexual Assault In Illinois?
Under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20, sexual assault is a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Aggravated sexual assault under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 is a Class X felony, carrying 6 to 30 years and mandatory sex offender registration under 730 ILCS 150/1 et seq. Convictions can also lead to loss of employment, housing, and parental rights.
What If The Accuser Wants To Drop The Charges?
Even if the accuser recants, prosecutors can still pursue the case. The decision to drop charges belongs to the State, not the alleged victim. That is why it is vital to have a lawyer who can press for dismissal or expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Can False Accusers Be Prosecuted?
Yes. Filing a false police report or giving false testimony is a crime in Illinois under 720 ILCS 5/26-1. While not all false accusers face charges, we often use this fact strategically in negotiations and courtroom arguments to undermine their credibility.
Call Edward Johnson & Associates Today
When your freedom and reputation are on the line, you need more than just a defense—you need a fighter. At Edward Johnson & Associates, we do not back down. We are aggressive when necessary, strategic when it counts, and relentless in pursuit of justice. We know how prosecutors build their cases, and we know how to dismantle them piece by piece.
If you are facing false accusations of sexual assault, contact our Chicago sex crime defense lawyer at Edward Johnson & Associates P.C. by calling 708-762-8666 to receive your free consultation. Our offices are located in Chicago, Illinois, and we proudly serve clients throughout Chicagoland. We fight to protect your rights, your name, and your future.