New Child Sexual Harassment Law Active in 2013

 Posted on January 15, 2013 in Illinois Laws

Since there is more than one or two new criminal offense statutes or amendments to old ones in action since January 2013, this post will again introduce a new criminal law. This statute amendment has to do with child sex offenses and sexual harassment of children. A list including this statute can be found, for example, at the news section of wrul.com or the Illinois General Assembly documents.

The law, passed as House Bill 5265, amends the Criminal Code of 1961 regarding child abduction by luring. This amendment provides two main points. Firstly, the age limit for a luring offense to a minor has been changed to seventeen from sixteen. Secondly, it provides protection for children under 17 when they are traveling to or back from school. The amendment makes luring or attempting to lure a person under 17 who is traveling to or a from school into a vehicle without the consent of a parent or lawful custodian for unlawful purpose a criminal offense. The law is effective after January 1.

This amendment was seen as necessary after a DuPage County case where a 17-year-old student was on her way to school and being followed by a sex offender driving a van. When the police stopped the driver, they could only charge him with disorderly conduct, because the old statute only applied to minors 16 or younger.

When you need legal help with criminal charges, contact a criminal defense attorney in your area. Our Rolling Meadows, Illinois criminal attorneys are ready to help you with your case, so do not hesitate to contact our offices.