Child Molestation Attorney in Bloomington

Facing Life‑Changing Accusations Involving A Child? You Need an Aggressive Defense

Being accused of a sexual offense involving a child is one of the most frightening experiences a person can face. You may be worried about going to prison, being labeled as a sex offender, and losing contact with your own children. It can feel as if everyone has already decided you are guilty.

If you or a loved one have been arrested or charged in Bloomington or elsewhere in Central Illinois, you need clear guidance and steady legal support. At Johnson Law Group, LLC, we defend people facing serious sex crime allegations involving minors and work to protect their futures at every stage.

Our attorneys focus on criminal defense across Central Illinois, and we understand how quickly these cases can move through the system. From the first conversation, our goal is to give you honest information, practical options, and a plan to move forward.

An allegation is not a conviction, but you must act immediately. Contact a child molestation attorney in Bloomington at (309) 565-8825 or reach out online for a consultation. Let our 100+ years of experience work for you.

Understanding Child Molestation Laws in Illinois

Illinois does not have a single law labeled "child molestation." Instead, these acts are prosecuted under various sections of the Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/), with penalties escalating based on the age of the victim and the nature of the contact.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse

This charge typically involves "sexual conduct"—defined as the intentional touching or fondling of a victim’s or accused’s intimate parts for sexual gratification.

• The Threshold: Usually charged when the accused is 17 or older and the victim is under 13, or if the accused is in a position of trust (like a coach or teacher).
• Classification: Generally a Class 2 Felony, punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison, though it can be elevated to a Class 1 Felony under certain circumstances.

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child

This is the most severe sex crime in Illinois. It involves "sexual penetration," however slight.

• The Threshold: Charged when the accused is 17 or older and the victim is under 13.
• Classification: A Class X Felony. This is a non-probationable offense, meaning if convicted, a prison sentence is mandatory. Sentences typically range from 6 to 60 years, and in some cases, natural life.

The Reality of Sex Offender Registration

A conviction for a child-related sex offense in Illinois almost always carries the requirement to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act.

• Duration: Most convictions require lifetime registration.
• Restrictions: Registered offenders are barred from living or working within 500 feet of schools, daycares, or playgrounds.
• Public Database: Your name, photo, address, and offense details will be published on the Illinois State Police website, accessible to anyone.
• Employment and Housing: Registration often makes it legally impossible to maintain certain professional licenses or reside in specific residential areas.

Strategic Defenses and Our Approach to Fight Child Molestation Accusations

With over 100 years of combined experience, our firm knows that these cases are often built on fragile evidence. Our Bloomington child molestation lawyer team utilizes several strategic defense pillars:

• Challenging Credibility: Many allegations arise during contentious divorces or custody battles. We investigate ulterior motives and highlight inconsistencies in the accuser's story.
• False or Recanted Allegations: Children can be suggestible. We work with child psychology experts to demonstrate how a child may have been influenced by a parent or therapist to make a false claim.
• Lack of Physical Evidence: In many "fondling" cases, there is zero DNA or medical evidence. We emphasize that the prosecution’s case rests entirely on "he-said, she-said" testimony.
• Constitutional Violations: If your home was searched without a proper warrant or you were interrogated without being read your Miranda rights, we move to suppress that evidence.

Why Turn To Johnson Law Group For Child Molestation Defense

At Johnson Law Group, LLC, we are one of the largest criminal defense firms in Central Illinois, with attorneys who bring more than 100 years of combined experience. That depth comes from decades spent defending serious felony cases, closely observing how prosecutors build allegations, and understanding how local judges evaluate child sex offense cases in this region.

While our firm is large, our approach is personal. We work closely with each client to understand the circumstances behind the accusation, the evidence involved, and what matters most in their life. You are never treated like a case number. You have a dedicated attorney and a full defense team focused on protecting your interests.

We are committed to challenging the prosecution and defending your rights. In child molestation cases, the state often relies on interviews, digital evidence, and expert opinions. We carefully examine how that evidence was gathered and used, question assumptions made about you, and provide confidential, respectful guidance through an extremely difficult and stressful time.

What To Do If You Are Accused Of Child Molestation

The steps you take in the first hours and days after learning about an accusation can strongly affect your case. Many people feel pressure to explain themselves to police or family members, but acting quickly without legal advice can create problems that are difficult to undo. We encourage you to pause and reach out for counsel before you respond.

Key steps to protect yourself after an accusation:

• Do not talk to investigators alone. Politely state that you want to cooperate through your lawyer, then stop answering questions until you have legal representation.
• Avoid contact with the accuser. Do not call, text, message, or approach the child, the child’s family, or potential witnesses, especially if a no contact order or bond condition is in place.
• Preserve potential evidence. Save relevant text messages, emails, social media posts, and other information. Do not delete or alter anything related to the situation.
• Be careful what you say to others. Statements to friends, relatives, or coworkers can sometimes be used later in court. Discuss the case in detail only with your attorney.
• Contact a defense lawyer promptly. The sooner you speak with counsel, the sooner someone can help you understand the accusations, communicate on your behalf, and prepare for what may come next.

Our attorneys regularly help people in Bloomington and across McLean County respond to early contact from police and DCFS. If you reach out quickly, we can evaluate your situation, advise you about interviews, and begin working to protect your rights before charges are even filed.

The state has already started building its case against you. Level the playing field by contacting a child molestation attorney in Bloomington now at (309) 565-8825 or contact us online.