Posted on August 14,2024 in Sex Crimes

Grooming a child is a serious sex crime in Illinois with far-reaching penalties. Someone convicted of grooming is considered a sexual predator and may face heavy fines, prison time, and registration as a sex offender. Since it does not need to involve any child pornography or physical misconduct with a child, a person can be charged with a grooming offense before any sexual act has taken place. An Illinois grooming defense attorney is key to crafting a strong defense against grooming charges.

What Is Grooming?

Grooming is when someone uses electronic or written communication or performs any act to seduce or entice a child. In simple terms, any attempt to lure or coax a child into engaging in any sexual act is considered grooming. This is true even if sex was not discussed and even if the attempt was made through a third party.

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 Posted on July 12,2024 in Financial Crimes

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a rule titled Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers in February 2024. Shortly after, the Illinois Attorney General joined 24 other state attorneys general to file a letter in support of the FinCEN proposed regulations. The initiative is meant to limit the ability of bad actors to use residential real estate transactions to "launder" ill-gotten money.  Under the new law, those who handle real estate closings and settlements must keep records and submit reports of cash transactions. Criminal defense attorneys have some concerns about the new requirements, which include: 

• Federal, state, and local law enforcement would be granted more access regarding any "suspicious" real estate transactions.

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 Posted on June 22,2024 in Sex Crimes

An Illinois bill that recently cleared the General Assembly could influence state law regarding the crime of Dissemination of Child Pornography. House Bill 4623 would outlaw the creation and sharing of child pornography made using artificial intelligence, ban the distribution of AI-generated sexual images without consent, and expand current child pornography laws to cover AI-generated child pornography. Identifying child pornography has been made more difficult by the rapid increase of AI.  

Illinois has severe penalties for crimes related to child pornography. This new AI law broadens the state’s already broad definition of child pornography. Those arrested on charges of Dissemination of Child Pornography must be aware that this charge has stricter penalties than simple possession of child pornography. It is essential to speak to a skilled Illinois sex crime defense attorney as quickly as possible. An attorney from Komie and Associates will vigorously defend charges of Dissemination of Child Pornography.  

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