Under one definition (720 ILCS 5/11-1.60(f)), you commit aggravated criminal sexual abuse if 1) you have sexual conduct with a victim who is aged 13 to 17, 2) you are at least age 17, and 3) you hold a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to the victim.
In Illinois, “trust,” means the victim has confidence in your integrity, ability, character, and truth. For example, in People v. Miki, the defendant was a soccer coach, and the victim had been on his team starting in sixth grade. The criminal conduct occurred about a month after she had left the team when she was 17. In finding defendant held a position of trust, the court reasoned that the victim’s family allowed her to ride alone with him to games. Further, the defendant, the victim and their families attended the same church, where the victim’s father was a pastor. The victim at times sat with defendant during services. Therefore, the evidence was sufficient to uphold defendant’s conviction based on a position of trust.
If you have been charged with criminal sexual abuse or a similar offense, contact an experienced criminal law attorney immediately. Whether you occupy a “position of trust” can be a highly fact specific question, the answer to which may depend on your particular judge. An attorney who is familiar with the courthouse can best attempt to present the facts of your case in their most favorable light in the hopes of winning a not guilty verdict. Even if the evidence is overwhelming, the attorney may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement than you could on your own.
If you have questions about this or another related Illinois criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.
(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)
