In the early morning hours of Monday, January 19, a 25-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted after she was approached from behind in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, according to a news article at the Chicago Tribune.
The victim was on West Pierce Avenue walking on the sidewalk when the attack took place, according to Veejay Zala, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department. The woman told police that the man threw her to the ground and sexually assaulted her near an alley after ripping her pants off. When the victim screamed for help, she caught the attention of someone passing by the area, who verbally challenged the woman’s attacker, causing him to flee the scene. The victim was taken to an area hospital.
At the time of news reports, police were still looking for the man who is described as a black man wearing a dark coat and pants, approximately 180 to 220 lbs., between 5′ 8″ and 6′ tall, somewhere between 25 and 40 years of age. He may have also been carrying a handgun.
Sexual assault, or rape, is a very serious crime regardless of what state it occurs in. In Michigan, the most serious sex crime is first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which involves penetration. The maximum prison term if convicted is life in prison. In addition, depending on the victim’s age, the offender may be sentenced to the mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison.
When it comes to punishment, first-degree CSC is a criminal offense comparative to murder in terms of prison time. While some defendants may serve only a short time in jail/prison depending on the circumstances and the sex offense he/she is charged with, it is often the requirement to register as a sex offender that is most damaging to a person’s life. Sex offenders are shunned by society, and cannot live anywhere they choose to. Their status as a sex offender will also impact employment opportunities.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for allegedly committing sexual assault or any sex-related offense, consult with a highly experienced and aggressive Michigan sex crime defense lawyer immediately. It is vital you take action quickly in order to mitigate the damage and negative consequences to your life.