Gurnee Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Lawyers for Strategic Defense Against Criminal Sexual Harassment Charges in Gurnee, IL

Being accused of sexual harassment can damage your reputation, your career, your personal relationships, and your future. When these allegations lead to criminal charges, the consequences become even more serious. Sadly, these charges are often based on conflicting statements, misinterpreted actions, or false allegations. You need a skilled criminal defense lawyer to advocate for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome for your charges.

At Brady Cole Trial Lawyers, we aggressively defend our clients. As former prosecutors, we understand how criminal sexual harassment cases are built, and we also know how to take them apart. As proven by over 125 five-star reviews, our clients trust us to fight for their rights and protect their futures. We will start defending you from the moment you choose to work with us, so do not delay in contacting us for legal help.

Understanding Criminal Sexual Harassment Charges in Gurnee

Not all sexual harassment is considered a criminal offense, and many claims will fall under civil or employment laws. However, certain behaviors could lead to criminal charges in Illinois. These may include:

• Threats of sexual violence
• Pressure to exchange sexual favors for workplace benefits
• Watching, following, stalking, or otherwise harassing someone in a sexual manner
• Repeated and unwanted sexual requests or advances
• Unwanted physical contact
• Sending offensive or unwanted electronic communications of a sexual nature

These and similar behaviors do not necessarily have to take place in your normal workplace for you to be charged with sexual harassment. Charges could be brought for qualifying sexual behaviors in after-hours conversations, at work events or parties, or in other locations. You do not have to be the accuser's supervisor or manager; you could also be charged if you are a third-party vendor or client.

In some circumstances, sexual harassment charges could be elevated to criminal sexual assault. These charges may apply in cases involving allegations of the use of force, physical contact, or threats or when the alleged victim is a minor.

The Potential Consequences of Illinois Sexual Harassment Charges

Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be facing fines, jail time, a criminal record, and even sex offender registration if you are convicted. However, these legal penalties are not the only consequences you may encounter.

Simply being accused of sexual harassment can damage your career, even if you are not formally charged or convicted. Many employers have zero-tolerance policies, and they may take disciplinary action as soon as an allegation is made. You could be placed on leave, reassigned, or even terminated while an in-house or police investigation is still ongoing.

Even if your criminal case is dismissed or you are acquitted, background checks could still reveal the charge to potential employers. If you are convicted, you might also lose a professional license, security clearance, or certifications required for your job, which can make finding future employment even more challenging.

Building a Strong Defense Against Gurnee Sexual Harassment Charges

Sexual harassment cases often rely on subjective interpretations of actions or conversations. A misunderstanding, a workplace conflict, or personal motives can lead to a false or exaggerated accusation. Our legal team will act quickly and aggressively to contain the damage and defend your rights.

We will work to uncover the full story. We can investigate the accuser's statements, review communications, examine surveillance footage, and question the timing and motives behind the sexual harassment claim. In some cases, we may be able to show that the accusation is unsupported, inconsistent, or false.

After thoroughly reviewing your case, we may use one or more of the following defense strategies:

• Proving that the behavior did not occur as described
• Demonstrating that the actions were consensual or were misinterpreted
• Challenging the credibility or biases of the accuser
• Showing that there is a lack of evidence to support the charge
• Arguing that the complaint was made for retaliation or personal gain

Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We will work diligently to help you avoid a conviction and keep your record clean. In some cases, our fast and decisive action can prevent formal charges from being filed at all. If you have already been charged, we may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges reduced or dismissed. If necessary, we provide exceptional representation during a criminal trial.

Call Our Gurnee, Illinois Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyers

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a sexual harassment-related offense, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. Brady Cole Trial Lawyers provides skillful defense based on your specific situation, and we will always work toward the best possible case outcome. Call 847-752-9639 or contact our Gurnee, IL sexual harassment attorneys to schedule a free case review. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and protect your rights.