A criminal sexual assault charge can be upgraded to aggravated sexual assault under certain circumstances. These may include:
Committing sexual assault while armed with a firearm
Discharging a firearm while committing the offense
Displaying, using, or threatening to use a dangerous weapon while committing the offense
Causing bodily harm to the victim
If the victim was given a controlled substance without their knowledge or consent
If the victim is physically or mentally disabled
If the victim is 60 years of age or older
The full list of aggravating circumstances under which you can be charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault can be found here. If you have been accused of aggravated sexual assault, you should contact The Law Office of Purav Bhatt to receive expert legal representation from a team of skilled Chicago sexual abuse lawyers.