Respondent was found guilty of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, ordered to register as a sex offender, and adjudicated as a delinquent minor under the Juvenile Court Act. On appeal, respondent argued that the State failed to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt because there was insufficient evidence that he engaged in improper conduct or that conduct was done for the purpose of sexual gratification. Defendant also argued that he was denied equal protection under the law because he received harsher treatment due to his familial relationship with the victim. The appellate court affirmed, finding that the charges were proved beyond a reasonable doubt based on the evidence and that defendant’s constitutional argument lacked merit. (FITZGERALD SMITH and PUCINSKI, concurring)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Burden of Proof