March 18, 2010
                                                                                                                                            
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois judges would have the discretion to impose an extended term prison sentence for individuals convicted of a major sex offense if their victim was younger than 18 years old and under the influence of alcohol at the time the offense took place, said State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale).

“As the father of two young daughters, this bill hit home. There was a recent incident in Burr Ridge tragically involving a young woman who was sexually assaulted after she had become seriously intoxicated. Unfortunately this happens far too often,” Dillard said. “I want to send the message that sexually assaulting anyone when they are incapacitated—particularly a minor—will not be tolerated.”

Senate Bill 1020, known as Jasmine’s Law, allows the court to impose a prison sentence that is longer than the minimum and maximum terms of incarceration provided by law, if the person is being imprisoned for a major sexual misconduct offense against a victim younger than 18 who was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Denise Rotheimer, founder of Mothers on a Mission to Stop Violence and passionate advocate for survivor rights, pursued the legislation after her daughter, Jasmine, was given alcohol and sexually assaulted. Rotheimer traveled to the Capitol to testify in favor of Senate Bill 1020 saying more could be done to strengthen Illinois laws to protect children from sexual predators.

Dillard said that it would not make a difference if the defendant supplied the alcohol or not. He said the sexual offenses that Senate Bill 1020 extends to include predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual abuse.

The measure sponsored by Dillard now advances to the Illinois House for consideration.