CHAPTER 720, ILCS 5/ - CRIMINAL CODE DIVISION I

720 ILCS 5/11-9.1

Sec. 11-9.1. Sexual exploitation of a child.

Illinois Compiled Statute
720 ILCS 5/11-9.1
Offense Description
Sexual exploitation of a child
Offense Classification
Class A Misdemeanor
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
SAFE-T Act Pretrial Detention Eligibility (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1)
Detention Eligible: The State's Attorney may petition the court for denial of pretrial release under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 (Sex Offense). Standard: Real and present threat to safety of victim or community.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
EXECUTIVE SYNOPSIS · ILLINOIS LEGAL STANDARDS Governing Authority: ILGA & Supreme Court Rules

Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 (Sexual exploitation of a child) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor. Statutory sentencing scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500. Court appearance is not mandatory (pre-set bond or notice to appear), and pretrial release is subject to detention eligibility under the SAFE-T Act (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1).

Offense Class & Sentencing Scope Class A Misdemeanor

Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500

Court Appearance Mandate Release on Notice (No Mandate)

Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.

Pretrial Fairness Act (SAFE-T Act) Detention Eligible (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1)

Detention Eligible: The State's Attorney may petition the court for denial of pretrial release under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 (Sex Offense). Standard: Real and present threat to safety of victim or community.

Secretary of State License Sanction Standard Administrative Protocol

No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.

Classification Class A Misdemeanor
Court Appearance Pre-set Bond / Release on Notice
SAFE-T Act Detention Detention Eligible (Sex Offense)
SOS Reporting Code None Assigned

Associated Offense Codes & Classifications (1)

Offense Description Class Court Mandate SAFE-T Act Reporting Code Official ILGA
Sexual exploitation of a child Official ILGA · 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 -> Class A Misdemeanor Release on Notice Detainable — ILGA.gov ->

Illinois General Assembly Statutory Text (Verbatim)

Source: ilga.gov ->

Sec. 11-9.1. Sexual exploitation of a child.

(a)

(a) A person commits sexual exploitation of a child if in the presence or virtual presence, or both, of a child and with knowledge that a child or one whom he or she believes to be a child would view his or her acts, that person:

(1)

(1) engages in a sexual act;

(2)

(2) exposes his or her sex organs, anus or breast for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of such person or the child or one whom he or she believes to be a child; or (3) knowingly entices, coerces, or persuades a child to participate in the production of the recording or memorializing a sexual act of persons ages 18 or older. (a-5) A person commits sexual exploitation of a child who knowingly entices, coerces, or persuades a child to remove the child's clothing for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of the person or the child, or both.

(b)

(b) Definitions. As used in this Section:

"Sexual act" means masturbation, sexual conduct or sexual penetration as defined in Section 11-0.1 of this Code.

"Sex offense" means any violation of Article 11 of this Code.

"Child" means a person under 17 years of age.

"Virtual presence" means an environment that is created with software and presented to the user and or receiver via the Internet, in such a way that the user appears in front of the receiver on the computer monitor or screen or hand-held portable electronic device, usually through a web camming program. "Virtual presence" includes primarily experiencing through sight or sound, or both, a video image that can be explored interactively at a personal computer or hand-held communication device, or both.

"Webcam" means a video capturing device connected to a computer or computer network that is designed to take digital photographs or live or recorded video which allows for the live transmission to an end user over the Internet.

(c)

(c) Sentence.

(1)

(1) Sexual exploitation of a child is a Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this Section or a substantially similar law of another state is a Class 4 felony. (2) Sexual exploitation of a child is a Class 4 felony if the person has been previously convicted of a sex offense. (3) Sexual exploitation of a child is a Class 4 felony if the victim was under 13 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense. (4) Sexual exploitation of a child is a Class 4 felony if committed by a person 18 years of age or older who is on or within 500 feet of elementary or secondary school grounds when children are present on the grounds. (5) A violation of paragraph (3) of subsection (a) is a Class 4 felony. (Source: P.A. 104-245, eff. 1-1-26.)

Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis

Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 (Sexual exploitation of a child) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor.

Sentencing Scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500

Is a court appearance mandatory for 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?

No Mandatory Court Appearance (Pre-Set Bond / Notice to Appear): Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.

Is an individual accused of 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?

Detention Eligible: Detention Eligible: The State's Attorney may petition the court for denial of pretrial release under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 (Sex Offense). Standard: Real and present threat to safety of victim or community.

What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1?

Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.

Official Legal Citation Formats

Legal & Academic Reference

Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.

Illinois Supreme Court Citation 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.) 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/11-9.1 (2026)
Canonical Web Reference https://ilcsindex.com/statutes/720-ilcs-5-11-9.1
Cross-Referenced ILCS Codes