Defending Freedom

Illinois criminal defense attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman of Combs Waterkotte discuss child sexual assault, sexual abuse, and the use of forensic interviews in criminal investigations.

A forensic interview is a structured, child-focused conversation conducted by a trained professional, often at a child advocacy center, when abuse or exploitation is suspected. Interviewers use open-ended, non-leading questions to gather information while reducing the need for repeated interviews and unnecessary distress.

In this video, our attorneys explain how forensic interviews work, how children's statements may be used in Illinois sex crime cases, and why interview methods, accuracy, and evidentiary rules matter. An interview does not automatically establish guilt or guarantee that a statement will be admissible in court.

Combs Waterkotte defends clients facing serious sex crime allegations across Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois. Learn more about related charges and defense resources:

• Illinois Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
• Child Molestation Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Child Exploitation Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Juvenile Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chicago, IL

Facing sex crime allegations in Illinois? Call (618) 88-CRIME or, in Chicago and Northern Illinois, (312) 500-HELP. Request a free, confidential consultation: Contact Combs Waterkotte.

Illinois criminal defense attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois sex crime charges, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, sex offender registration requirements, and more.

In Illinois, individuals convicted of certain qualifying sex offenses must register under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). Offenses that can require registration include:

• Grooming and indecent solicitation of a child
• Child pornography and child sexual abuse material offenses
• Criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual assault
• Criminal sexual abuse and aggravated criminal sexual abuse
• Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child

Qualifying juvenile adjudications may also trigger registration requirements. The specific offense, applicable statutory classification, and other circumstances determine whether registration is mandatory and how long it lasts. Individuals who fail to comply with existing registration requirements may face additional felony charges.

In this video, our attorneys explain which Illinois sex crime convictions require registration, how registration requirements are determined, and how a conviction may affect your employment, housing, reputation, and future.

Combs Waterkotte represents individuals facing sex crime allegations throughout Chicago, Cook County, Southern Illinois, and the states of Illinois and Missouri. Our criminal defense attorneys challenge the prosecution's evidence and work to protect our clients' rights throughout the legal process.

Learn more about Illinois sex crimes, sex offender registration, and criminal defense through Combs Waterkotte:

• Do I Have to Register as a Sex Offender in Illinois?
• Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois
• Sex Offender Registration Violations Lawyer in Illinois
• Grooming Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL

If you are under investigation or facing sex crime charges in Illinois, our attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options.

Contact our Illinois sex crimes defense attorneys at (618) 88-CRIME in Illinois or (312) 500-HELP in Chicago, Cook County, and Northern Illinois.

To request your 100% free case review, fill out our online contact form: Contact Combs Waterkotte.

Illinois criminal defense attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois sex crime charges, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, sex offender registration requirements, and more.

In Illinois, certain sex crime convictions require mandatory registration under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). Qualifying offenses include criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, grooming, indecent solicitation of a child, and child pornography offenses.

Juvenile delinquency adjudications involving qualifying sex offenses may also trigger registration requirements. Depending on the offense, criminal history, and applicable laws, individuals may be required to register for 10 years or for life.

Failure to comply with existing sex offender registration requirements can also result in additional felony charges.

In this video, our attorneys explain which Illinois sex crimes require registration, how registration requirements are determined, and how a conviction can affect your employment, housing, reputation, and future.

Combs Waterkotte represents individuals facing sex crime allegations throughout Chicago, Cook County, Southern Illinois, and the states of Illinois and Missouri. Our criminal defense attorneys challenge the prosecution's evidence, protect our clients' constitutional rights, and pursue the most favorable outcome available.

Learn more about Illinois sex crimes, sex offender registration, and criminal defense through Combs Waterkotte:

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois
• Sex Offender Registration Violations Lawyer in Illinois
• Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Grooming Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL

If you are under investigation or facing sex crime charges in Illinois, experienced legal representation can help you understand your rights and evaluate your options. Our attorneys defend individuals facing sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, grooming, child exploitation, and other serious felony allegations.

Contact our Illinois sex crimes defense attorneys at (618) 88-CRIME in Illinois or (312) 500-HELP in Chicago, Cook County, and Northern Illinois.

To request your 100% free case review, fill out our online contact form: Contact Combs Waterkotte.

Illinois criminal defense attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois sex crime charges, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, child witness testimony, and more.

Can a child be required to testify in an Illinois criminal court? The answer depends on the child's circumstances, the nature of the case, and applicable legal requirements. Children may be called as witnesses in criminal proceedings, but Illinois law provides certain protections for young or vulnerable witnesses, particularly in cases involving allegations of sexual abuse or assault.

Under Illinois law, courts may allow special procedures to protect child witnesses, including:

• Closed-circuit television (CCTV) testimony, allowing a qualifying child witness to testify outside the courtroom when statutory requirements are met.
• Previously recorded statements or interviews that may be admitted as evidence when applicable evidentiary and constitutional requirements are satisfied.
• Support from approved individuals, including certain advocates or guardians, who may help protect the child's well-being during court proceedings.

These protections do not automatically eliminate the requirement to testify. Judges must consider the circumstances of the case, applicable evidence rules, and the defendant's constitutional rights, including the right to confront witnesses.

In this video, our attorneys explain whether children can be required to testify in Illinois criminal cases, how courts handle testimony involving minors, and what protections may be available to child witnesses in sexual assault and sexual abuse proceedings.

Our criminal defense attorneys carefully examine witness testimony, challenge unreliable evidence, and protect our clients' constitutional rights throughout the legal process. Learn more about Illinois sex crimes, child sexual assault allegations, and criminal defense through Combs Waterkotte:

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois
• Child Molestation Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Child Exploitation Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Juvenile Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL

Contact our Illinois sex crimes defense attorneys at (618) 88-CRIME in Illinois or (312) 500-HELP in Chicago, Cook County, and Northern Illinois.

To request your 100% free case review, fill out our online contact form: Contact Combs Waterkotte.

Illinois criminal defense attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois sex crime charges, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, sex offender registration requirements, and more.

Can you ever get removed from the Illinois Sex Offender Registry? The answer depends on your conviction, registration classification, and individual circumstances. Under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), some individuals must register for 10 years, while others face lifetime registration requirements.

For individuals subject to a 10-year registration period, registration obligations generally terminate once the required period has been completed, provided all applicable legal conditions have been satisfied. However, certain convictions require lifetime registration, and individuals subject to these requirements generally cannot simply petition for removal after 10 years.

Illinois also has special provisions for certain juvenile offenders. Individuals required to register following qualifying juvenile delinquency adjudications may be eligible to petition the court for termination after two or five years, depending on the offense classification and other statutory requirements. Court approval is not guaranteed.

Our attorneys explain how Illinois sex offender registration works, how long individuals may be required to register, whether removal is possible, and what legal options may be available to challenge registration requirements.

Our experienced sex crimes defense attorneys fight to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and pursue the most favorable outcome available under Illinois law.

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Sex Offender Registration Violations Lawyer in Illinois
• Juvenile Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL

If you are facing sex crime charges or have questions about sex offender registration requirements in Illinois, experienced legal representation can help you understand your rights and options.

Contact our Illinois sex crimes defense attorneys at (618) 88-CRIME in Illinois or (312) 500-HELP in Chicago, Cook County, and Northern Illinois.

To request your 100% free case review, fill out our online contact form: Contact Combs Waterkotte.

Illinois criminal defense attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois sex crime charges, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, sex offender registration requirements, and more.

The Illinois Sex Offender Registry is a publicly accessible database maintained by the Illinois State Police that provides information about individuals required to register under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). The database includes identifying information such as names, photographs, addresses, and details about qualifying offenses.

Individuals convicted of certain sex crimes in Illinois may be required to register for 10 years or for life, depending on the offense and applicable legal requirements. Registration can also involve reporting address changes, updating employment information, and complying with other restrictions. Failure to meet these obligations can result in additional felony charges.

In this video, our attorneys explain how the Illinois Sex Offender Registry works, which offenses can require registration, how long registration obligations may last, and how these requirements can affect your employment, housing, reputation, and future.

We defend individuals facing serious sex crime allegations and work to protect their constitutional rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome. Learn more about Illinois sex crimes, sex offender registration requirements, and criminal defense through Combs Waterkotte:

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Sex Offender Registration Violations Lawyer in Illinois
• Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Southern Illinois
• Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Combs Waterkotte Chicago Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you are under investigation or facing sex crime charges in Illinois, experienced legal representation can help you understand your options and protect your rights. Our attorneys handle criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, sex offender registration violations, and other serious felony charges throughout Illinois.

Contact our Illinois sex crimes defense attorneys now at (618) 88-CRIME in Illinois or (312) 500-HELP in Chicago, Cook County, and Northern Illinois. We are available around the clock to discuss your case and to provide a free, confidential consultation.

To request your 100% free case review, fill out our online contact form: Contact Combs Waterkotte.

Everything You Need to Know About Flock Cameras.

Are Flock cameras keeping communities safe, or are they creating a massive surveillance network that tracks everywhere you drive?

Former police officer, correctional officer, and current investigator at Combs Waterkotte Law Firm, Andrew Skoklo, breaks down everything you need to know about Flock Safety cameras, automated license plate readers, and how law enforcement uses surveillance technology during criminal investigations.

Flock cameras are appearing in neighborhoods, parking lots, intersections, and communities nationwide. These automated license plate readers capture vehicle information that can help police identify cars connected to criminal investigations. But how much information are they actually collecting, and who has access to it?

In this video, Andrew explains how Flock cameras work, whether police can track your vehicle without a warrant, how long license plate data may be stored, and whether departments can share that information with other law enforcement agencies.

Andrew also discusses the potential benefits of Flock cameras in solving crimes, the risks of misuse, and the privacy concerns surrounding the growing use of automated surveillance technology. Drawing on his experience in law enforcement, he offers insight into how these systems can affect investigations and everyday drivers.

Can Flock cameras really help solve crimes? Are your movements being recorded without your knowledge? And how much surveillance is too much?

Here's what you should know about Flock cameras from someone who has firsthand law enforcement experience.

Learn more about criminal defense, police investigations, and your constitutional rights through Combs Waterkotte:

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Unlawful Search and Seizure Lawyer in St. Louis
• Unlawful Police Stops Lawyer in St. Louis
• Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
• Motor Vehicle Tampering Lawyer in St. Louis
• Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyer in St. Louis
• Fleeing and Eluding Police Lawyer in St. Louis
• Drugs in Vehicle Lawyer in St. Louis
• Traffic Ticket Lawyer in St. Louis
• Felony Defense Lawyer in St. Louis

If you've been charged with a crime in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, give Combs Waterkotte a call at 314-900-HELP or fill out our online contact form: Contact us.

What Went Wrong With Christa Pike's Execution?

Former law enforcement officer and correctional officer Andrew Skoklo, an investigator at Combs Waterkotte Law Firm, examines the failed execution of Christa Pike, the controversy surrounding her death sentence, and the ongoing debate over capital punishment in the United States.

Christa Pike was sentenced to death in Tennessee for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer. On September 30, 2026, Pike survived an attempted execution by lethal injection and was transported to a hospital for emergency medical treatment. The incident raised serious questions about Tennessee's execution procedures, prison conditions, and the constitutional implications of capital punishment.

In this video, Andrew discusses what happened during Pike's attempted execution, the complications associated with lethal injection, and the legal questions surrounding her case. He also shares his firsthand perspective on life behind prison walls, death row, and the differences between how executions are portrayed in movies and how they actually take place.

What happens when an execution goes wrong? Who is responsible when lethal injection procedures fail? And could Christa Pike's case change how death sentences are carried out in the future?

Learn more about criminal defense, capital crimes, and the death penalty through Combs Waterkotte:

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Capital Crimes and Death Penalty Lawyer in St. Louis
• Murder and Homicide Lawyer in St. Louis
• First-Degree Murder Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
• Criminal Appeals Lawyer in St. Louis
• Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
• Class A Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
• Felony Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
• Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
• Combs Waterkotte Defending Freedom Podcast

If you've been charged with a serious crime in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, contact Combs Waterkotte at 314-900-HELP or fill out our online contact form: Contact us.

Can I Travel Out of State if I'm Registered in Illinois?

Illinois criminal defense attorneys Christopher Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss traveling outside Illinois while registered as a sex offender, including travel notification requirements, out-of-state registration laws, temporary visits, relocation, and potential penalties for failing to comply with the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act.

Yes, individuals registered as sex offenders in Illinois may generally travel out of state, but they must comply with applicable registration and notification requirements. Under Illinois law, registered individuals who are temporarily absent from their registered address for three or more days must notify their registering law enforcement agency and provide their travel itinerary. Destination states may impose additional requirements, including registration for temporary visits, employment, or relocation. Reporting deadlines vary by state, and failing to comply can result in additional felony charges, prison time, or extended registration obligations. Before traveling or moving, registered individuals should verify the requirements in both Illinois and their destination state.

Learn more about Illinois sex offender registration requirements, violations, and criminal defense:

• Sex Offender Registration Violations Lawyer in Southern Illinois
• Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers in IL
• Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Southern Illinois
• Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
• Combs Waterkotte Southern Illinois Criminal Defense Office
• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm

If you are facing sex offender registration violations or have questions about travel restrictions and registration requirements in Illinois, contact Combs Waterkotte for a free, confidential consultation. Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients throughout Chicago, Cook County, Southern Illinois, and across the state. Call (312) 500-HELP in Chicago or (618) 88-CRIME in Southern Illinois, or fill out our online contact form: Contact us.

Missouri criminal defense attorneys Christopher Combs, Matthew Brown, and Martell Turner from Combs Waterkotte recently sat down to discuss criminal defense in Missouri. In this video, they explain Missouri investigative procedures, what to do when police want to question you, your constitutional rights during an arrest, and how attorneys challenge unlawfully obtained evidence.

In Missouri, individuals generally have the right to remain silent when questioned about suspected criminal activity and can request legal representation. Police may use certain deceptive interrogation tactics, but constitutional protections limit how evidence and statements can be obtained. Following an arrest, officers must comply with applicable detention, charging, and court procedures.

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, including certain vehicle and cellphone searches. Depending on the circumstances, police may need a warrant, probable cause, consent, or another recognized legal exception. If evidence or statements were obtained in violation of constitutional protections, a criminal defense attorney may file a motion to suppress that evidence.

• 0:06 - What should I do if Missouri police want to question me?
• 1:25 - Do I have to talk to police in Missouri?
• 2:08 - What should I say if I'm arrested?
• 3:11 - Can police lie during questioning?
• 3:49 - What happens after an arrest in Missouri?
• 4:39 - How long can police hold me before charging me?
• 5:36 - What is probable cause for an arrest?
• 6:24 - Can police search my vehicle during a traffic stop?
• 6:55 - Can police search my phone without a warrant?
• 7:42 - What is a search warrant, and when is it required?
• 8:39 - What happens if police violate my rights during an arrest?
• 9:20 - Can illegally obtained evidence be thrown out?

Learn more about Missouri arrests, police investigations, constitutional rights, and criminal defense:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
• Criminal Defense Strategies and Constitutional Rights
• Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Louis, MO
• Unlawful Police Stops Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
• Challenging Illegal Searches and Criminal Evidence
• Drug Charges and Possession Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
• Gun Charges Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
• Felony Defense Lawyers in St. Louis, MO
• St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm

If police want to question you, you are under investigation, or you have been arrested in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, contact Combs Waterkotte for a free, confidential consultation. Our criminal defense attorneys investigate police procedures, challenge unlawful searches, examine the prosecution's evidence, and fight to protect your constitutional rights. Call (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online contact form: Contact us.