Illinois § 12-33

Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-33, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-33.

Ritualized abuse of a child. (a) A person commits ritualized abuse of a child when he or she knowingly commits any of the following acts with, upon, or in the presence of a child as part of a ceremony, rite or any similar observance: (1) actually or in simulation, tortures, mutilates, or sacrifices any warm-blooded animal or human being; (2) forces ingestion, injection or other application of any narcotic, drug, hallucinogen or anaesthetic for the purpose of dulling sensitivity, cognition, recollection of, or resistance to any criminal activity; (3) forces ingestion, or external application, of human or animal urine, feces, flesh, blood, bones, body secretions, nonprescribed drugs or chemical compounds; (4) involves the child in a mock, unauthorized or unlawful marriage ceremony with another person or representation of any force or deity, followed by sexual contact with the child; (5) places a living child into a coffin or open grave containing a human corpse or remains; (6) threatens death or serious harm to a child, his or her parents, family, pets, or friends that instills a well-founded fear in the child that the threat will be carried out; or (7) unlawfully dissects, mutilates, or incinerates a human corpse. (b) The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to: (1) lawful agricultural, animal husbandry, food preparation, or wild game hunting and fishing practices and specifically the branding or identification of livestock; (2) the lawful medical practice of male circumcision or any ceremony related to male circumcision; (3) any state or federally approved, licensed, or funded research project; or (4) the ingestion of animal flesh or blood in the performance of a religious service or ceremony. (b-5) For the purposes of this Section, "child" means any person under 18 years of age. (c) Ritualized abuse of a child is a Class 1 felony for a first offense. A second or subsequent conviction for ritualized abuse of a child is a Class X felony for which an offender who has attained the age of 18 years at the time of the commission of the offense may be sentenced to a term of natural life imprisonment and an offender under the age of 18 years at the time of the commission of the offense shall be sentenced under Section 5-4.5-105 of the Unified Code of Corrections. (d) (Blank). (Source: P.A. 99-69, eff. 1-1-16.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 12-33

What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-33 cover?

Section 12-33 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Illinois § 12-33?

A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-33" (Illinois). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Illinois law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.

How does Illinois § 12-33 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.