Sex Crimes & Punishments
Prosecutors, and the general public, consider sex crimes to be some of the most heinous crimes. People tend to forget the presumption of innocence when a person is accused of a crime of this nature. Simply being accused of a sex crime is enough to significantly alter the rest of your life. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Hogan Eickhoff will zealously represent your interests and protect your freedom. Contact our firm at (920) 450-9800 to schedule a confidential consultation with a seasoned attorney.
FREE CONSULTATIONSexual Assault Charges
If you are charged with sexual assault in Wisconsin, you may face first, second, third, or fourth degree charges. The type of charge and potential penalties you face depend on how much force or violence is used, whether you had a weapon during the assault, or other aggravating factors like the age of the victim. Potential charges include:
First Degree Sexual Assault
This crime involves sexual contact or intercourse with another person without his or her consent that causes serious physical injury or pregnancy when the assault was accomplished by the use or threat of violence or the help of another person.
Second Degree Sexual Assault
This crime can be charged in a variety of circumstances, including if force or violence was used or threatened, the victim suffered an injury or mental anguish, the victim was unconscious, or the victim was a vulnerable person by reason of age or mental incapacity.
Third Degree Sexual Assault
This crime is charged when there was sexual intercourse or contact that involved intentional urine, feces, or ejaculation of either the defendant or victim for the purpose of sexual humiliation or gratification.
Fourth Degree Sexual Assault
Fourth degree sexual assault is non-consensual sexual contact that involves touching the victim for sexual humiliation or gratification.
Sexual Assault of a Child
If the victim is a child, different crimes may apply. Second degree sexual assault of a child charges may result if a person has sexual contact or intercourse with a child who is not yet 16 years of age. A person can be charged with a Class C felony in this circumstance unless he or she is close to the victim’s age.
A Class A felony charge can result for the crime of first degree sexual assault of a child if the child is under 13 and the defendant causes great bodily harm to him or her. A Class B felony can result if the victim is under 13 or the use or threat of force is employed.
If you commit three or more repeated acts of sexual assault of the same child within a specified period of time, you can be charged with a Class A, B, or C felony.
Other Punishable Sex Crimes
While sexual assault is one of the most commonly charged sex crimes in Wisconsin, there are many others, including:
- Child enticement
- Child pornography
- Exposing a child to harmful material
- Exposing genitals to a child
- Capturing an intimate representation
- Human trafficking
- Prostitution
- Solicitation
- Sexual exploitation
- Incest
- Maintaining a house of prostitution
- Violation of sex offender registry
Possible Penalties for Sex Crimes
Individuals convicted of sex crimes in Wisconsin face serious penalties, such as:
Imprisonment
Many sex crimes carry heavy prison sentences. Multiple convictions can result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. It is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as early in the investigation as possible to help minimize the potential penalties.
Sex Offender Registry
Individuals who commit sex crimes in Wisconsin are often required to register on the sex offender registration. This makes it possible for members of the public, neighbors, employers, and housing management companies to see your conviction. The most serious sexual offenders may be required to register for life. Some sex offenses may result in the requirement to register for 15 years, but other convictions that may result in lifetime registration include:
- First or second degree sexual assault
- Repeated acts with a child
- Violent acts
- Two or more convictions of the same sexual offense
Probation & Extended Supervision
In addition to a term of imprisonment, individuals convicted of sex crimes may be on probation or extended supervision for a substantial period of time following release. Defendants are required to follow the rules of supervision, which tend to be much more restrictive when on supervision for a sex offense.
In addition to representing clients accused of sex crimes, we have experience with cases involving felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, property crimes, drug offenses, and violent crimes. Contact our team today by calling (920) 450-9800, or request a consultation. Hogan Eickhoff is located in Appleton, and serves the state of Wisconsin including Green Bay, Oshkosh, Chilton, Waupaca, and beyond.