Sex Crimes Attorneys in Madison, Wisconsin

If you are facing a sex crime accusation, you most likely feel overwhelmed and frightened about what the future may hold. Wisconsin law enforcement officials and prosecutors take a tough stance on sex crimes. As a result, state law imposes stiff penalties for those convicted in most sex crime cases. Penalties may include a lengthy prison sentence and being forced to register on the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry.

As a result, a sex crime conviction will have permanent life-changing consequences that prevent you from achieving your goals. For these reasons, anyone charged with a sex crime must hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will provide aggressive legal representation on their behalf.

Casper Mehlos Law Group is a law firm that understands the sensitive nature of sex offense charges and will fight to safeguard your freedom and legal rights. Our highly trained criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience handling sex crime cases and know what it takes to get favorable client results.

Contact our Madison, WI, law office immediately and ask to schedule a free, confidential consultation so that we may professionally evaluate your case and determine what legal options suit your needs.

What Types of Criminal Offenses Are Considered Sex Crimes?

Wisconsin law has many laws on the books that deal with sex offenses. Although there are many different types of sex crimes, some of the most common include:

Sexual assault: There are several different classifications for sexual assault charges depending on the circumstances involved in the crimes. However, Wisconsin law stipulates that any sexual contact or intercourse without the victim’s consent or that is carried out by the use or threat of force qualifies as sexual assault. Charges are filed based on other factors, such as whether the victim suffered from mental illness, was unconscious, or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Statutory rape: Anyone who engages in sexual relations with a minor younger than 18 may be charged with statutory rape, even if the sexual contact was consensual. Unfortunately, many older teens can inadvertently be charged with statutory rape. For example, sexual contact between a minor 15 to 17 years old with a defendant under age 19 may result in criminal charges.
Child sex crimes: Child sex crimes can encompass many different types of criminal offenses, including child pornography, traveling to meet a minor, child trafficking, or using electronic means to entice a child or facilitate wrongdoing.
Sexual battery: Sexual battery is defined as forced or coerced sexual contact, which may include touching the victim’s intimate parts through clothing or direct contact against their will or without consent. The abuse can be for the perpetrator’s sexual gratification or to humiliate or abuse the victim.

Other common sex crimes include indecent exposure, prostitution, date rape, and incest. For more information about the various types of Wisconsin sex crimes, contact our law office to learn more.

What Are Some of the Penalties for Sex Crimes Convictions?

The potential penalties related to sex crime convictions vary based on the charges and facts involved in the case.

For example, sex crime penalties for first-degree sexual assault can range up to 60 years in prison, while fourth-degree sexual assault is punishable by up to 9 months in county jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Other common sex crime penalties may include:

Statutory rape: The criminal penalties related to statutory rape vary based on the child’s age. For example, sexual activity with minors 16 to 17 years old is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine. Charges for minors 14 to 15 years old, offenders can be charged with a Class C felony and sentenced to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
Prostitution: Prostitution is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine
Indecent exposure: An indecent exposure conviction can result in an offender being forced to register as a sex offender, being banned from areas such as schools or playgrounds where children are present, and 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine
Child pornography: Under Wisconsin law, possession of child pornography is charged as a Class D felony. Criminal penalties include being sentenced to up to 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. However, even with a plea deal, many offenders are sentenced to a mandatory minimum three-year prison sentence

Due to the severe consequences associated with a sex crime conviction, anyone facing charges must hire a well-experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight tirelessly to protect their freedom.

If you even think there is a possibility of being charged with a sex crime case, immediately contact Casper Mehlos Law Group, so that we may begin building a solid defense case on your behalf.

If I am Convicted of a Sex Crime, Do I Have to Place My Name on the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry?

One of the most frightening aspects of anyone dealing with sex crime charges is the worry that they may have to place their name on the Wisconsin sex offender registry. Convictions for child sex crimes will most likely require individuals to place their names on the registry. However, not every sex crime conviction requires an offender to register.

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections established the sex offender registry as a database that contains the names and personal information of individuals who have been convicted of specific types of sex crimes. The sex offender registry is available to the general public and can be easily accessed.

Some of the crimes that can require an individual to have to place their name on the sex offender registry include:

Any type of sexual assault of an adult
First or second-degree sexual assault of a child
Repeated sexual assault crimes against the same child
Child trafficking
Child enticement
Child incest
Sexual exploitation of a child
Soliciting a child for prostitution
Possession of child pornography
Forcing a child to be involved or exposed to sexual activity
Using electronic communication to facilitate child sex crimes
Sexual exploitation by a therapist

It should be noted that some sex crimes require offenders to submit to lifetime registration, while others may only require them to have their name on the registry for a minimum of 15 years. When convicted sex offenders move to another jurisdiction, they are required to check in with local law enforcement. Finally, individuals on the sex offender registry database may be limited in where they may live and find it hard to obtain gainful employment.

To learn more about what sex offense convictions qualify for the sex offender registry, contact our Madison, WI, law office to learn more.

Are There Any Legal Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges?

One of the most complex aspects of any type of sex crime accusation is that they amount to one person’s word over another. Unfortunately, because of the increase in sex crime offenses, police are often quick to make arrests without knowing all the facts or conducting a thorough investigation in the interests of public safety.

However, depending on the facts involved in the case, a highly experienced criminal lawyer may be able to utilize defense strategies to help clients avoid criminal convictions and prison sentences.

Some common defense strategies used to fight sex crime charges include:

Challenging lack of consent claims: One of the most common claims in sex crime cases is that the alleged victim did not consent to sexual activity. A defense lawyer may be able to obtain evidence, such as witness testimony, which can successfully dispute these claims
False allegations: All too often, alleged victims make false allegations against others out of jealousy, revenge, or to try and gain leverage in divorce or child custody matters. A well-versed lawyer may be able to provide evidence that disputes the accuser’s credibility or motive for the allegations
Lack of evidence: The police are often quick to make arrests for reported sex offenses. However, law enforcement officials often lack sufficient evidence to support their claims. Defense attorneys will thoroughly evaluate the state’s evidence to determine its credibility
Alibi: A lawyer may be able to present evidence that proves the accused has an alibi for the time the sexual offense was committed and, therefore, cannot be guilty of the crime
Mistaken identity: Sadly, many victims mistakenly misidentify who they believe to have perpetrated the sex crime. However, an experienced defense lawyer may be able to present evidence such as unreliable witness testimony or environmental factors that lead to the wrong identification

Anyone who has been arrested or thinks they may be charged with a sex crime should always request a criminal defense attorney to be present when being questioned. Unfortunately, many defendants make the critical mistake of telling their side of the story without having legal counsel.

Our well-qualified defense attorneys can provide the legal counsel to help you deal with the police and the criminal justice system.

Why Should I Trust Your Criminal Defense Attorneys to Defend Me Against Sex Crime Charges?

Casper Mehlos Law Group is dedicated to helping those who have been accused of sex crimes with aggressive legal representation to help them fight their charges. A sex crime conviction can result in severe penalties for individuals for the rest of their lives.

If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is in your best interest to contact our Madison, WI, law firm immediately so that you can consult with a qualified legal professional. Even if you have not been formally charged, you cannot wait until you have been arrested. Instead, you must be proactive and speak with a lawyer who will advise you of your legal rights and what to expect from the police.

If we agree to take your case, we will review the state’s evidence to determine its strengths and weaknesses. We can also negotiate with the prosecution to try to have your charges reduced or dismissed. Our dedicated legal professionals can also conduct an independent investigation to determine the accuser’s credibility and seek witnesses who may dispute the state’s evidence.

However, all sex crime cases are different, and any deal that may be reached will depend significantly on the facts and evidence presented.

Contact Casper Mehlos Law Group at (608) 820-8926 and ask to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal needs.