Sex Crimes
Sex crime allegations can result in immediate social, professional, and financial fallout, even without a conviction. You may be treated as if you’re already guilty long before you appear in court. Your name could be dragged through the media. In some cases, all it takes is an accusation to trigger an investigation, arrest, and charges. If you’ve suddenly found yourself in these circumstances, you need a powerful advocate on your side to protect your rights and your freedom.
The Wisconsin criminal defense attorneys at Nolan Defense Alliance are ready to step up and protect you. Whether you’re under investigation or already charged, we’re ready to challenge the evidence and the prosecution’s narrative.
Our team has handled cases involving false accusations, flawed investigations, and police overreach. We’ve worked with clients with important evidence ignored and government officials who do not objectively review the accusation. Most importantly, we’ve gotten favorable results, whether that’s case dismissal, a favorable plea, or acquittal at trial.
We can fight to protect your future from being permanently defined by an accusation. Contact Nolan Defense Alliance today for an initial consultation with a sex crimes attorney in Wisconsin.
Common Sex Crime Charges in Wisconsin
Sex crimes include a range of offenses. Many of these crimes are felonies, carrying long prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. Understanding what you’re accused of demonstrates why you need an effective defense as soon as possible.
Wisconsin sexual assault law divides sexual assault into four degrees based on factors like use of force, victim capacity, and whether the alleged conduct caused injury.
- First-degree sexual assault (Class B felony) involves serious bodily harm, using a weapon, or assaulting a vulnerable person.
- Second-degree sexual assault (Class C felony) includes threats, force, coercion, or assaulting someone unable to consent whether they are intoxicated or unconscious.
- Third-degree sexual assault (Class G felony) typically covers non-consensual sexual contact without serious force or injury.
- Fourth-degree sexual assault (Class A misdemeanor) involves unwanted sexual contact without aggravating circumstances.
Note that marriage doesn’t bar prosecution—the state may file charges even if you’re married to the alleged victim.
Minors cannot legally consent to sex. If you’re convicted of sexual assault of a child, you could face incarceration ranging from years to decades in prison. When certain aggravating factors are involved, the penalties are significantly worse.
- First-degree sexual assault of a child is a Class A felony when it involves sexual contact or intercourse with a child under 13 that causes great bodily harm.
- First-degree sexual assault of a child is a class B felony when an adult has sexual intercourse with a child under 12, even without injury, or uses threats or violence to have intercourse with someone under 16.
- Second-degree sexual assault of a child is a Class C felony and involves intercourse with someone under 16.
- Failure to protect a child under 16 from sexual abuse is a Class F felony.
Consent, mistake of age, or lack of physical force are not defenses against underage sex crimes in Wisconsin under these statutes.
Possessing, producing, or distributing sexually explicit images of minors is typically a Class D felony. Each image may count as a separate charge, which can significantly increase the potential sentence. Our Wisconsin child pornography attorneys have extensive courtroom experience defending these matters.
These offenses involve using the internet, social media, or other communication to lure a minor into illegal sexual activity. Child enticement covers in-person attempts to meet, while online solicitation focuses on electronic communication. Even if no child is actually involved (such as during a law enforcement sting), charges may still apply.
Failing to register as a sex offender in Wisconsin, failing to update your address, or violating conditions of registration are additional felonies. Lifetime GPS monitoring may apply for certain repeat offenders or aggravated cases.
We also defend clients facing related accusations, including:
- Indecent exposure
- Voyeurism or video recording without consent
- Sextortion or threats involving explicit images
If you’re unsure whether we can defend your charges, call Nolan Defense Alliance today. Sex crime laws are often complex, with harsh penalties and little room for error. It’s wise to consult a sex crimes criminal defense attorney before you answer any questions from police, CPS, or federal agents. Whether you’re facing charges that could result in Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry placement, or you’ve been accused of a registration violation, what you do next will affect the rest of your life.
Potential Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions
Sex crime convictions in Wisconsin carry harsh penalties, including:
- Class A felony: Mandatory life sentence, often without eligibility for parole
- Class B felony: Up to 60 years in prison.
- Class C felony: Up to 40 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to nine months in jail and fines up to $10,000.
You may face additional legal penalties. For example, you may be subject to 15-year, 25-year, or lifetime sex offender registration, depending on the offense. Failing to register is a felony. Courts may impose additional restrictions, such as:
- Residency restrictions and exclusion zones
- Internet access limitations
- GPS monitoring
- Mandatory sex offender treatment programs
- Extended supervision after incarceration
Even after a criminal sentence is over, the collateral consequences can persist for years. A conviction for a sex crime can cause you to be denied housing, employment, or other opportunities. This is why you need comprehensive and strategic defense—the sooner, the better. Nolan Defense Alliance fights to avoid convictions as well as to protect your long-term freedom. Early legal intervention can be instrumental.
Nolan Defense Alliance begins every case by listening to your side of the story without judgment. Our job is to find the strategy that best protects your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Once we understand what happened, we conduct a thorough, independent investigation. This typically includes interviewing witnesses ourselves and reviewing all available evidence. Texts, emails, phone records, GPS data, and surveillance footage are often helpful in building your defense.
Next, we determine whether witnesses and alleged victims are credible. That often involves identifying prior inconsistent statements, uncovering past false allegations, or showing bias due to personal motives. When expert analysis is necessary, we bring in specialists. Digital forensics experts, psychologists, and medical experts can review the evidence and find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Finally, we push to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence. If the state violated your Constitutional rights or committed procedural violations, we will fight to keep that evidence out of court.
Our goal is to fight for the most favorable outcome possible, whether through trial or negotiations. If a trial isn’t in your best interest, we’ll work to secure favorable plea deals, charge reductions, or sentencing alternatives. In some cases, treatment-based outcomes can resolve a case while minimizing or avoiding registration as a sex offender.
We work closely with each client. Our team can explain your charges, review the evidence against you, and explain the most likely outcomes. Once you understand your options, we’ll get to work building a defense that prioritizes risk mitigation and your personal goals. However your case is resolved, you’ll have a team of fierce advocates on your side. Our case results show our commitment to fighting for you.
Protect Your Rights with Nolan Defense Alliance
Being charged with sex crimes in Wisconsin is a uniquely overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to go through the criminal justice system alone. Nolan Defense Alliance has the experience, strategic thinking, and determination to challenge the prosecution’s case from every angle.
Whether the allegations stem from a misunderstanding, false accusation, or complex investigation, we’re here to listen and create your personalized defense. Contact us today to speak with a Wisconsin sex crimes defense attorney who won’t back down when protecting your rights.