Understanding Sexual Assault Charges Under Wisconsin Law

 Posted on September 11, 2018 in Criminal Defense

Criminal accusations, investigations, and arrests will have massive, far-reaching implications for anyone who is charged with a crime. However, some types of sensitive crimes can be even more serious since they will affect a person’s freedom, reputation, relationships with friends and family, their career, and his or her standing in the community. 

Sexual assault is one of the most severe crimes with which a person can be charged, and a conviction is likely to result in lengthy jail time and significant fines, as well as the requirement to register as a sex offender for at least 15 years, and possibly for life. If you are facing accusations of sexual assault, it is important to understand the specific charges and their potential punishments.

Degrees of Sexual Assault in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law identifies four degrees of sexual assault:

• First degree sexual assault is defined as sexual contact or intercourse with a person without his or her consent that results in pregnancy or great bodily harm, when threatening a person with a dangerous weapon, or when aided or abetted by one or more other people and intercourse occurs through force or threat of violence. This is a Class B felony, which can be punished by up to 60 years in prison.
• Second degree sexual assault is sexual contact or intercourse with a person without his or her consent when using force or the threat of violence; when the assault results in injury, disease, or mental anguish requiring psychiatric care; when the victim suffers from mental illness or deficiency; when the victim is unconscious or intoxicated and unable to give consent; when a parole officer or correctional institution employee has sexual contact or intercourse with a parolee or prisoner; or when aided or abetted by one or more other people. This is a Class C felony, which can be punished by up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Third degree sexual assault is any other type of sexual intercourse with a person without his or her consent. This is a Class G felony, which can be punished by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
• Fourth degree sexual assault is any other type of sexual contact with a person without his or her consent (such as groping). This is a Class A misdemeanor, which can be punished by up to nine months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Contact a Milwaukee Sexual Assault Defense Attorney

Sexual assault charges can result in serious consequences, and accusations of these crimes can be incredibly damaging to a person’s life and reputation. The Milwaukee, WI sex crime defense lawyers of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP are highly skilled and experienced in these types of cases, and we can provide you with the guidance and representation you need to achieve a positive outcome to your case. Call our office at 414-271-1440 to schedule a personalized consultation. 

Source:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/940/II/225