Defense Representation for Sexual-Assault Charges in Wisconsin
An allegation of sexual assault is one of the most serious charges anyone can face, with consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom. Before any evidence is tested or any plea is entered, our defense attorneys examine the factual basis of the accusation, the investigative process, and the rights that may have been violated along the way. If you have been accused, speak to a Cafferty & Scheidegger defense lawyer immediately, before making any statement to investigators.
If you are facing sexual assault charges, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, then you are dealing with the full resources of the local District Attorney prosecuting your case. The community will expect the prosecutor to use the full weight and vigor of the law to seek a conviction. People facing charges for sexual assault are looking at not only time in jail, but the harsh consequences of being listed on their state’s sex offender registry.
If you are being investigated for sexual assault, or have already been charged in a community in Southeastern Wisconsin, don’t give the prosecutor a chance to build a strong case. Call the criminal defense attorneys at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., in Racine or Kenosha Wisconsin.
The Governing Wisconsin Statute
Sexual assault of an adult is codified at Wis. Stat. § 940.225, which defines four degrees of severity. The statute turns on the nature of the contact, the presence or absence of force or threat, and the victim’s capacity to consent. First-degree sexual assault is a Class B felony carrying up to 60 years in prison; second through fourth degrees graduate downward.
To secure a conviction, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the contact occurred, that it was non-consensual, and that each element of the charged degree applies. Consent, identity, and the reliability of forensic and testimonial evidence are the most frequently contested elements in these cases.
Conviction carries mandatory sex-offender registration and long prison exposure. The difference between a conviction and an amended charge is not just about sentencing. It reshapes every aspect of the client’s future.
Keeping Your Record Clear of a Sex Offense Conviction Is Our Top Priority
The consequences of being convicted of a sexual assault crime can be devastating. It is critically important to your future to defend aggressively everything about the charges against you. Our firm has the technical resources and expertise to question and challenge successfully the prosecutor’s evidence. We take great care in the preparation of cases and works with professionals, when necessary, to investigate the evidence and build the clearest possible case for reducing or dismissing the charges.
A Compassionate Advocate for Your Rights and Freedom
Contact us as soon as you know you are under investigation or have been charged with any sex-related offense in Southeastern Wisconsin, including:
- Sexual assault of a minor: Defined as any sexual contact with a minor under age 18. Sometimes referred to as statutory rape. May be charged as first degree felony sexual assault.
- First degree sexual assault: Rape and vigorous non-consensual sexual contact with an adult. Charged as a felony and includes mandatory prison sentence and listing on state sex offender registry.
- Second, third or fourth degree sexual assault: Non-consensual sexual contact with an adult. May be charged as a felony and include mandatory prison and state sex offender registration.
- Internet sex crimes: Including chat room solicitation of a minor, online solicitation or prostitution, and child pornography. May be charged as a federal felony offense.
- Stalking and harassment: May be charged as a misdemeanor sex crime.
- Lewd behavior or indecent exposure: Typically charged as a misdemeanor for first offense. Can include jail sentence and registration on sex offender registry.
We Pursue Every Strategy to Keep You Out of Jail
Patrick Cafferty and our team of expert lawyers have earned a reputation among prosecutors and judges for his aggressive hard work on behalf of clients. Because of our reputation for integrity and our knowledge of the local courts and expectations, we are often able to work with prosecutors and judges to find an alternative to the harsh penalties that can result from a sex offense conviction.
Related Sex-Offense Defense
Contact an Experienced Racine and Kenosha Legal Team
From the Cafferty & Scheidegger office in Racine and Kenosha our criminal defense lawyers defend the rights of people charged with sexual assault throughout Southeastern Wisconsin (Racine, Kenosha, Walworth). Contact the firm to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced sexual assault lawyer right away. You are welcome to call or text us 24 hours a day at 262-632-5000.
