Have you been accused of a sex crime in Madison, WI? Contact Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. for a free consultation at (608) 530-1360. Our Madison sex crimes lawyers know what you’re up against and will do everything in our power to help you present an effective defense.
Being accused of a sex crime can create uncertainty about your future, even before formal charges are filed. A conviction could affect your freedom, career, relationships, and reputation. Understanding the allegations against you and your legal options is an important first step toward protecting your rights.
Sex crime allegations can affect your life before a jury ever hears the case. This isn’t the time to cut any corners; you should put an experienced Madison criminal defense lawyer in your corner as soon as you possibly can. Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. helps clients in Madison, WI with serious criminal cases in both state and federal courts.
Reasons to choose our legal team include:
Call today to learn more during your free case evaluation. Our Madison sex crimes attorneys are passionate about fighting for the rights of those accused of crimes.
Wisconsin law covers several different kinds of cases involving sexual conduct. Some allegations concern encounters between adults, while others involve minors and online communications.
Our Madison criminal defense attorneys can assist with a wide range of charges, such as those including:
Each crime has its own legal elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Our trial lawyers can review the specific allegations and determine which defenses may apply under Wisconsin law.
Wisconsin Statute § 940.225 divides sexual assault into four degrees. The classification depends on the alleged conduct in question and any circumstances that make the accusations of sexual assault more serious.
First-degree sexual assault is a Class B felony. It includes certain nonconsensual sexual acts involving especially serious circumstances, such as causing great bodily harm or using or threatening a dangerous weapon.
Second-degree sexual assault is generally a Class C felony. It covers a range of conduct, including certain sexual acts involving force or threats, as well as acts involving a person who is unconscious or otherwise unable to consent under the statute.
Third-degree sexual assault is a Class G felony. It includes sexual intercourse without consent and certain forms of nonconsensual sexual contact specified by law.
The prosecution must establish the required elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Depending on the allegations, the defense may focus on evidence regarding consent, identity, or the occurrence of the alleged conduct.
Fourth-degree sexual assault generally involves sexual contact without consent that does not fall within a more serious degree. It is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
A sex crime conviction in Wisconsin can carry serious consequences. The penalties depend on the specific offense, whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, and the circumstances surrounding the allegations. More serious charges generally carry harsher penalties.
Depending on the offense, potential consequences may include:
Prior convictions, the alleged victim’s age, and other aggravating factors may affect the penalties you face. An experienced Madison sex crimes lawyer at Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. can explain the potential consequences of your charges and help you build a defense aimed at protecting your rights and future.
Possibly. Wisconsin has sex offender registration laws under Wis. Stat. § 301.45, and registration is required for many qualifying convictions. However, not every sex-related offense automatically leads to the same reporting obligations.
Depending on the offense and circumstances, registration may last 15 years after a legally specified event, such as discharge from supervision, or for life. The sex offender registry can also involve ongoing reporting requirements concerning your address, employment, and other personal information.
Even apart from registration, a conviction may affect your:
Our defense attorneys can explain which requirements might apply to your charges so that you understand the full stakes before making decisions about your case.
If police want to question you about a sex crime allegation, it’s important to take the situation seriously whether or not you’ve been arrested. What you say or do during an investigation may affect your defense later.
You should consider taking the following steps:
Don’t delete potential evidence or try to influence witnesses. Instead, speak with our criminal defense attorneys about how to preserve information that may help establish what happened.
The prosecution must prove every element of a criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt. That standard is important in sex crime cases, where testimony and other evidence may be disputed through multiple means.
There isn’t one defense that works in every situation, however. Depending on the facts, possible arguments include:
Our sex crimes attorneys in Madison can investigate the allegations against you and challenge unreliable evidence when appropriate. We can also file legal motions on your behalf and negotiate with prosecutors where doing so serves your interests. If your case proceeds to trial, we’ll be prepared to present your defense in court as well.
If prosecutors formally charge you with a sexual offense, your case will proceed through the criminal court system. The exact steps depend on the charges and circumstances
For most state criminal cases, the stages include something like the following:
A sex crimes attorney with our law firm can explain your options as the matter progresses; we’ll make sure you are fully informed at all times.
Sex crime charges in Madison, WI, can carry serious penalties, but you’re presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves otherwise. Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. can help you determine your rights and build an appropriate defense based on the facts of your case.
Our Madison sex crimes lawyers are part of a team with 140 years of combined legal experience. Contact us today to get started and schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to begin working on your case immediately.
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