Defending Your Rights, Your Reputation And Your Freedom After Sex Crimes Charges
A sex crime allegation is a grave legal matter that must be handled with care. Sex crime charges are especially troubling because of the stigma that accompanies them. Unfortunately, the accused is often denied the benefit of the doubt in the eyes of public opinion. Rest assured, however, the law is firm: You are innocent until proven guilty.
Call us for your free initial consultation at 715-318-2737.
We are Krische & Moertel LLC, a criminal defense law firm in Eau Claire and a strong advocate for people accused of sexual assault, child pornography and other sex crimes in Wisconsin. The consequences of a conviction are harsh, and could include a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory sex offender registration. Life for registered sex offenders is not easy. If convicted, you will likely have trouble finding a job, a loan and an apartment. We are here to help you avoid these harsh consequences.
The Strong Defense You Need At This Critical Time
We defend clients against a wide range of sex offense charges, including:
- Sexual assault/rape
- Internet sex crimes, including child pornography possession and distribution
- Prostitution and solicitation
- Child molestation
Sex crime cases often hinge on one person’s word against another’s. As skilled trial lawyers, we know how to present our clients in the most compelling light before a jury. We work aggressively to identify and expose false allegations, witness coercion and other tactics that unfairly jeopardize our clients’ rights.
How Does The Sex Offender Registry Work?
The sex offender registry is a database that the Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains to keep track of the whereabouts of sex offenders in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin sex offender registry consists of the following people:
- Those convicted of sex crimes
- Those found not guilty of a sex crime due to mental illness
- Sexual predators
- Those convicted of offenses that aren’t necessarily sex crimes but are otherwise sexually motivated
- Those convicted of sex crimes or on the sex offender registry in other jurisdictions
Once someone registers as a sex offender, they generally must remain registered for 15 years. However, in severe cases, they must stay on the registry for the rest of their lives.
Are There Mandatory Sentences For Sex Crimes In Wisconsin?
There are mandatory minimum sentences for certain sex crimes in Wisconsin, including offenses involving children and repeat serious offenses. Child sex offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. If a person has been convicted of one or more serious sex crimes and incurs another offense, the required minimum prison sentence is 3 years and 6 months.
Here’s how the penalties for sex crimes stack up:
- First-degree sexual assault: Up to 60 years in prison; life sentence if the victim is under 13 years old
- Second-degree sexual assault: Up to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
- Third-degree sexual assault: 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine
- Fourth-degree sexual assault or statutory rape: a nine-month prison sentence and a $10,000 fine
Sex offender registry is mandatory for those convicted of sexual assault in the first, second or third degree.
Crime victims, law enforcement, members of the general public and specific organizations can access the sex offender registry. However, not everyone can see all the information the registry contains, mainly information regarding minors and offenses committed by minors.
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Wisconsin, get help from a criminal defense attorney. Skilled legal representation and a strong defense strategy can help you avoid severe penalties and a lifetime of shame.
Talk To A Criminal Law Attorney Today
It is important you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. When you are ready to build a strong defense, our attorneys will be here for you. Call Krische & Moertel LLC today in Eau Claire at 715-318-2737 or contact us online by filling out a brief contact form.
