Sexual assault is a crime which occurs in a number of different severities. Not all sexual assaults are created equally. Though all sexual assaults cause harm of some kind, some sexual assaults are especially heinous.
If you’re reading this, there’s a likelihood that you’ve been charged with sexual assault in Milwaukee. Perhaps you’re hoping to get an idea of what you’re up against? If so, you’re in the right place.
Let’s discuss the different levels of sexual assault in Milwaukee.

Levels of Sexual Assault in Milwaukee
All forms of sexual assault involve a perpetrator committing uninvited sexual acts upon a non-consenting victim. The severity of a sexual assault charge is affected by factors such as injury infliction and degradation, to name just a few.

1st Degree Sexual Assault
A sexual assault which results in serious injury or unwanted pregnancy is a 1st degree sexual assault. Assaults such as these are typically accompanied by extreme violence. Using threats of violence to commit sexual assault is also often considered 1st degree sexual assault.
Penalties
If you commit 1st degree sexual assault, you are committing either a Class A or a Class B Felony. When committed against an adult, a 1st degree charge can have consequences of up to 60 years in prison. When committed against a child under 13, this charge can have consequences of up to life in prison.

2nd Degree Sexual Assault
2nd degree sexual assault is a form of sexual assault which involves using someone’s vulnerability in order to commit sexual acts upon them. There are a number of different cases which could be considered 2nd degree assault. Having sex with a mentally impaired or disoriented person is a common form.
Penalties
Those who commit 2nd degree sexual assault in Wisconsin can see penalties of up to 40 years in prison with fines of up to $100,000. This form of sexual assault is considered a Class C Felony.

3rd Degree Sexual Assault
3rd degree sexual assault is a form of sexual assault which involves degrading or humiliating the victim. Anyone who places ejaculate, feces, or urine upon a victim against his or her will is committing 3rd degree sexual assault.
Penalties
In the state of Wisconsin, 3rd degree sexual assault is considered a Class G Felony. These felonies are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and by up to $25,000 in fines. This form of sexual assault will also land you on the sex offender registry.

4th Degree Sexual Assault
The least severe form of sexual assault in Milwaukee is 4th degree sexual assault. This is a form of sexual assault which involves the perpetrator groping the genitals of the victim without his or her consent. Regardless of whether the victim is groped over or under clothes, assault has still been committed.
Penalties
4th degree sexual assault is a Class A Misdemeanor in the state of Wisconsin. Class A Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 9 months in prison, and by fines of up to $10,000. There is a chance that this crime could also land you on the sex offender registry.

Hire a Reputable Attorney to Defend Yourself
Regardless of the severity of the charges levied against you, you’ve got a very serious court case ahead of you. If you want to beat your charges, or, at the very least, minimize them, you’re going to need a solid defense attorney on your side.
Hartley Pecora has defended numerous clients against charges of sexual assault in Milwaukee. We will help to strengthen your defense, giving you your best shot in court.

Contact us 24/7 for assistance now 414.383.3004.​

There can sometimes be a tendency for us not to take drug possession charges seriously. Those who are charged with possession of drugs typically expect a fine, and maybe some community service.
What you might not realize is that being charged with drug possession can seriously affect your life. Not only can it result in fines and community service, but prison time as well. Not to mention, it can leave a black mark on your public record.
For this reason, you need to be able to knowledgeably defend yourself against any drug possession charges levied against you. Are you facing drug possession charges in Milwaukee? Keep reading to understand exactly what you’re up against.

Drug Possession
Drug possession simply entails knowingly having illegal drugs on your person. Different drugs yield different penalties, with harder drugs being penalized with the most severity. Read below to understand the penalties for possessing different types of drugs.

Possession of Marijuana
Being in possession of marijuana for the first time is punishable by up to 6 months in prison, and by up to a $1,000 fine. Possession for the second time is punishable by up to 3 ½ years in prison, and by up to $10,000 in fines.

Possession of LSD
The hallucinogenic drug, LSD, is punished more harshly than is marijuana. Those who are found guilty of possessing this drug for the first time can see prison time of up to 1 year and can face fines of up to $5,000. Second-time offenders can face a maximum of 3 ½ years in prison and can face maximum fines of up to $10,000.

Possession of Cocaine
If you’re found guilty for the possession of cocaine for the first time, you could face prison time of up to a year with fines of up to $5,000. If you’re found guilty of possession for the second time, you could face prison time of up to 3 ½ years with fines of up to $10,000.

Possession of Methamphetamine
Like with cocaine and LSD, possession of methamphetamines is charged based on how many offenses the perpetrator has committed. First time offenders can spend up to 1 year in prison with fines of up to $5,000. Second-time offenders can spend up to 3 ½ years in prison with fines of up to $10,000.

Possession of Heroin
Possession of heroin is considered to be an especially serious offense. All offenders, whether they be first or second-time offenders can face up to 3 ½ years in prison with fines of up to $10,000.

Possession of Illegal Prescription Drugs
If you’re found guilty of possession of prescription drugs which you were not prescribed, you could be met with a whole host of penalties. The exact penalties you face will be based on the type of drug that you illegally possess.

Defenses Against Drug Possession Charges in Milwaukee
There are a number of ways to defend yourself against drug possession charges in Milwaukee. You can challenge the way in which drugs were seized by law enforcement officials, challenge the idea that you were ever in possession of drugs in the first place, or strive for a reduced guilty sentence, to name just a few options.
If you’re charged with drug possession, we advise that you hire a defense attorney. Only then can you gain a true understanding of your situation.

Fighting Drug Possession Charges in Milwaukee?  
As was noted above, if you’re facing drug possession charges in Milwaukee, you’re going to need a stellar legal defense. Fortunately, you’ve found it right here with Hartley Pecora.
Our team of attorneys has defended clients against a variety of drug offenses, resulting in a number of charge dismissals and not-guilty verdicts.

Contact us 24/7 for assistance now 414.383.3004.

In the state of Wisconsin, veterans in the court system are sometimes (and rightfully so) treated a little differently than average citizens. Due to the repercussions of the stresses that military veterans endured during their service to our Country, they are lent a little more assistance by the court system.
Not all court systems in Wisconsin, however, offer the same type of assistance to veterans. Different jurisdictions have different programs established to help veterans ease back into civilian life and respond to their mistakes. In this particular post, we’ll discuss the programs which can be used by veterans in Milwaukee.
Here is everything there is to know about criminal defense for military veterans in Milwaukee and other parts of Wisconsin.

Court Services for Veterans in Wisconsin
As with any other individual, when a veteran is charged with a crime, he or she must appear in court to defend him or herself against this crime. Like any average citizen, veterans can be found guilty or not guilty, and will be sentenced accordingly.
Where veterans differ from average citizens in the Wisconsin court system is the fact that they are extended a little more empathy and understanding. It’s understood by judges that veterans could be suffering from the many stresses of military life. There is an understanding that a veteran’s actions could be deeply affected by these stresses.
This is why, regardless of whether a veteran is found guilty or not guilty, he or she is offered additional assistance by the courts. The various Wisconsin Counties offer programs to help veterans who are suffering from mental health issues, addiction issues, or societal acclimation issues. These programs are provided as a way to get veterans back on track, ensuring that said veterans live within the law in the future.
Working with the County Veterans Services Officers and other agencies that support veterans, there are courts dedicated to truly rehabilitating prior and current military members.

Milwaukee Veterans Program
In the County of Milwaukee, a bevy of different organizations work together to ensure that veterans in the court system have all the assistance that they need.
Defense attorneys, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office have worked together to establish the Veteran Treatment Initiative. This initiative allows for veterans to have their legal charges dismissed or reduced based on whether they meet specific criteria.
Often, the program will also provide mentors for veterans in the court system. These mentors will offer support and answer any questions that veterans may have.

In Need of a Criminal Defense Attorney in Milwaukee?
Are you a veteran who is being charged with a crime? Are you in need of a criminal defense attorney in Milwaukee who is experienced in working with veterans? If so, Hartley Pecora Law Offices has you covered.
Our team of attorneys has worked with dozens of veterans, helping them to navigate Wisconsin and Milwaukee’s unique court systems. Regardless of what you’re being charged with, we can and will assist you.

Contact us at your leisure. We’re available 24/7!