Have You Been Charged with Sexual Assault in Wisconsin?

Whether you’re in Wisconsin or any other state, sexual assault is a serious offense. Because it’s a serious offense, it comes with serious penalties.
Sexual assault cases are not created equally. Different sexual acts are hit with different levels of charges. In Wisconsin, there are four forms of sexual assault: first degree, second degree, third degree, and fourth degree.
Have you been charged with sexual assault in Wisconsin? Here is everything you need to know about it.

Forms of Sexual Assault in Wisconsin:

First Degree Sexual Assault
The most serious form of sexual assault in the state of Wisconsin is first degree sexual assault. This form of sexual assault involves any unwanted sexual contact which results in serious injury or pregnancy. This type of sexual assault is often accompanied with the use of a deadly weapon.
Penalties:  
The penalty for first degree sexual assault is either a Class A or Class B felony. A Class A felony is punishable by up to life in prison. This punishment is typically reserved for those who sexually and violently assault a child under the age of 13.
A Class B felony is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. This punishment is typically reserved for those who commit violent and sexual assault against an adult.

Second Degree Sexual Assault
Second degree sexual assault is a form of sexual assault which includes threats with a deadly weapon. Typically, the weapon is used as a way of coercing the offended party to have sex with the offender.
A person can also be charged with second degree sexual assault if he or she uses a position of power to perpetrate the offense.
Penalties:  
In Wisconsin, second degree sexual assault is considered a Class C felony. A Class C felony is punishable by up to 40 years in prison. This penalty is levied regardless of whether a child or adult is assaulted.

Third Degree Sexual Assault
While third degree sexual assault isn’t quite as serious as first and second degree sexual assault, it’s still a very serious offense. Third degree sexual assault includes any situation in which an offender ejaculates, urinates, or defecates on a person as a means of sexual humiliation.
Penalties: 
Third degree sexual assault is considered a Class G felony in the state of Wisconsin. It is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and by fines of up to $25,000. It will also land perpetrators on the sex offender registry.

Fourth Degree Sexual Assault
The least heinous (yet still very serious) form of sexual assault is fourth degree sexual assault. This form of sexual assault includes any situation in which a perpetrator gropes or fondles a non-consenting individual. It doesn’t matter whether the assaulted individual is touched under or over clothing.
Penalties: 
In the state of Wisconsin, fourth degree sexual assault is considered a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 9 months in prison, and by up to $10,000 in fines. Again, even for minor cases such as these, offenders can end up on the sex offender registry.

Hire a Reputable Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault, it’s highly recommended that you hire a defense lawyer. These charges are very serious, and can result in lengthy prison sentences.
If you’re looking for a reputable defense lawyer in the Milwaukee area, Hartley Pecora has got you covered. Our team of seasoned attorneys has defended clients in a bevy of sexual assault cases, and is well-equipped to defend you.
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Contact us now—we are available 24/7.