What are the Legal Consequences of Sexual Assault in Wisconsin?

As with every state in the United States, sexual assault in Wisconsin is a very serious matter. If you’ve been charged with it, you’re in for an uphill battle.
While all forms of sexual assault are punished fairly harshly, not all forms of sexual assault are punished in the same ways. Your sentence is typically dictated by the severity and manner of the sexual assault.
So, what are the typical penalties for different types of sexual assault in Wisconsin? Read on to find out.

Types of Sexual Assault in Wisconsin

First Degree
First degree sexual assault is the most severe type of sexual assault, and carries with it the harshest overall penalties of all sexual assault types.
This type of sexual assault includes any form of unwanted oral, vaginal, or anal penetration which results in serious injury or pregnancy as it pertains to the assaulted party. First degree sexual assault is often characterized by physical violence, or at the very least, threats of physical violence.
First degree sexual assault is considered either a Class A or Class B felony. If the assault is committed on a child of 13 years of age or younger, it can result in imprisonment for life. If the assault is committed against an adult, it can result in up to 60 years of imprisonment.

Second Degree
Second degree sexual assault encapsulates a number of different sexual activities, including sexual contact with a mentally-impaired or intoxicated person. It also involves those who use their positions of power to coerce vulnerable people into sexual relations.
This type of sexual assault also covers cases where minor violence or threats of minor violence are used to intimidate the assaulted individual. Additionally, it covers any case in which a legal adult has sexual relations with someone under the age of 16.
Second degree sexual assault of either a child or adult can yield up to 40 years of imprisonment. It can also result in a fine of up to $100,000.00.

Third Degree
Third degree sexual assault involves any form of sexual touching (intercourse or otherwise) in which the assaulter urinates, ejaculates, or places excrement on the assaulted person against that person’s will. It must, however, be noted that the act has to be done in an attempt to degrade or humiliate the assaulted individual.
This form of sexual assault isn’t seen as being as extreme as more heinous forms of sexual assault, but is still punished quite harshly. If you’re proven guilty of third degree sexual assault, you can be punished with a fine of up to $25,000, and with prison time of up to 10 years.

Fourth Degree
Fourth degree sexual assault involves any form of touching in an attempt to humiliate or degrade the assaulted party. The groping of the genitals or of other protected body parts is most typically considered fourth degree sexual assault.
Charges can be brought up against someone whether they’re touching the body part directly or through clothing.
Those who are guilty of fourth degree sexual assault can face up to 9 months in prison, and can also face a fine of up to $10,000. In addition, they will likely also be put on the national sex offender registry.

Have You Been Charged with Sexual Assault in Wisconsin?
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault in the state of Wisconsin, you’re facing some very serious legal consequences. For this reason, you need a staunch legal defense.
Live in the Milwaukee area? If so, we here at Hartley Pecora are exactly who you need to turn to. With years of experience on our side, we know the ins and outs of sexual assault law, and will fight to give you as light a sentence as possible.
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Schedule your complimentary consultation today!