This felony charge is most common in cases where the victim suffers serious injury or the assault leads to pregnancy. First-degree sexual assault charges are also possible if another person assists in carrying out the assault.
Second-degree sexual assault similarly involves non-consensual sexual assault. While it can also involve the threat or use of violence, it typically does not involve the use or threat of a dangerous weapon. You can face these felony charges if the victim suffers injury, impairment of reproductive organs, or mental anguish that requires psychiatric treatment.
You can also face second-degree charges when the victim was unable to consent, such as if they were unconscious, intoxicated, or mentally incapacitated due to age or disability. Finally, individuals who abuse their authority to commit sexual assault, such as a law enforcement offer assaulting an individual in custody, face second-degree assault charges.
Third-degree sexual assault is a less serious charge than first or second-degree assault, but it is still a felony that is accompanied by serious penalties.
Third-degree sexual assault charges are most common in cases that involve a non-penetrative form of sexual activity, such as non-consensual groping or touching. It can also involve cases in which the victim non-consensually comes into contact with the urine, feces, or semen of the accused.
Fourth-degree sexual assault is the least severe type of sexual assault charge in Wisconsin. As with third-degree sexual assault, this type of charge can involve unwanted touching or groping.
The circumstances and severity of the offense are taken into consideration when identifying whether third- or fourth-degree charges are merited in this type of situation. Fourth-degree sexual assault charges are typically reserved for cases in which the behavior is offensive or inappropriate.
Wisconsin law handles sexual assault of a child differently than sexual assault involving an adult. Most forms of sexual contact or intercourse with a child under the age of 16 result in a charge of first-degree sexual assault. The class of the felony and the accompanying penalties vary based on the victim’s age and whether force was a factor in the assault
The penalties for sexual assault in Middleton, WI, vary based on the degree of the offense and other aggravating factors. First- and second-degree sexual assault charges often result in lengthy prison sentences — sometimes up to life in prison — along with significant fines.
Third- and fourth-degree charges are less severe but can still lead to significant jail time and fines. All Wisconsin sexual assault convictions require mandatory registration as a sex offender. This leads to lifelong consequences, including restrictions on where you can live and work.
Under Wisconsin law, all forms of sexual assault (except fourth-degree sexual assault) are felonies. Felony charges lead to additional penalties, such as loss of voting rights and loss of the right to own a firearm.
After a sexual assault arrest, you’ll probably be taken to the Middleton Police Department on Donna Drive. Once you call a lawyer, they’ll represent you during questioning and your initial hearing. At that time, your lawyer will help you understand your options, such as whether you will be released from police custody if you pay bail.
Your court hearings will take place at Middleton Municipal Court, located adjacent to the police department on Donna Drive. Your attorney will help you understand the charges, build a defense argument, and represent you during your court hearings.
Maciolek Law Group is a Wisconsin criminal defense firm with over a decade of experience fighting for the rights of Wisconsin clients accused of crimes.
Over the past ten years, Maciolek Law Group has acquired a lengthy list of impressive criminal defense case results. Our client testimonials help to further demonstrate the life-altering impact our skilled defense attorneys have on the lives of our clients. When you need help fighting back against sexual assault charges in Middleton, Wisconsin, Maciolek Law Group has the defense ability and track record you want on your case.
If you’re facing charges of sexual assault in Middleton, WI, you have very little time to act. The sooner you contact an experienced sexual assault defense attorney, the better your chances of getting your charges dropped or reduced.
A sexual assault conviction follows you for life, impacting everything from your relationships to your employment opportunities. Don’t wait to fight for your future. Contact Maciolek Law Group today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Middleton, WI, sexual assault defense attorney.
