If the authorities have accused you of sex crimes in Oshkosh or Winnebago County, you face some of the most severe penalties under Wisconsin law. These charges carry long prison sentences, substantial fines, and (in many cases) a requirement to register as a sexual offender. You might also be banned from working in certain industries or living in certain areas. Lastly, sex crimes allegations can shred your reputation, even if the authorities dismiss your charges or you’re acquitted.
It might seem like there’s no way forward in this situation, but working with an experienced attorney can help you avoid the worst possible outcomes. J. Kippa Law Office understands the stakes and grave nature of these charges, and we’re here to guide you through this difficult part of your life. We’ll thoroughly investigate the evidence against you to look for weaknesses or inconsistencies that support your case while protecting you from potentially costly mistakes. If appropriate, we can negotiate a plea deal on your behalf, and we’re fully prepared to defend you at trial if necessary. With our decades of criminal defense experience and proven track record, you can trust us to protect your rights and reputation when it matters most. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Wisconsin law covers a broad range of illegal sexual acts, and the charges and penalties you face often depend on specific details of your case. We will take on these and other types of sex crime charges cases in Oshkosh and Winnebago County:
Sex acts with minors – The age of consent in Wisconsin is 18, and sexual acts with minors (even without intercourse) carry heavy penalties. In many cases, people convicted of sex acts with minors must register as a sexual offender, restricting where they can live, the jobs they can perform, and other activities. Illegal sexual acts with minors include everything from soliciting a minor using a computer and sexual assault of a child to exposing minors to pornographic materials.
Possessing, viewing, or distributing child pornography – Wisconsin law imposes strict penalties for possessing, viewing, or disseminating pornographic materials involving children. This offense is always a felony, and not knowing the age of the children depicted in the materials is not a valid defense. State law also includes a statute for possessing, producing, or distributing virtual child pornography. This offense is also a felony in all cases.
Sexual assault – Wisconsin law outlines four degrees of sexual assault, with fourth-degree sexual assault being the least severe and first-degree sexual assault being the most severe. The degrees of this offense differ based on the specifics of the offender’s alleged actions. For instance, first-degree sexual assault involves the use of a deadly weapon or severe injuries to the victim. In contrast, a fourth-degree sexual assault charge may apply in situations involving unwanted sexual contact without intercourse. While fourth-degree sexual assault is a Class A misdemeanor, all other sexual assault charges in Wisconsin are felonies.
Lewd and lascivious behavior – Wisconsin’s law concerning lewd and lascivious behavior prohibits “indecent acts” of sexual gratification in front of other people. This law also bans people from exposing their genitals or pubic areas in public. While not a felony, a lewd and lascivious behavior charge can still have severe consequences.
Authorities in Oshkosh and Winnebago County take sex crimes seriously, so the penalties for these offenses are harsh and long-lasting. Most of these offenses are felonies, meaning the penalties include at least three and a half years in prison and a significant fine. For instance, first-degree sexual assault is a Class B felony with penalties that include up to 60 years in prison. Likewise, possessing child pornography is a Class D felony in most circumstances, and the penalties include a prison sentence of up to 25 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
Furthermore, most sex crimes in Wisconsin require those convicted to register as sexual offenders. How long someone stays on the sexual offender registry depends on the specific offense, but certain crimes require offenders to register with the authorities for the rest of their lives.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the secondary effects of a sex crime conviction are also severe. Many employers won’t hire people with felony convictions on their records, particularly if the felony is a sex crime. Similarly, a sex crime conviction can cost someone their professional license, especially if their job means they often work around children. Having to register as a sexual offender also blocks people from living near or spending time in areas like playgrounds or schools.
If you’re facing accusations of a sex crime in Oshkosh or Winnebago County, having a strong defense strategy is crucial. One of the first steps we’ll take is to examine the evidence against you. If law enforcement violated your rights during a search or interrogation, we can work to have that evidence excluded from any court proceedings, which could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
We’ll also carefully evaluate the credibility of any witnesses. This could mean pointing out inconsistencies in their statements, exposing motives to lie, or showing that their claims lack supporting evidence. If the issue of consent is involved, we can present communications like text messages or emails to demonstrate that the interaction was consensual.
In cases where you’ve been misidentified, we can challenge the reliability of eyewitness testimony or surveillance footage. Sometimes, the identification process is flawed, leading to false accusations. If you weren’t at the scene of the alleged crime, we can build an alibi defense by gathering receipts, video footage, or witness statements to prove you weren’t at the scene of the alleged crime.
We might also bring in expert testimony to question forensic evidence. For example, an expert could challenge DNA results or highlight possible contamination of evidence. Every case is unique, and we’ll tailor our approach to the specific circumstances of your situation to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
While our sex crimes defense lawyers serve Oshkosh and Winnebago County residents, our office is in Appleton. Here’s how to find our office if you’d like to discuss your case:
From the North:
Take US-41 S toward Appleton. Exit at WI-47 S/N Richmond St and continue south. Turn left onto E College Avenue. Proceed to 133 E College Avenue, which will be on your right.
From the South:
Take US-41 N toward Appleton. Exit at WI-47 S/N Richmond St and continue south. Turn left onto E College Avenue. Proceed to 133 E College Avenue, which will be on your right.
From the East:
Take WI-441 N toward Appleton. Exit onto E College Avenue and turn left to head west. Continue to 133 E College Avenue, which will be on your left.
From the West:
Take WI-96 E toward Appleton. Continue onto W College Avenue and proceed through downtown to 133 E College Avenue, which will be on your right.
