Criminal charges of any kind have the potential to dramatically alter the course of an individual’s life. However, few allegations compare to being accused of a sex crime. If you have been accused of a criminal offense related to indecent exposure, child pornography, sexual assault, or criminal sexual abuse, you could be facing severe criminal and personal consequences. In Wisconsin, individuals who are convicted of certain sex-based offenses are required to register as sex offenders for a minimum of ten years. This means that the offender’s name, picture, and other identifying information will be publicly available on the sex offender website.

Which Crimes Require an Individual to Appear on the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry?

An individual must appear on the sex offender registry if he or she is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony sex offense listed in the Wisconsin Statute 973.048. In some cases, a criminal conviction automatically requires registration and in other cases, the court has discretion about whether an offender must register as a sex offender. Some of the most common offenses for which a person may be required to register include:

• Sexual assault of an adult
• Sexual assault of a child
• Child enticement 
• Possession of child pornography 
• Abduction of a child
• Incest
• Sexual exploitation by a therapist
• Use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime
• Soliciting a child for prostitution
• Exposing a child to harmful materials

How Long Will I Appear on the Sex Offender Registry?

The length of time that a person must appear on the sex offender registry is determined by the offense he or she has been convicted of. Typically, sex offenders must appear on the registry for a minimum of 15 years. Convictions for certain crimes require the offender to register for life. These offenses include:

Domestic violence involves physical or psychological abuse against a former or current family member, romantic partner, or household member. Wisconsin takes accusations of domestic violence or abuse very seriously. There is not a crime specifically called “domestic violence,” but battery, assault, sexual assault, and other crimes often fall under the category of domestic violence. If you have been arrested for alleged violence against a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, ex-romantic partner, child, or roommate, do not take these charges casually. Your career, reputation, and even your freedom could be on the line.

Do Not Make Statements to the Police Without Your Attorney

You have a Constitutional right to refuse police questioning and ask for your lawyer. It is important to take advantage of this right. Whatever the circumstances of your arrest, the ordeal was most likely traumatic. You may have gotten into a physical altercation with another person and been injured. You may have been accused of things you did not actually do. Experiences like these leave a person in a heightened emotional state. You could easily say things to the police during questioning that you do not mean and end up worsening your situation because of it. Remember, any statements that you make to police can be used against you during criminal proceedings. It is best to remain silent and wait for your attorney.

Domestic violence affects the lives of millions of Americas. Whether you have been a victim of domestic violence or abuse or you have been accused of abusing someone, it is important to know about your rights and responsibilities regarding restraining orders. A restraining order is a type of court order called an injunction. For example, this legally enforceable order may prohibit an individual from contacting or coming within a certain distance of you and/or your children.  

Domestic Violence and Abuse

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 10 million men and women are the victims of physical abuse at the hands of a romantic partner every year in the United States. Both males and females can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. Physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse can happen to people of all income levels and lifestyles. A restraining order prevents an alleged abuser from continuing to abuse or harass someone. Violating the terms of a restraining order is a misdemeanor offense in Wisconsin, punishable by up to nine months in jail and fines of up to $10,000.

If you have been involved in the criminal justice system or even watched police television shows like Law & Order, you may have heard the phrase “incompetent to stand trial.” What exactly does it mean if a criminal defendant is “incompetent” and how does this differ from a person being found not guilty by reason of insanity? Can mental illness alone prevent someone from being charged and convicted of a criminal offense in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Man Charged with Homicide Found Not Competent to Stand Trial

In July of last year, a retired police officer and former marine was riding his motorcycle when he was struck and killed by a pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck, a 27-year-old Wisconsin man of Mexican descent, allegedly told responding officers that he had intentionally caused the fatal accident and targeted the motorcyclist because he was Caucasian. Because the incident was intentional and based on race, the driver of the pickup truck was charged with first-degree homicide with a hate crime enhancer.

The state of Wisconsin has instituted harsh punishments for individuals convicted of sexual assault. If you have been charged with sexually assaulting someone, do not take these charges lightly. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime, sexual assault is punishable by up to several decades in prison. If you are accused of sexually assaulting a child, you could face a prison sentence of 40-60 years or even life imprisonment. That is why it is imperative that you seek the legal guidance of a skilled criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and help you avoid a conviction.

Do Not Submit to a Police Interrogation Without Your Attorney Present

Most people are familiar with the phrase “you have the right to remain silent,” but do not know how profound this right actually is. The U.S. Constitution gives you the right to avoid incriminating yourself. This means that you do not have to answer police questions after you have been arrested. Police may use several different tactics during an interrogation. They may even imply that only a guilty person would choose to remain silent and decline questioning. However, the best thing you can do to avoid saying something that will be used against you during future legal proceedings is to say nothing. Calmly ask for your lawyer and refuse to submit to police interrogations until he or she is present.