Statutory Rape - Am I a Sex Offender?
by Gamino Law Offices on 06/30/14
Statutory rape, which is classified as a sex crime in
Wisconsin, is the act of an adult having sexual contact with someone who hasn’t
reached the age of consent. Because minors aren’t considered capable of giving
informed consent, it’s considered rape. (It’s very important that you contact a
Milwaukee
attorney who understands statutory rape charges if you’re facing this in
the legal system, because you need someone in your corner to protect your
rights.)
Statutory Rape in
Wisconsin
The best way to understand statutory rape in Wisconsin is to
look at an established case. Near the end of last year, 36-year-old Wisconsin teacher who was charged with having sex with two of his students. His bail was
set for $150,000 and only on the condition that he wouldn’t have any contact
with girls between the ages of 13 and 18.
Penalties for
Statutory Rape in Wisconsin
People who are convicted of statutory rape in Wisconsin are
penalized based on the ages of the victims and the type of sexual contact that
happened between them.
·
First-degree sexual assault of a child, which is
any kind of sexual touching of a child who’s age 12 or younger, is a Class B
felony. It is punishable by up to 60 years in prison.
·
Second-degree sexual assault of a child, which
is any kind of sexual contact with a child aged 13, 14 or 15, is a Class C
felony. This type of sexual assault carries a potential penalty of up to 40
years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or a combination of the two.
·
Sexual intercourse with a child 16 or older is,
like the name implies, sex with a 16-year-old or 17-year-old minor. It’s a
Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to nine months in jail or a fine
of up to $10,000.
Additionally, people who are convicted of statutory rape in
the state of Wisconsin must register as sex offenders.
It’s so important to talk to a Milwaukee attorney who can represent
you in a statutory rape case. An attorney will watch out for your rights
and ensure the process is fair – and he or she may be able to negotiate with
prosecutors on your behalf.
