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1st-degree sexual assault is generally a Class B felony in Madison, Wisconsin carrying penalties of up to 60 years in prison. If the victim was under 13 years old, the penalty for sexual assault in Wisconsin is potentially life in prison.
If you are facing sexual assault charges in Madison, call Grieve Law’s criminal defense attorneys for a free case consultation.
Sexual assault is a felony offense in Wisconsin and the circumstances of the crime can greatly impact the penalties you may face.
1st-degree sexual assault is a Class B felony. Penalties include:
2nd-degree sexual assault is a Class C felony. Penalties include:
3rd-degree sexual assault is a Class G felony. Penalties include:
4th-degree sexual assault is a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties include:
Penalties increase if the conviction includes:
If convicted, you’ll be required to register as a sex offender in Wisconsin. When you’re released from prison, you will have to continually confirm your address with local law enforcement, and there will likely be restrictions on where you’re allowed to live and work. Even the most “minor” sexual assault charges can ruin you financially and destroy your career, your family and your reputation. Jumping bail only increases the severity of your penalties. If you’re not sure which felony/misdemeanor class your charges fall under, reach out to us for more information, or learn more about Class U misdemeanors in Wisconsin.
Our Madison-area team of sexual assault defense lawyers knows a sex crime conviction can result in life-shattering consequences. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, it’s imperative you understand the charges being filed against you and you have an experienced attorney on your side. Grieve Law is here to fight for your future by working to reduce or dismiss your charges.
Our Madison sexual assault defense attorneys know prosecutors take sex crime charges in Wisconsin very seriously and are reluctant to even hear your side of the story.
During your free initial consultation, our Madison lawyers listen to the specifics of your case to build the strongest defense possible. Whether you’re from Verona, Monona, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg or any Dane County community, we’ll explain your options in detail and tell you what you can expect from the legal process moving forward.
Our experienced attorneys have a history of employing strategic & effective defenses. We’ll evaluate every aspect of your case and advise you of the best ways to get your charges reduced or dropped.
You are only guilty if you are convicted®
Possession of child pornography in Wisconsin is a Class D felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. A child pornography conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 3 years of initial confinement, even with no prior criminal history.
Each image counts as a separate charge, meaning multiple images can increase penalties. Wisconsin defines the offense as knowingly possessing sexually explicit images of someone under 18, and the law doesn’t require direct production or distribution to apply. A child pornography conviction will stay on your record for life.
A strong legal defense focuses on whether the possession was knowing and whether the accused reasonably should have known the age of the individual in the image. Our attorneys analyze every detail to identify where law enforcement overstepped or made assumptions. We’re prepared to challenge the evidence and work toward dismissal or charge reduction.
Statutory rape convictions in Madison, Wisconsin, carry serious penalties. A Class C felony can lead to up to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. If the charge involves a minor under 13, statutory rape becomes a Class B felony with a maximum of 60 years in prison.
Wisconsin’s age of consent is 18, and the state does not allow exceptions for close-in-age relationships. Sexual activity with anyone 16 or 17, even if consensual, can still result in a statutory rape charge. Charges range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the age of the child, the nature of the act and any use of force or authority. Even failing to intervene to protect a child from abuse can result in felony charges under Wisconsin’s “Failure to Act” statute.
Our attorneys fight statutory rape charges by questioning every element of the accusation. We look closely at digital evidence, witness credibility and potential motives to build a strong defense. Whether you’re dealing with a misunderstanding or facing exaggerated claims, our team works to reduce or dismiss the charges and protect your future.
Sexual assault falls into 4 degrees of severity with the first being the most serious.
Broadly, There are Four Types of 1st-Degree Sexual Assault
2nd-degree sexual assault is an even broader category. It includes:
3rd-degree sexual assault includes:
Finally, 4th-degree sexual assault covers any other non-consensual sexual contact, short of intercourse. Groping falls under this category.
Learn more about the 4 degrees of sexual assault in Wisconsin and the penalties & sentencing guidelines.
Many sexual assault allegations come down to consent and the understanding of “no means no”. Unfortunately, false accusations of sexual assault are common due to misunderstandings or misintention. With any case involving sex crimes, often the mindset of the court is “guilty until proven innocent”. The attorneys at Grieve Law will work to maintain your innocence and minimize your penalties.
If you are facing sexual assault charges, the best things you can do is:
We understand that any accusation of sexual assault is terrifying. Contact the experienced attorneys at Grieve Law; we’ll start building a case that will help clear your name of false accusations.
At Grieve Law, we believe every person accused of a crime has a right to a strong, strategic defense. When your case requires the very best criminal defense lawyers Dane County has to offer, turn to Grieve Law.
Our team of attorneys offers free consultations and flexible payment plans. A Grieve Law Madison criminal defense lawyer will make sure you get the best possible defense for your case.
Contact our Madison sexual assault lawyers to set up your free legal consultation for Wisconsin sexual assault charges.
In Wisconsin, a conviction of sexual assault will remain on your record for life. Two common ways to try to remove the conviction from your record are petitioning for expungement or a Governor’s pardon. Expungement must be ordered at the time of sentencing and requires a very specific set of circumstances, so it is critical to have a knowledgeable attorney by your side from the onset of your case. A Governor’s pardon is very rarely granted and depends on the administration in office at the time of your petition.
Our attorneys take your case seriously. We’ll work diligently to get your charges reduced or dismissed so you can get your life back.
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