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3 Things You Should Know When You Are Charged With An Internet Sex Crime In Wisconsin

Admin • November 13, 2017
Handcuff With Money Under The Laptop — Eau Claire, WI — Cohen Law Offices
The age of the internet has brought about new ways for people to get in legal trouble, but specifically, it has increased the likelihood of sex-related charges against people who really had no ill intent. Unfortunately, if you are one of the people being charged with an internet sex crime, it is common for you to feel like you're being treated guilty even before you are properly tried for the crime.

It is a scary situation to be facing a sex crime charge against you, so being prepared for what to expect is important. Because internet sex crimes are a relatively new area of the law, there are great discrepancies between the states and how these cases are handled. Here is a look at a few things you should know if you have been charged with an internet sex crime in the state of Wisconsin.

ANY SEEMINGLY SIMPLE INTERNET SEX CRIME CHARGES CAN HAVE STIFF PENALTIES

Because the internet provides a platform for imagery to be shared almost instantaneously, it is easier to make a costly mistake that lands you with a criminal charge. Something as simple as sending an indecent image or forwarding a sexually explicit image in an unsolicited email can leave you charged with a Class A misdemeanor if it is not sent with the appropriate subject line.

Because Wisconsin has taken an initiative to combat internet sex crimes on every level, you don't have to be charged with something major to get jail time, hefty fines, and be deemed as a sex offender. Because of this, it is critical that you hire an attorney who is familiar with internet sex crimes to properly represent your case no matter how small you think the charges against you are.

ANY INTERNET SEX CRIME CHARGE INVOLVING A MINOR CAN BE HARDER TO FIGHT

In the state of Wisconsin, the age of majority is 18. Therefore, any sexual activity online with someone under this age can have severe consequences, whether it is something as simple as making the wrong remarks during a chat conversation to someone you did not know was underage or sending a photo image of a child who you thought was older.

Because the laws are designed to fully protect minor children from criminal sexual activity, these cases can be lengthy and daunting to fight if you are the one charged with a crime. Therefore, knowing the seriousness of what you are up against is necessary for you to even attempt a successful outcome with your case.

ANY INTERNET SEX CRIME IS TREATED MUCH LIKE PHYSICAL CRIMES IN THE EYES OF THE LAW

Just because crimes are easier to commit online, it does not mean that you will be treated any less like a sexual offender in the eyes of the law. In Wisconsin, there has been great effort to crack down on sexual predators and retain control over internet sex crimes that occur. Therefore, even without physical contact with a proposed victim, your charges are serious in nature. 

One example of the seriousness of internet sexual charges is the fact that possessing child pornography is considered a Class I felony even if the perpetrator is also underage. There have been numerous sting operations set up by the police to catch and charge people committing crimes of a sexual nature online. 

By taking some time to get familiar with the laws that are associated with the criminal charge against you, you will be better equipped to stand your ground in court and know what to expect. If you need help with an internet sex crime charge against you, contact us at Cohen Law Offices, LLC for professional assistance.
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