Sexual Assault Allegations Stemming from Spring Break
Spring break is an excellent time for college students to blow off some steam before finals. It can, however, be a problematic time, as well. All too often, unfortunately, spring breakers have a knack for getting into all sorts of trouble when partying, especially when alcohol and illegal drugs are involved. Some of them may go back to their homes or dorms with more than just fun memories — but also with criminal charges, such as sexual assault charges.
The whole “party like there’s no tomorrow” atmosphere of spring break typically leads to sexually charged acts and encounters between young adults. But this same environment also often leads to sexual assault allegations.
Penalties for Sexual Assault
Sexual assault occurs when an individual engages in contact or touching of a sexual nature with another individual who hasn’t given her or his explicit consent. It generally involves violence, the threat of force, or actual force. Consent is usually a huge issue, particularly if both parties have been using drugs and/or drinking alcohol, which is common during spring break.
Consent can be obvious actions or words by an individual who’s competent and of sound mind to give consent, which indicates a definite agreement to engage in sexual contact. For instance, saying “touch me” could be considered as consent, provided that the individual was not coerced or forced in any way to give consent.
The penalties for a conviction of sexual assault in Wisconsin can include:
· First Degree Sexual Assault: Class B felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 60 years.
· Second Degree Sexual Assault: Class C felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 40 years and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
· Third Degree Sexual Assault: Class G felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
· Fourth Degree Sexual Assault: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of up to nine months and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Allegations of Sexual Assault can have a Negative Impact on Your Future
It’s immensely crucial to keep in mind that as a college student, any criminal charge, especially one as serious as a sexual assault allegation, could negatively affect not only your personal life but your professional life as well. Potential employers routinely perform background checks on prospective employees, and all criminal charges or convictions will be treated as major red flags and hurt your chances of gaining employment.
Additionally, if you are planning on pursuing a regulated profession such as law or medicine, a sexual assault conviction, or any criminal conviction, for that matter, can cause issues when obtaining a license. In this light, you should work with a criminal defense lawyer that’s experienced in sexual assault cases to reduce the potential impact of the sexual allegations you are facing.
Facing a Sexual Assault Allegation? An Experienced Sexual Assault Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault, call the Cohen Law Offices at 715-514-5051. You can also use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced criminal defense attorneys. Spring break is supposed to be fun, and you don’t want that fun to lead criminal charges, so consult with a sexual assault lawyer today.
