What You Need To Know About Child Enticement In Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, taking steps to have sexual relations with a minor is considered a crime, even if you do not actually commit a sexual act. The crime is called child enticement, and it is a Class D felony. It is punishable with up to 25 years in prison.

The law regarding child enticement is found in WI Stat § 948.07. There are six different things that are forbidden by the statute. Child enticement trying to lure a child into a building, vehicle, or any secluded place with intent to do the following:

• Having sexual intercourse
• Causing child prostitution
• Exposing a sex organ
• Recording the child engaging in sexually explicit acts
• Causing them physical or mental harm
• Giving them a controlled substance

The important thing to remember is that the law uses the word "intent." This means that you cannot accidentally be guilty of child enticement. You need to intentionally try to do these acts to be convicted, and it requires an overt act on the defendant's part, even without actually having sexual intercourse.

Examples of Alleged Child Enticement

In Wisconsin, the following are some examples of conduct that has been charged as child enticement:

• A truck driver was sentenced to 20 years in prison for taking a child in his truck from Wisconsin to Virginia and pressuring him to engage in numerous sexual activities.
• A Muskego man was investigated for child enticement after allegedly confronting at different times two children getting off a school bus and pressuring them to accept a ride home before following them.
• A man was charged in Eau Claire with child enticement after setting up a meeting with someone that he thought was a 14-year old girl.

Child enticement can be charged alone or with another crime. When the defendant is charged with the actual sex crime, they may also face a charge of child enticement for luring the child to the place where the crime happened. One common scenario that often results in a child enticement charge is when the defendant tries to lure a child online to meet them at a hotel.

Defending Against Child Enticement Charges

Given the steep criminal penalties and the requirement to register as a sex offender if you are convicted, you need to mount a strong legal defense to child enticement charges. Some common ways to defend against child enticement charges include:

• Attacking witness's testimony and recollections
• Arguing that you did not have the required intent
• You were entrapped into committing the crime by the government



Defendants need an experienced and skilled sex crimes attorney to take on the government when their freedom and reputation are on the line.

Call Us Today to Speak with an Experienced Lawyer

If you are being investigated for a sex crime or have been charged with one, call the attorneys at Cohen Law Offices at (715) 514-5051 or contact us online to set up your free and confidential initial consultation. We provide experienced criminal defense representation in a judgment-free environment and are committed to resolving your case as favorably as possible.