What You Need to Know about Sexual Assault and the Sex Offender Registry

A conviction for sexual assault, rape, and other sex crimes comes with many consequences, often including mandatory registration on the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. Registering as a sex offender can have a significant impact on your life and make it difficult to ever to move on from your past. For this reason, if you are facing sexual assault charges, it’s critical that you retain an experienced defense lawyer as soon as you can.

Wisconsin Sex Offender Registration Requirements

Wisconsin law mandates that certain convicted criminals register as a sex offender in Wisconsin. Sex offender registration requirements apply to people who have been convicted of certain sex crimes or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Some offenders are mandated to register based on the offense of which they are convicted, and others will have registration imposed if the court determines it to be appropriate. In some instances, the court may decide not to require registration for an offender who was younger than 19 years old when the violation occurred or if the victim was no more than four years younger than the offender. Typically, this type of exception is only applicable to teenagers who had consensual sex.

Sex crimes that require sex offender registration include:

• First, second, or third-degree sexual assault of an adult
• First or second-degree sexual assault of a child 
• Child enticement
• Possession of child pornography
• Abduction of another person's child
• Incest
• Sexual exploitation by a therapist
• Use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime

Whether you are facing charges for one of these crimes or have already been convicted and need to register, a Wisconsin sexual assault attorney can help.

Who Can View the Sex Offender Registry?

The official State of Wisconsin Offender Web Site is made available to law enforcement agencies, victims, neighborhood watch groups, and the general public. This website contains a catalog of current offenders and their information, such as:

• Name and any applicable aliases 
• Identifying information, such as date of birth, gender, race, and hair color
• Conviction details
• Terms of any probation or supervision
• Vehicle details
• Information about their employer or school

How Long Do Sex Offender Registry Listings Last?

Commonly, Wisconsin sex offenders remain on the list for at least 15 years after being discharged from their sentence or commitment. Lifetime registration can be required if the defendant is:

• Convicted of a sex offense on at least two separate occasions
• Found to be a sexually violent person

At its discretion, the court can mandate lifetime supervision of persons convicted of serious sex offenses and crimes. Your Wisconsin sexual assault lawyer will inform you if this might apply in your case.

Questions about Sex Offender Charges?

Call an Experienced Wisconsin Sexual Assault Lawyer at Cohen Law Offices Today

The outcome of your charges can impact your life for decades to come. Call Cohen Law Offices today at (715) 514-5051 or use our confidential online contact form to schedule a legal consultation with an experienced Wisconsin sexual assault attorney today.