Sex Offenses

Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

Unfortunately, the prevailing attitude among many in sex crime cases is "guilty until proven innocent." It is important to have an attorney who is skilled at handling serious sex offense allegations with both zeal and discretion. Because of the stigma attached to sexual offenses, many unstable or unscrupulous people will falsely accuse a family member, neighbor, teacher or someone else they don't like of committing a sex crime. Sometimes, prosecutors unknowingly rely on false statements and testimony. The results can be devastating, even if the person is found to be innocent.

In addition to prison time, lifetime registration as a sex offender can ruin a person's life. Under Wisconsin law, an individual convicted of most sex crimes is required to register with the local police on their birthday every year for the rest of their life and every time they move to a new city. There are specific discovery requests that need to be made in sex crime cases, both to find out what evidence the state has against you and what evidence tends to favor your side.

At our criminal defense law firm, Attorney Michael Cohen will defend your rights vigorously to make sure the prosecution doesn't take liberties with evidence, testimony or witnesses. He will challenge evidence and witness statements. He'll find alibis, work records, phone records and other evidence that can help prove your innocence.

Sex crimes defense lawyer Michael Cohen has obtained dismissals and not-guilty verdicts in dozens of felony cases. He aggressively defends clients in:

Sexual Assault Against Adults
Sexual Assault Against Children
Child Pornography
Internet Sexual Crimes

Indecent Exposure
Pandering
Prostitution
Enticement of a Minor

If you are charged with a sex offense and convicted, you face long term repercussions under Wisconsin law: you need an experienced defense attorney from the start who knows how sex offense cases are prosecuted and how they are viewed by judges and juries.

Here are links that explain the various elements considered in sexual assault charges:

Chapter 940 Wisconsin Sex Offense Statutes
Chapter 948 Crimes Against Children

The following link has information by topic on Wisconsin Sex Offender laws, as well as helpful links for counseling and support in the event that your family is affected:

Wisconsin State Law Library- Sex Offense Statutes by Topic and Helpful Links

If convicted, you may have to register with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. Here is a link to the website:

Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry

Probation for a sex offense includes following strict Sex Offender Rules such as not using a computer, not staying overnight away from home, and not dating without the approval of your probation agent. For more details you can consult the following:

Wisconsin DOC Standard Sex Offender Rules

Internet Crimes

Internet crime is a growing concern in law enforcement, especially as it pertains to online communications involving potentially underage victims and the exchange of pornographic images over the internet. What may seem like harmless chatting to you can be interpreted as the intent to commit a chargeable offense.

Many people are unaware that everything you say and do on a computer can be viewed by law enforcement. If you are engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a stranger on the internet, there is a good chance that person is wearing a uniform. Even if you don't "do" anything, you can be charged.

Information on a computer is not erased by deleting: it can be retrieved by specialists in law enforcement. It is NEVER a good idea to send or receive explicit pictures of yourself or any other individual via the internet. Do not discuss criminal activity either.

Use of a Computer to Facilitate a Child Sex Crime
Internet Crimes Charged as Federal Offenses

Michael R. Cohen
Cohen Law Offices, LLC
17 South Barstow Street
Eau Claire, WI 54702
Telephone: 715-514-5051