What are the penalties for child sexual assault in Eau Claire County?

Charges range from Class C to Class B felonies under Wisconsin law, with prison exposure measured in years or decades depending on the degree. A conviction also triggers mandatory sex offender registration. The specific classification depends on the alleged conduct and the age of those involved, which is why the charge itself is often where a defense begins.

Should I talk to investigators before I am charged?

You are not required to, and doing so without counsel can harm your case. Investigations in these cases often run for weeks before any charge is filed, and statements made early are difficult to walk back later. Contact a defense attorney first so your rights are protected from the start.

Can a child sexual assault charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, depending on the evidence. Charges have been reduced or dismissed where interviews were improperly conducted, where reporting was inconsistent, or where the state could not meet its burden. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but many of these cases are far more contestable than they first appear. If you or someone you love has been accused of child sexual assault in Eau Claire County, contact Cohen Law Offices at 715-514-5051.

Defending the Accused in Child Sexual Assault Cases in Eau Claire County, WI

October 9, 2025

Child sexual assault charges in Eau Claire County, WI, are among the most serious and emotionally charged cases in the justice system. These allegations can change lives instantly—impacting reputations, families, and futures even before the facts are fully known. At Cohen Law Offices LLC, we understand the weight of these accusations and the importance of ensuring that every individual accused of a crime receives a fair, thorough, and just defense.

The Reality of These Cases

When someone is accused of child sexual assault, the consequences are severe—both legally and personally. Even before a verdict is reached, defendants can face public judgment, loss of employment, strained relationships, and long-term social stigma. Our justice system is built on the presumption of innocence, yet that principle can feel lost in the court of public opinion.

That’s why having an experienced, steady legal advocate on your side is essential. Our attorneys ensure your rights are protected, your story is heard, and every piece of evidence is examined with care and precision.

Understanding the Legal Landscape in Eau Claire County

Wisconsin law takes child sexual assault allegations extremely seriously, and the prosecution of these cases can be aggressive. Navigating this complex legal process requires both legal expertise and emotional resilience. Defendants and their families often find themselves overwhelmed by confusing terminology, lengthy procedures, and the fear of what comes next.

At Cohen Law Offices LLC, we guide clients through every stage of the process—from investigation to trial—explaining what to expect and preparing the strongest possible defense. We believe in transparency, communication, and unwavering advocacy for your rights.

How Cohen Law Offices LLC Can Help

Our attorneys at Cohen Law Offices LLC have extensive experience defending individuals accused of child sexual assault and related offenses in Eau Claire County. We approach every case with discretion, respect, and a commitment to justice.

We:

• Conduct thorough investigations to ensure all evidence is properly reviewed.

• Challenge improper procedures, unreliable witnesses, and unsupported claims.

• Provide honest, informed advice to help you make confident legal decisions.

• Stand by you in every hearing, negotiation, and courtroom appearance.

We recognize that these cases involve not only legal strategy but also a profound emotional impact. Our goal is to help you move forward with dignity, clarity, and strength—while ensuring your rights are fully protected at every step.

Protecting Rights. Pursuing Justice.

Everyone deserves a fair defense, regardless of the accusation. At Cohen Law Offices LLC, we fight to uphold that principle every day. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that truth, fairness, and due process are never compromised in the pursuit of justice.

If you or someone you love has been accused of child sexual assault in Eau Claire County, WI, contact Cohen Law Offices LLC today. We’re here to listen, guide, and defend—because your rights matter.

Wisconsin Child Sexual Assault Charges and Penalties

Child sexual assault in Wisconsin is charged under Wis. Stat. § 948.02, with first-degree offenses classified as Class B felonies and second-degree offenses as Class C felonies. Repeated acts against the same child fall under Wis. Stat. § 948.025. These are among the most serious felonies in the state, carrying decades of potential prison exposure and, on conviction, mandatory sex offender registration under Wis. Stat. § 301.45. Because the classifications and penalties turn on specific facts, the exact charge is often contestable, and the difference between degrees can reshape an entire case.

How These Cases Move Through Eau Claire County

Child sexual assault cases in Eau Claire County are prosecuted at the Eau Claire County Courthouse, 721 Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703. These prosecutions often begin quietly, with a forensic interview or a law enforcement investigation, before any charge is filed. That early window is when defense involvement matters most. Anything said during a police interview can shape the case for months, which is why we advise anyone under investigation in Eau Claire County to speak with a defense attorney before speaking with investigators.

How We Defend the Accused

A strong defense examines the reliability of the allegation itself. We scrutinize how forensic interviews were conducted, whether suggestive or leading questioning shaped a child's statements, the timeline and circumstances of any delayed reporting, and whether investigators followed proper procedure. We also review digital evidence, medical findings, and witness credibility with care. Our role is to make sure the presumption of innocence is real and not lost to the weight of the accusation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties for child sexual assault in Eau Claire County?
Charges range from Class C to Class B felonies under Wisconsin law, with prison exposure measured in years or decades depending on the degree. A conviction also triggers mandatory sex offender registration. The specific classification depends on the alleged conduct and the age of those involved, which is why the charge itself is often where a defense begins.
Should I talk to investigators before I am charged?
You are not required to, and doing so without counsel can harm your case. Investigations in these cases often run for weeks before any charge is filed, and statements made early are difficult to walk back later. Contact a defense attorney first so your rights are protected from the start.
Can a child sexual assault charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, depending on the evidence. Charges have been reduced or dismissed where interviews were improperly conducted, where reporting was inconsistent, or where the state could not meet its burden. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but many of these cases are far more contestable than they first appear.

If you or someone you love has been accused of child sexual assault in Eau Claire County, contact Cohen Law Offices at 715-514-5051.

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