Child Sexual Assault Defense Attorney in Menomonie, WI
A charge of child sexual assault is among the most serious criminal allegations a person can face in Wisconsin. The accusation alone can destroy careers, relationships, and reputations — and the legal consequences of a conviction include mandatory sex offender registration, prison time, and restrictions that follow you for decades. If you or someone you know has been charged with a child sexual assault offense in Menomonie or Dunn County, you need experienced criminal defense counsel immediately.
Michael R. Cohen has defended people accused of serious crimes in Wisconsin since 1991. He and the team at Eau Claire Criminal Defense — including attorneys Karleigh Miller, Alicia Linzmeier, and David Olson — represent individuals charged in Dunn County Circuit Court and courts throughout the region. The firm holds AV Preeminent rating (the highest Martindale-Hubbell designation) and has appeared on the Wisconsin Super Lawyers list every year from 2018 through 2025.
What a Child Sexual Assault Charge in Wisconsin Involves
Wisconsin categorizes child sexual assault offenses under Wisconsin Statute § 948.02 and related statutes. The degree of the charge — first, second, or third degree — depends on factors including the age of the alleged victim, the nature of the alleged conduct, and the relationship between the parties. Even a third-degree charge carries significant prison exposure; first-degree charges carry mandatory minimum sentences and lifetime sex offender registration consequences.

In Dunn County, these cases are prosecuted through the Dunn County Circuit Court in Menomonie. The stakes are high, the process is complex, and the window between arrest and the establishment of your defense narrative is narrow. What you say — and don't say — to law enforcement in the first hours after an accusation materially affects your case.
How Our Menomonie Defense Team Approaches These Cases
Every child sexual assault case requires a rigorous, fact-specific investigation before any defense strategy is developed. Our approach includes:
- Immediate preservation of evidence — digital communications, alibi documentation, witness contact information, and any forensic evidence that may support the defense
- Independent investigation — law enforcement investigations are built for the prosecution; our team conducts a parallel, defense-focused review of the facts
- Expert witnesses — forensic psychologists, medical experts, and child interview specialists where relevant to challenge the prosecution's evidence
- Suppression motions — challenging evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, including unlawful searches, coerced statements, or improper identification procedures
- Dunn County Circuit Court experience — our attorneys know the local court environment, the prosecutors, and the procedures — which matters when navigating pretrial hearings and negotiations
The Importance of Immediate Legal Representation
In Menomonie and Dunn County, child sexual assault investigations often begin before formal charges are filed. If law enforcement has contacted you for questioning, if you've been told you're a person of interest, or if charges have just been filed, the time to retain counsel is now — not after the preliminary hearing. Statements made without an attorney present are almost always used against you. Michael R. Cohen and our team are reachable at
715-514-5051.
Contact Eau Claire Criminal Defense in Menomonie, WI
Our office is located at 17 S Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI 54701, and we represent clients throughout Dunn County, including Menomonie and surrounding communities. Call 715-514-5051 for an immediate consultation. The earlier you contact us, the more options we have to build a strong defense on your behalf
