In Wisconsin, people who are convicted of sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders according to state law. Sex offenders must register each year with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections following their release from prison or when they’re placed on parole or probation.
If you’re being accused of committing a sex crime in Milwaukee or the surrounding suburbs, it’s best to get in touch with an attorney immediately. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure that you’re treated fairly – and he or she will ensure that you have a chance to defend yourself.
Crimes Mandating Inclusion in the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
There are several convictions that require registration on the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry, including:
- First-, second-, third- or fourth- degree sexual assault of an adult
- Incest or incest with a child
- Sexual exploitation by a therapist
- Sexual exploitation of a child
- First- or second-degree sexual assault of a child
- Engaging in repeated sexual assault of the same child
- Forcing a child to listen to or view sexual activity
- Soliciting a child for prostitution
- Sexual assault of a student by a teacher, principle or other school instructional staff person
- Being found in possession of child pornography
Chapter 980 of Wisconsin’s “Sexually Violent Person Commitments” requires people who are considered sexually violent predators to register. Courts may also order a person to register as a sex offender if the person committed specific non-sexual serious felony offenses that were sexually motivated.
What Happens When You Register as a Sex Offender in Wisconsin?
When a court orders you to register as a sex offender, you have to do it. If you don’t, you’ll face penalties for violating the terms of your release.
You’ll have to provide:
- Your full name, including any aliases or nicknames
- Your date of birth, race, gender, eye color and height/weight
- Detailed information about the offense
- The address where you’ll live
- Information on your supervising agency
- Descriptions of all the vehicles you own
- Your employer’s name and address
If you fail to register as a sex offender, or if you don’t provide enough information to complete your registration, you could end up behind bars. You could also face fines of up to $10,000.
How Long Do You Have to Register as a Sex Offender in Wisconsin?
The courts will determine how long you must register as a sex offender if you’re convicted of a sensitive crime. In some cases, lifetime registration is mandatory. For example, sexually violent offenders and anyone convicted of sex offenses on two or more separate occasions must register for the remainder of their lives under Wisconsin law.
