People who are age 18 or younger aren’t legally allowed to consent to sex – and that means if you have sex or perform a sex act with someone under the age of 18, you could be facing statutory rape charges. Although many people assume statutory rape is what happens between teenagers (such as when the older teen turns 18 but his or her “significant other” is still under 18), it can refer to several different crimes with minors of all ages.
Wisconsin Statutory Rape Laws
In Wisconsin, statutory rape laws cover all minors under 18. The crimes are charged based on the age of the minor, not based on the age of the adult. Statutory rape can include crimes charged as:
- Carnal knowledge of a minor
- Corruption of a minor
- Rape of a child
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Unlawful carnal knowledge
- Unlawful sex with a minor
The courts can use other terms, too, but these are some of the most common.
What Happens if You’re Guilty of Breaking Wisconsin Statutory Rape Laws?
Some of these crimes are felonies, which means you’re facing long-term prison sentences if you’re convicted. You’ll also have to register as a sex offender if you’re convicted of many of these crimes.
Your best bet is to talk with a Milwaukee sex crime defense attorney who understands the charges against you and who can answer all your questions about possible penalties you’re facing. The crimes covered under Wisconsin’s statutory rape laws range from Class A felonies, which can result in life imprisonment, and Class A misdemeanors that can result in up to 9 months in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
If you’ve been accused of any type of statutory rape crime that involves sex with a minor, call us immediately at 414-383-6700 for a free sex crime defense case review. We may be able to help you, so get in touch with us right away.
