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Sex Offenses Information Center

Frequently Asked Questions about Sex Offenses

Q: How are sex offenses punished?

A: Punishment for a sex offense can vary dramatically depending on the category of crime. A misdemeanor sex crime conviction (such as indecent exposure) may receive less than a year of jail time, a fine, community service, counseling or probation. A felony, on the other hand, may be punished by a lengthy prison term (up to a life sentence). Additionally, released sex felons must register as sex offenders and multiple convictions often lead to greater punishments.

Q: Is consent a defense?

A: Consent may be a defense to sex crimes, in some cases. However, some individuals are not considered able to consent to sex under the law. For those individuals, even if they explicitly agree, their agreement is not legally valid. For example, minors, the mentally disabled and unconscious or intoxicated people (even if they willingly became intoxicated) typically cannot provide valid consent. Statutory rape or date rape charges may result.

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In 2000, the Department of Justice found that State and Federal courts convicted almost 984,000 adults of felonies. The penalties for a felony conviction can significantly change your life, and the sooner you contact an attorney upon being threatened with a felony sex offense charge, the better chance you have of mounting a successful defense.

Wisconsin Sex Offense Defense Lawyers

Sexual Assault - Sex Offenses - Lewd and Lascivious Behavior - Prostitution - Possession of Child Pornography

Being accused of a sex crime is extremely serious. Sex offenses often carry lengthy prison terms and other damaging consequences such as lifelong mandatory sex offender registry reporting requirements. In addition, sex offenses can be difficult to defend because oftentimes these charges are based solely on one person's word. That is why an effective sex crimes defense attorney should have extensive courtroom experience like the lawyers at Kim & LaVoy, S.C.

Given the potential consequences, it is imperative that you retain the services of a criminal defense firm that is both experienced and knowledgeable in handling sex crimes in particular. If necessary steps are not taken early on or a proper investigation is not conducted, crucial evidence may be lost forever, making it that much more difficult to defend oneself.

The attorneys at Kim & LaVoy, S.C. are experienced and knowledgeable in handling sex crimes cases. We have defended people against allegations ranging from first degree sexual assault, second degree sexual assault, sexual assault of a child, lewd and lascivious behavior, and prostitution. If you have been accused of a sex offense, contact the law firm of Kim & LaVoy through this Web site or by calling (262) 796-1400 or (414) 257-2100 for a free consultation with a proven and effective Wisconsin sex crimes defense attorney.

The information below is general in nature, is provided as a courtesy, and is not intended to address the particulars of your sex related criminal charges.

Sex Offenses - An Overview

Sex offenses include a myriad of criminal sexual behaviors, ranging from prostitution to rape. If you or one of your family members is facing a sex-offense charge, it is very important to obtain the legal representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The penalties for a sex offense conviction can be serious and life-changing, but many defenses are available. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible allows the evidence to be evaluated and witnesses to be questioned soon after the event.

What Is A Sex Offense?

Sex offenses include all forms of illegal sexual activity, ranging from the crime of rape, usually defined as sexual penetration without consent, to the crime of prostitution, usually defined as sex for hire. The most serious crimes involve the sexual assault of children or include physical injury. Other sex offenses include public indecency, voyeurism, prostitution, solicitation, pornography, date rape, lewd acts, pandering, pimping, statutory rape and unlawful sodomy.

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Rape, Sexual Assault, Date Rape and Statutory Rape

Unwanted sex acts are generally regarded as rape. However, these criminal offenses are also commonly referred to as "sexual abuse" or "sexual assault." A wide range of activities may be included under these definitions. Statutory rape, for instance, is sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent. Date rape is a nonlegal term for forcible sexual activity between people who know one another during a social engagement. Regardless of the circumstances, there are serious penalties for individuals found guilty of these sex crimes. Prosecutors and the police focus on sexual offenses, so if you or someone you know is accused of or arrested for a sex crime, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation.

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Victimless Sex Offenses

A victimless crime, sometimes termed a consensual crime, a crime without victims or a complainantless crime is a "crime that is considered to have no direct victim, usually because only consenting adults are involved." Black's Law Dictionary. State laws regarding victimless sex offenses vary greatly, but state statutes typically address victimless sex offenses such as prostitution, pandering, solicitation, indecent exposure and illegal possession of pornography. The penalties for victimless sex offenses, such as solicitation of a minor or child pornography, are severe; often involving felony convictions, jail or prison time, sexual offender treatment programs and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. For other offenses such as indecent exposure, the penalties are generally less severe; they range from fines and community service to felony charges and incarceration. If you have been arrested for a victimless sex offense, contact a law firm immediately to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney who can clearly explain your rights and options.

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Sex Offender Registry

All states require sex offender registration of some kind. Individuals convicted as sex offenders must register their addresses with law enforcement. Sex offenders must also send updates whenever they change addresses and must keep their registration information current. Some states require sex offenders to verify information on a yearly basis via mail or more frequently if deemed violent predators. States have different requirements regarding what offenses require registration and for what periods of time. Additionally, some offenses that are more serious may require registration for life. Serious crimes vary by state, but most commonly include repeat offenders, violent sexual offenders and those who commit sexual crimes against children. If you are concerned about your status under these rules, contact a knowledgeable attorney from our firm for help and advice.

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False Allegations

False allegations may occur, most often in child sex-abuse situations. An adult may have influenced a child's allegation or the child may have based his or her accusation on an overactive imagination. Public awareness of child abuse has increased and more reports of possible abuse are being made, but not all reports are substantiated. Also, even good-faith accusations may not be true and false allegations may be made to harm the accused. If you find yourself the victim of false allegations, a criminal defense attorney can help you take immediate action to defend yourself.

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The law firm of Kim & LaVoy, S.C. specializes in criminal law and sex crimes defense and represents people throughout the state of Wisconsin including the following communities: Brookfield, Brown Deer, Delafield, Elm Grove, Franklin, Germantown, Glendale, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Juneau, Hartford, Hartland, Jackson, Kewaskum, Mayville, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Milwaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Racine, Slinger, Sussex, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Allis, and West Bend.
Milwaukee County - Waukesha County - Washington County - Ozaukee County - Dodge County - Jefferson County

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Main Office
Kim & LaVoy, S.C.
2505 North 124th Street
Suite 220
Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: (262) 796-1400
Fax: (262) 796-1470
Email | Map & Directions

West Bend Office
Kim & LaVoy, S.C.
530 Walnut Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 334-1000
Fax: (262) 334-1133
Email | Map & Directions