When Can a Person Face Computer-Related Sex Crime Charges in Wisconsin?

 Posted on August 26, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Among the different types of criminal offenses that a person may be accused of committing, sex crimes are some of the most serious. These charges carry significant consequences, including large fines and extended sentences in prison. A person convicted of a sex crime may be required to register as a sex offender, which will affect their ability to find a job and a place to live. Even if a person is not convicted, their reputation and relationships with others may be permanently affected. Some people may be unaware of the potential ways that using computers or the internet could lead to sex crime charges. Those who are accused of these types of offenses can work with an attorney to determine their best options for defense.

Sexual Offenses Involving Computers and the Internet

There are multiple ways that a person’s use of computer systems may result in sex crime charges. These offenses may fall into one of the following categories:

• Use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime - It is illegal to communicate online with a child with the intent of engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual contact. These charges may apply if a person believes or has reason to believe that the child in question is under the age of 16, as long as the person believed that they were at least two years older than the child when they sent the communication. This offense is a Class C felony, and a person who is convicted may face a prison sentence of up to 40 years and a fine of up to $100,000.

• Possession of child pornography - A person may face serious charges if they are accused of possessing or accessing with intent to view any depictions of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Many child pornography cases involve images or videos that are downloaded or accessed using a computer, and a person may face charges if they knowingly possessed, accessed, exhibited, or played a recording of sexually explicit material that they knew or reasonably should have known depicted a child under the age of 18. This offense is a Class D felony, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years and a fine of up to $100,000. If a person who allegedly possessed child pornography was under the age of 18, they may be charged with a Class I felony, which can result in a prison sentence of up to three years and six months and a fine of up to $10,000.

• Cyberstalking - A person may face criminal charges if they send sexually explicit photos or messages to others or otherwise act in a way that is threatening, abusive, or is considered harassment. The offense of unlawful use of computerized communication systems may apply if a person sends electronic messages or emails to someone using obscene language or suggesting lewd acts. If these messages were sent with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or abuse someone, a person may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, and if they are convicted, they may face a fine of up to $1,000 and a prison sentence of up to 90 days. If messages were sent with the intent to harass, offend, or annoy someone, a person may face a Class B forfeiture, and they may be fined up to $1,000.

Contact Our Milwaukee County Online Sex Crime Defense Attorneys

If you have been accused of an online or computer-related sex crime, Bucher Law Group, LLC can provide you with the representation you need, ensuring that you understand your best strategies for defense against these charges. Contact our Jefferson County sex crimes defense lawyers at 262-303-4916 to arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/948/075

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/948/12

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/947/0125

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/939/iv/50