Crimes Against Children Attorney in Kenosha, Wisconsin

What Are Crimes Against Children in Wisconsin?

Crimes against children are offenses committed against minors under 18 years of age. Accusations of such crimes are especially difficult to face and overcome due to the negative social stigma attached to them. Even an unproven allegation before any formal charges have been filed can damage your reputation and standing within the community. It is crucial to have trusted legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

If you or someone you know has been accused of any type of criminal offense involving a minor, we highly recommend that you turn to the Law Office of John Anthony Ward. At our firm, you can rely on the experience, skills, and knowledge of a legal professional who has been in practice for 35 years. Our knowledgeable attorney has received the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, an organization that rates attorneys through peer review. With 200 jury trials at both the state and federal levels under his belt, he knows how to investigate and prepare a case in search of the best possible outcome. Throughout the process, we will provide you with the education you need at every phase so that you can make intelligent decisions as you move forward.

Types of Crimes Against Children

Our firm handles the following types of criminal cases involving children:

• Hazing

• Physical abuse

• Sexual exploitation

• Child trafficking

• Using a computer to facilitate a crime against a child

• Enticing a child

• Solicitation of a child for prostitution

• Possession of child pornography

• Child neglect

• Child abandonment

• Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle

• Having a loaded firearm within reach of a child

• Sexual assault, including sexual assault against a child by a person who works with children, such as a teacher or coach

What Is Domestic Violence in Wisconsin?

Domestic violence is referred to as domestic abuse under Wisconsin law and includes the intentional infliction of pain, injury, or illness. It can also include sexual assault as well as acting in such a way as to threaten the victim and put him or her in fear of imminent harm.

Domestic violence occurs between the following individuals:

• Spouses and former spouses

• Individuals living together or who have formerly lived together

• Co-parents

• Individuals in a dating relationship

It can also apply to caregivers of adults and the elderly when they abuse those in their care.

Police officers are required to make an arrest if they believe that the abuse is likely to continue, if they see evidence that a party has been injured, and if they believe they are arresting the primary aggressor. Their decisions are based on their investigation of the incident when they arrive on the scene.

Penalties for Domestic Violence

Being convicted of a domestic violence crime can have a dramatic impact on many aspects of your life such as substantial prison sentences and large fines. You may not only face criminal penalties, but you may lose the right to see your children and the right to own a firearm. If you have been arrested for a domestic violence offense in or around Kenosha, you should not further discuss your case with the police or anyone else without legal representation.

No-Contact Orders

Once you have been arrested for domestic abuse, you will be prohibited from making any contact with the alleged victim for 72 hours. Violating this no-contact rule carries penalties of a fine of up to $10,000 and/or nine months in jail. Furthermore, after this, if the court deems it necessary, a restraining order may be issued which continues the no-contact rule. If you are named in a restraining order, you will have to find elsewhere to live, may lose custody of your children, and be forced to abide by other restrictions.

Common Charges in Domestic Abuse

Common charges in a domestic abuse arrest consist of a battery and substantial battery. Battery refers to causing bodily harm which is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to nine months in jail and/or fines of up to $10,000. Substantial battery is defined as causing substantial bodily harm, is charged as a Class I felony, and carries penalties of up to three and a half years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.