Sex Crime Defense Attorney Madison, WI

If police contact you about a sex crime, use your right to remain silent. Don’t try to talk your way out of it or explain your side of the story. Anything you say can be used against you—even if it seems harmless. You have the right to remain silent and the right to talk to an attorney before answering any questions. Politely tell officers that you will not speak without your lawyer present, then contact Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC right away.

Police may call or visit before making an arrest. This is usually to gather statements that help their investigation. Police are legally allowed to lie to you and provide you with misleading information to get you to talk with them.  Even informal conversations can be recorded and later repeated in court. Invoking your right to silence and counsel stops investigators from twisting your words.

Yes, you can. Wisconsin law allows an arrest if officers have probable cause to believe a crime occurred. That means police only need enough evidence to believe a sex crime occurred and that you committed the offense. Sometimes, just one person’s statement is enough.

Once you’re arrested, prosecutors decide whether to file charges. They don’t need proof beyond a reasonable doubt at that stage, only enough to believe the case could be proven in court. That’s why you shouldn’t speak with law enforcement or investigators without our firm on your side.

Many sex-related convictions in Wisconsin require registration. The length of registration depends on the crime. Many felony-level cases involve registration for life. For some misdemeanors or lesser felonies, you may have to register for 15 years after release from custody.

The registry is public and can affect where you live, work, and travel. Fortunately, in some situations, it’s possible to argue against registration or petition for removal after a waiting period.

Yes. False accusations can be challenged through careful investigation and cross-examination. Wisconsin courts require the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Our lawyers can challenge whether an accuser is credible, including whether their memory is accurate and whether their statements are consistent.

The length of any case depends on the specific charges and evidence involved. Some cases are resolved within a few months. Others can take over a year if they go to trial. Your attorney can explain what to expect. They’ll help you decide whether it’s in your best interest to push for a quicker resolution or take time to build a stronger defense.

In many cases, yes. Defense attorneys fight for the most favorable outcome for their client, whether that’s reduced charges or dismissal. Prosecutors offer good plea deals (or dismissals) if the evidence is weak or if the defense exposes problems in the investigation. Similarly, pretrial motions challenge how police collected evidence or whether your rights were violated. If the court grants those motions, prosecutors may have no choice but to negotiate or drop certain charges.

Every case is different. The decision to negotiate or fight at trial depends on the available evidence and your long-term goals. You and your attorney can make that decision when faced with a choice.