Wisconsin nude beach stats exemplify seriousness of sex crime charges

Mazomanie, in Dane County, has one of Wisconsin’s most unique attractions: the state’s often-visited nude beach. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state agency tasked with supervising the beach, estimates that up to 70,000 people visit the beach to bare all over each summer.

Normally, exposing one’s genitals in a public place is a sex offense in Wisconsin, a Class A misdemeanor. However, at the nude beach, often referred to as “the Sandbar,” Dane County authorities say nudity alone will not be prosecuted.

On the other hand, committing “an indecent act of sexual gratification with another” while in the presence of others is also a Class A misdemeanor prohibited by Wisconsin statute, and law enforcement officers draw a line in the sand at sex on the beach. According to new figures released in early December, despite efforts to curb so-called “indecent” behavior at the Sandbar in 2013, many citations were still issued to Wisconsin beachgoers for allegedly lewd conduct at the Sandbar.

Weekday closures had limited effect on number of citations

Between June and October of 2013, 13 individuals were cited by the Wisconsin DNR for having sex at the Sandbar. This was slightly lower than the 2012 total. But, all 13 citations were handed out over only one week of law enforcement surveillance.

This year, the DNR had implemented a new plan to close the Sandbar on weekdays to cut down on sexual activity and drug offenses by forcing patrons to visit the beach only on days when it is more crowded. Just two of the 13 citations were issued on weekdays. However, Dane County officials indicated that the plan has not seemed to reduce illegal activity, but has merely shifted the activity more to the weekends.

“There’s no doubt there’s more stuff going on,” Dane County supervisor of DNR law enforcement Nathan Kroeplin told the Winona Daily News. “[The weekday closures] didn’t really seem like it made that much of a dent.”

Accused of a sex offense? Call a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer

Even relatively minor sex offenses can carry a stigma that affects many areas of your life. From your reputation to your livelihood, getting any kind of sex offense on your record can have real repercussions.

Whether you were accused of indecent behavior at a nude beach or a more serious sex offense, you need a strong legal defense. Stand up for your rights, and protect your future, by getting in touch with a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney today.

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