Sex offenses that involve children are a serious issue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In fact, this state, like others, has stringent laws against sexual abuse involving children. These laws carry stiff penalties. Because of the strong emotions involved in these types of cases, how they are handled by the courts can often have a big impact on what punishment an accused individual may receive.
For instance, the fate of a 39-year-old man in neighboring Illinois is currently hanging by a thread while the McHenry County Court decides whether to allow evidence of previous allegations of wrongdoing in his current trial for sexual contact with children. Currently, the man is facing 13 counts of different sex crime charges, the most serious of which carries an up to 30-year jail sentence. Prosecutors want to present at trial details of other allegations of sex crimes against the defendant that did not result in any criminal charges or convictions.
The incidents that allegedly took place in the man’s home involved four children ranging from four to 14-years-old. The alleged is fit to stand trial, and his attorney stated that the man is not guilty of the accusations.
A person charged with sex offenses faces many challenges. Many people will ridicule and pre-judge a person who is cited for sex crimes. Additionally, an alleged sex offender has to deal with those allegations while looking for work and engaging in other activities. If convicted, there is a very good chance that he or she will end up in prison and forced to pay significant penalties.
In a case like this, the defendant should consider his or her legal rights. It would be best to consider a legal professional’s help while in the middle of a criminal trial to justify the innocence of the defendant or at least reduce the extent of punishment against a person.
Source: Northwest Herald, “McHenry County judge to consider other evidence in sex abuse case,” Chelsea McDougall, Aug. 8, 2013.