At Nelson Defense Group, we understand that being accused of a sex crime is overwhelming for you, your family, and your friends. These accusations carry enormous weight—socially, legally, and emotionally. Our team brings years of experience and unwavering dedication to defending individuals charged with sexual assault and other serious offenses.

From the beginning, we work to understand your side of the story, investigate every detail, and build a strong defense rooted in evidence. Your future is worth fighting for—and we’re here to stand beside you every step of the way.

Defending these charges requires a lawyer with a specific skill set. We recommend you find an attorney with experience fighting cases like yours: complex and complicated trials. We designed Nelson Defense Group to defend people charged with serious crimes facing life-changing consequences. 

If you have any questions or need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help—because this isn’t just about legal strategy. It’s about your life.

A Long Record Of Strong Defense

Attorneys at Nelson Defense Group have won more than 20 Not Guilty verdicts in cases involving sex crimes. In addition to our trial success, we have successfully negotiated cases to keep our clients out of prison. Some of our successful outcomes include:

• Not guilty: child sex offender working with children (2020)

• Not guilty: first-degree sexual assault of child under 12 (2017)

• Not guilty: repeated sexual assault of same child (2014)

• Not guilty: first-degree sexual assault of a child — contact with a child under 13 and child enticement (2012)

• Not guilty: sexual assault by therapist (2005)List Item

• Not guilty: child sexual assault (2000)

• Not guilty: child sexual assault (1998)

• Felony sex with a child age 16 or older — Dismissed (2010)

• First-degree sexual assault amended to disorderly conduct (2013)

• Second-degree sexual assault amended to disorderly conduct (2013)

• Three felony charges of repeated sexual assault of a child (including three other felony charges) – reduced to two misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree sexual assault (2013)

• Misdemeanor charge of sexual intercourse with a child amended to county ordinance violation of disorderly conduct (2014)

• Second-degree sexual assault of person incapable of consent — Dismissed (2017)

• Sexual intercourse with a child and strangulation and suffocation — Dismissed (2017)

• 3rd and 4th degree sexual assault — Dismissed (2015)

What Is Sexual Assault?

In Wisconsin, sexual contact or intercourse can become a serious criminal offense under certain circumstances, including allegations of no consent, force or threats of force, or between persons with a legally prohibited relationship or status (like a therapist and their patient, children under the age of 18, a guard and prisoner, etc). Certain factors, such as allegations of causing pregnancy, disease, or serious injury, and the use of a dangerous weapon, can substantially increase penalties. Some charges, like possession of child pornography, even carry mandatory minimum time in prison.  

Age is a frequent factor in sexual assault charges. In Wisconsin, persons under 18 are deemed to be incapable of consent to sexual activity, and the penalties increase the younger the alleged victim is. Certain other behaviors may not involve any sexual contact at all, but can be seriously criminalized if they are done for the purpose of sexual gratification. 

All sexual assault charges are serious, whether it is the stigmatization of having a conviction on your record, steep potential maximum penalties, mandatory minimum penalties, or a conviction requiring registration as a sex offender.  Regardless of the circumstances in which you find yourself charged with sexual assault or a sex crime, we have the experience needed to assist you, and we recognize the serious effects a conviction could have for you.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations for Sexual Assault?

Wisconsin law regarding statutes of limitation can be complicated and will be specific to the facts of your case. Generally, prosecutors can charge a person with felony sexual assault for up to six years after the sexual activity is alleged to have occurred, or up to three years for a misdemeanor sexual assault. However, if the victim was under the age of 18 when the assault occurred, charges can be brought until the victim turns 35. This time may be tolled or paused if the person accused leaves the state before charges are filed.

What To Do If You are Accused Of A Sex Crime In Wisconsin?

Remain Silent
Don’t respond to allegations in any way without first talking to an attorney. This includes discussing the case with your family, close friends, your employer, or anyone else.  Most importantly, never talk to the police. Communications with people who are close to you are not confidential, and they could be compelled to testify against you in the future. Law enforcement, despite what they may say, is never looking out for your best interests. If you are approached by law enforcement to tell your side of the story, tell them that you are following legal advice and demand an attorney. While you may be eager to tell your story, the time and place to do that is in a confidential conversation with your attorney and, if necessary, to a jury at trial with the support and advice of your attorney. If you have a reason to believe you are under investigation and no charges have been filed, you should still hire a lawyer as soon as possible, as we can sometimes persuade the police to abandon the investigation or convince the prosecutor not to file charges.

Hire A Defense Lawyer Who Excels In Sex Crimes Cases

We live in times where issues of consent are evolving and being more hotly debated and litigated than ever, and the consequences of conviction can permanently alter the course of your life. You need an attorney who is experienced with current trends in charging sexual assault cases, can find creative solutions in plea negotiations, and litigate every potential issue possible. At Nelson Defense Group, your attorney will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case, individually design your theory of defense, challenge the evidence and credibility of witnesses, and passionately persuade the jurors to agree with your story of innocence.