Wisconsin Rape and Sexual Assault Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed February 27, 2025
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It's a crime in Wisconsin to rape or sexually assault another person. The criminal penalties for these sex crimes vary depending on how much force or violence the defendant used. They also depend on whether the defendant used a weapon and whether there are other aggravating factors.
Wisconsin law doesn't use the term rape. Instead, it uses the term sexual assault.
The table below details Wisconsin's rape and sexual assault laws.
Code sections | Wisconsin Statutes Sections 940.225 — Sexual Assault and 948.02 — Sexual Assault of a Child |
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What is prohibited? | Wisconsin law divides this crime into four degrees of sexual assault, with the first being the most severe: First-degree sexual assault. This crime involves a person engaging in sexual contact or intercourse with someone under the following circumstances:
Second-degree sexual assault. Sexual contact or sex under any of the following circumstances:
Third-degree sexual assault. Sexual intercourse or sexual contact involving the defendant's intentional ejaculation, urination, or defecation upon the alleged victim's body for sexual gratification or the humiliation of the victim Fourth-degree sexual assault. This crime involves someone making sexual contact with another person for sexual humiliation of the victim or sexual gratification of the defendant Note: These laws apply regardless of whether the victim is alive or dead at the time of the assault. If separate sexual assaults happen, the state will charge the defendant with separate offenses. Sexual assault of a child Wisconsin law divides this offense into two categories: First-degree sexual assault. Different felonies apply depending on the age of the victim and whether the victim suffers any bodily harm:
Second-degree sexual assault. Sexual contact or intercourse with a person under 16 Failure to act. Knowing somebody intends to engage or has already had sexual intercourse or sexual contact with a child and failing to report their behavior. Note: If the defendant believes an adult is a child, in a sting operation perhaps, the state can still prosecute them for attempted child sexual assault. |
Penalty | According to Wisc. Stat. §939.50, the penalties for the below sexual assault crimes are:
Also, someone with a sexual assault conviction must register with the state and national sex offender registry. This will affect where you can live and work and your reputation. Most sex offenders stay on the sex offender registry for the rest of their lives. |
Defenses | Your criminal defense attorney can raise a host of defenses in your sexual assault case. For example, actual innocence is always a defense to criminal charges. With a sexual assault charge, consent is also a valid defense. Consent is not a defense to sexual assault of a child, including statutory rape. Also, Wisconsin law specifically states that being married isn’t an automatic defense to sexual assault. In the State of Wisconsin, the state can charge you with rape or sexual assault of your spouse. |
Note: If the defendant believes an adult is a child, in a sting operation perhaps, the state can still prosecute them for attempted child sexual assault.
Penalty According to Wisc. Stat. §939.50, the penalties for the below sexual assault crimes are:
- Class A felony. Life imprisonment (first-degree sexual assault of a child under 13 that causes injury)
- Class B felony. Up to 60 years imprisonment (first-degree sexual assault of an adult or child)
- Class C felony. Imprisonment for up to 40 years and a fine of up to $100,000 (second-degree sexual assault of an adult or child)
- Class F felony. Imprisonment for up to 12.5 years and a fine of up to $25,000 (failure to act)
- Class G felony. Imprisonment up to 10 years and up to $25,000 fine (third-degree sexual assault)
- Class A misdemeanor. Imprisonment up to nine months and a $10,000 fine (fourth-degree sexual assault)
Also, someone with a sexual assault conviction must register with the state and national sex offender registry. This will affect where you can live and work and your reputation. Most sex offenders stay on the sex offender registry for the rest of their lives.
Defenses Your criminal defense attorney can raise a host of defenses in your sexual assault case. For example, actual innocence is always a defense to criminal charges. With a sexual assault charge, consent is also a valid defense.
Consent is not a defense to sexual assault of a child, including statutory rape.
Also, Wisconsin law specifically states that being married isn't an automatic defense to sexual assault. In the State of Wisconsin, the state can charge you with rape or sexual assault of your spouse.
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.
Charged With Rape or Sexual Assault? Get Professional Legal Help
If you're facing charges of rape or sexual assault in Wisconsin, you could face several years in prison. You deserve a solid defense, so it's in your best interests to consult a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer.
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- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Sexual assaults & sex crime convictions often have long sentences and lifelong consequences
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