What is use of a computer to commit a child sex crime?

Use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime is a Class C felony in Wisconsin (948.075), and carries a penalty of 40 years in prison and a $100,000.00 fine. Our aggressive Milwaukee sex crime defense attorneys have worked many sexual abuse cases involving use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime.

The state must prove four elements in this charge:

1. That you used a computer to communicate with an “individual”
2. That you “believed or had reason to believe” that the individual was under 16
3. That you used the computer with the intent to have sexual contact/intercourse with the individual
4. That you did “an act” in addition to using the computer to “carry out the intent”

Despite widespread media coverage of undercover detectives posing as 14 year old girls, and the existence of a TV show dedicated to these same “sting” operations, this offense continues to be committed. The increasing focus of law enforcement on sex crimes in general has led to a rash of these cases in Wisconsin and nationwide. A defense to this charge can be as simple as denying any intention to have sexual contact as the “intention” element can be difficult to prove. Of course, the nature of the “chat” is usually at least somewhat sexual in nature and can be used against you. The stakes have risen dramatically however, with the passage in 2005 of a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence upon conviction.

Wisconsin penalties for Use of a Computer to Facilitate a Child Sex Crime:

1. 40 years prison maximum
2. $100,000 fine

Contact the best Milwaukee and Sheboygan Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers.

Call Birdsall Obear & Associates.

Attorneys John A. Birdsall and Kirk B. Obear are Milwaukee criminal attorneys who have won countless cases over the past decades. Their aggressive defense strategy is unsurpassed and has placed them among the best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Milwaukee.

Sexual assault charges many times carry special circumstances that only the Milwaukee criminal lawyers of Birdsall Obear & Associates will know how to confront, confidently and efficiently... and win your case.

Our sexual assault defense lawyers in Sheboygan and Milwaukee know how to confront and challenge illegal police action, whether it's improper search technique or other violations, if we find that your constitutional rights were violated, your case could be dismissed.

Our lawyers are simply the best sexual assault defense law firm Wisconsin has to offer. Contact our Milwaukee Criminal Attorneys at Birdsall Obear & Associates.