Sex Offender Registration Requirements in Wisconsin

Sexual offenses are considered a criminal crime in Wisconsin, and offenders are subject to the additional burden of sex offender registration. This type of registration is unique in the criminal code as similar registries are not required for most other crimes. If you are convicted of a sex crime in the state, you may be required to register with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry.

The registry is available to the general public through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Sex Offender Registry website. The information is used by police and law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, and victims to search for offenders by name or by geographic area.

Who is Required To Register as Sex Offender in Wisconsin?

Whether or not you will be required to register depends on the circumstances of your conviction, as some convictions have mandatory registration requirements and others do not. It is even possible for those convicted of other crimes that are not specifically considered sex crimes but which may have a sexual motivation to be required to register.

Wisconsin Statute 301.45 governs sex offender registration. Registration is mandatory for these convictions:

• First, second, or third-degree sexual assault of an adult
• First or second-degree sexual assault of a child
• Repeated acts of sexual assault of the same child
• Sexual exploitation by a therapist
• Sexual exploitation of a child
• Trafficking a child
• Forcing a child to view or listen to sexual activity
• Incest involving a child
• Child enticement
• Use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime
• Soliciting a child for prostitution
• Sexual assault of a child placed in substitute care or by school staff
• Exposing a child to harmful materials
• Possession of child pornography

Other crimes may be subject to mandatory registration as well if the court determines that the circumstances warrant it. Some examples include: battery, criminal trespass, false imprisonment, intimidation, lewd and lascivious behavior, solicitation, stalking, or crimes that carry sexual implications and motivations.

Registering as a Sex Offender in Wisconsin

If you are required to register as a sex offender in Wisconsin, you will need to provide:

• Full name and any aliases
• Identifying information (date of birth, gender, race, hair color, etc.)
• Information regarding your conviction
• The terms of any probation or supervision
• Vehicle information
• Employment or school information
• An annual update of the registration information

Most offenses require sex offenders to remain on the registry for 15 years after discharge from probation, supervision, or parole. In very serious cases, the offender may remain on the registry for life. Examples include:

• First or second degree sexual assault of an adult or child
• Repeat acts with a child
• Acts with a child in substitute care
• Violent acts under Chapter 980
• Two or more convictions of the same sexual offense

Sexual Offense Charges Require a Strong Defense

A conviction for sexual offense and sex offender registration can have a devastating impact on your life – now and in the future – in the form of job losses or missed employment opportunities, loss of housing, and loss of friendships and personal relationships. Presenting a strong defense against the charges is vital to protecting your future and your reputation. Trust Eisenberg Law Offices and our sex crime attorneys to help you. Our attorneys represent clients throughout the State of Wisconsin and northern Illinois to protect them from the most serious repercussions of their actions.

Arrange a free case consultation with an Eisenberg Law Offices criminal defense attorney by calling 608-256-8356 or emailing our team at info@eisenberglaw.org.