Romeo and Juliet Laws Wisconsin

Romeo and Juliet Laws in Wisconsin

Lots of teens have relationships in high school – it’s totally normal. But sometimes these relationships can get teens in trouble with the law if they’re intimate. That’s where “Romeo and Juliet” laws come in. These laws try to prevent teens from getting in trouble for dating someone a little younger than them.

The thing is, Wisconsin doesn’t have any Romeo and Juliet laws on the books. So what does this mean for teens and consent in the Badger State? Let’s break it down.

What are Romeo and Juliet Laws?

Romeo and Juliet laws are meant to protect teens from being charged with statutory rape for having consensual sex with a younger partner. Statutory rape is when someone over 18 has sex with someone under 18 – even if it’s totally consensual.

These laws basically say it’s not statutory rape if the couple is close enough in age. For example, in some states it’s legal for a 17 year old to have sex with a 15 year old. Makes sense, right? Teens date each other in high school all the time.

Why Doesn’t Wisconsin Have Them?

Some states have passed Romeo and Juliet laws to decriminalize teen relationships. But Wisconsin lawmakers haven’t put any on the books yet. Some people argue this can lead to overly harsh punishments.

For example, say a 19 year old is dating a 16 year old in Wisconsin. If they’re sexually active, the 19 year old could be charged with statutory rape. Even though it’s a consensual relationship, there’s no exception for close ages in WI law.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Defense lawyers and advocates have argued for Romeo and Juliet laws in WI. But so far there’s been no change to the statutory rape statutes.

What Are Wisconsin’s Consent Laws?

Wisconsin’s age of consent is 18. This means anyone 17 or under can’t legally consent to sex. Period. There are no close-in-age exemptions.

If you’re over 18, it’s statutory rape to have sex with anyone under 18. Even if you’re both in high school or the relationship is totally consensual. The legal age gap doesn’t matter under WI law.

What About Minors Having Sex?

It’s also illegal for two minors to have sex if there’s more than a 3 year age difference. So if a 17 year old and a 14 year old have sex, the 17 year old could be charged with sexual assault.

Some say this is too strict, since sex between teens isn’t uncommon. But again, WI law doesn’t make any age gap exceptions.

What Are the Punishments?

Statutory rape charges in WI depend on the ages involved:

• Over 18 with someone 15 or under – Class C felony
• Over 18 with someone 16 or 17 – Class A misdemeanor
• Minors more than 3 years apart – Class A misdemeanor

Penalties can include fines, sex offender registration, and years in prison. It’s really serious.

Have There Been Any High Profile Cases?

A few cases have highlighted how strict WI’s consent laws are:

• In 2005, 17 year old Korey Brunette spent 1 year in jail for having sex with his 15 year old girlfriend. The sex was consensual, but Korey was convicted of assault.[1]
• In 2010, 18 year old Nicholas Ellefritz was charged with child enticement for starting a relationship with a 14 year old classmate. They never even had sex but the charges stood.[2]

Defense lawyers argued these teens weren’t predators, but got severe punishments anyway. Some say this shows why WI needs Romeo and Juliet laws.

What About LGBTQ Teens?

LGBTQ advocates argue consent laws unfairly punish gay and trans teens in relationships. These couples can’t get married, so they have no legal option for intimacy.

Banning consensual gay teen sex can be seen as discrimination. So some say Romeo and Juliet laws should include LGBTQ protections.[3]

The Bottom Line

Wisconsin takes a hard line on underage sex, even between consenting teens. Without Romeo and Juliet laws, high school students can face prosecution for normal relationship stuff.

Many say it’s time for WI to catch up and protect consensual teen couples from unfair prosecution. But for now, teens need to be extra cautious about the age of consent laws in the state.

This issue isn’t going away anytime soon. With more education and advocacy, hopefully Wisconsin lawmakers will reconsider the nuances of teen consent.

References:

[1] Teen Could Face Charges for Having Sex With Girlfriend, 15

[2] Teen’s Sex Case Highlights Wi. Law

[3] Romeo Must Die: Challenging Statutory Rape Provisions for LGBTQ Youth