The definition of a relationship can be interpreted differently from person to person. While some relationships are based on an emotional connection, others can be identified as purely sexual in nature. Regardless of a past connection, mixed signals and miscommunication can lead to disastrous events.
A young 18-year-old linebacker from Mukwonago and former University of Wisconsin football recruit was completely surprised to hear that the jury found him guilty of third-degree sexual assault. The case seemed unclear as to whether a sexual encounter between the man and a woman from his hometown was indeed consensual. The two had been involved in a sexual relationship previously; however, the woman said that she had asked the man to stop during this particular sexual incident. She stated that the man did not stop for some time after her request.
Several key facts of the case led the jury to deliberate the verdict for nearly five hours before coming to their conclusion. Police had recovered several text messages that the woman had erased from her cellphone. In the messages she had asked the man to come to her dorm room on the UW-Madison campus. The woman’s attorney argued that regardless of the conversation held between the man and woman earlier, the woman had the right to resist any sexual confrontations.
The man will attend his sentencing hearing within the next few months and faces up to five years in prison and five years of extended supervision.
People can get caught up in the heat of the moment and may unintentionally harm another person. Those who face criminal charges involving a sex crime may want to partner with a professional attorney. A criminal defense attorney may be able to help you build a strong case.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal, “Former UW football recruit Dominic Cizauskas found guilty of sexual assault,” Ed Treleven, June 19, 2014.