Sexual crimes are very serious and carry extensive penalties. Even the accusation of sexual misconduct or assault can damage someone's otherwise stellar reputation and lead to the individual suffering social and professional repercussions. These were the consequences faced by a 51-year-old Wisconsin man after an alleged sexual assault incident turned his life upside down.

However, on Tuesday a jury found the man not guilty of second-degree sexual assault and false imprisonment, stemming from the 2008 incident in which he allegedly struggled with a teenage babysitter.

It was alleged that the 51-year-old invited the babysitter into his home to watch a video of his three children, but instead a pornographic video was played before the man told the babysitter that they perform the actions in the video. The man was further accused of blocking the babysitter's exit when she tried to leave, though she eventually left the home. He was arrested on vacation in Michigan a few days later and brought back to Wisconsin.

The 51-year-old testified that the whole situation was a mistake, saying he accidently played the wrong video and he never mentioned any sexual acts. His attorney stated that his client blocked the exit and grabbed the woman only to try and explain the situation.

The prosecution attained evidence during an interview in Wisconsin that showed the man suggested sexual intercourse when he was with the babysitter. The 51-year-old waived his rights to an attorney during that interview to give his statement.

This evidence was not admissible though, as the 51-year-old had previously retained his rights in an interview in Michigan. Through multiple appeals, and ultimately a ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the evidence was determined to be inadmissible.

No sexual assault case is exactly the same, but what remains the same is the serious nature of the charge. Secure an experienced lawyer who will aggressively pursue your case and help you fight the charges.

Source: Sheboygan Press, "Whitefish Bay man found not guilty of attempted rape," Eric Litke, Jan. 11, 2012