A Milwaukee County jury has convicted a veteran defense attorney of multiple felonies involving the sexual assault of a woman, bringing a close to a trial that detailed a harrowing sequence of events and a chilling attempt to obstruct medical intervention.
Robert L. Taylor, 79, was found guilty on May 8 of three counts of second-degree sexual assault with a domestic violence modifier and two counts of felony bail jumping. The verdict follows a legal process that saw the initial charges expand as more details of the abuse emerged through court records and victim testimony.
The case is a stark reminder of the intersection between power and vulnerability, as Taylor—a man who spent decades navigating the legal system to defend others—now faces the full weight of that system. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24 by Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello.
The 911 Call: A Recorded Struggle
Much of the case’s most disturbing evidence centered on a December 11, 2022, emergency call. According to the criminal complaint, a woman contacted 911 requesting transport to a hospital, citing a severe migraine. However, the recording of the call revealed a second voice attempting to manage the situation in real-time.
A man, who identified himself as “Attorney Robert Taylor,” was heard questioning the woman, asking, “Are you sure?” during the call. Taylor told the 911 operator that the woman suffered from migraines and mild stroke symptoms, but insisted to the dispatcher that “she’s fine.”
The complaint details a tense exchange where Taylor attempted to convince the operator that the caller had changed her mind and no longer wished to go to the hospital. The operator, however, asked the woman directly if she wanted medical help. she replied “yes.”
A Pattern of Violence and Coercion
The medical intervention Taylor attempted to prevent became the catalyst for the investigation. Once at the hospital, the woman disclosed to staff that she had been sexually abused by Taylor. Medical examinations subsequently revealed injuries consistent with an assault.
In her statement to police, the survivor described a targeted series of attacks. The abuse began during a trip to visit Taylor’s property out of state, where she alleged he sexually assaulted her at a hotel. The violence continued after their return to Wisconsin; the woman testified that once they arrived at Taylor’s Milwaukee apartment, he threatened to kill her and assaulted her again.
The legal trajectory of the case reflected the growing severity of the allegations. While Taylor was initially charged with a single count of second-degree sexual assault, prosecutors added further charges as the investigation uncovered the full scope of the abuse and subsequent violations of his bail conditions.
Legal Timeline and Next Steps
The progression of the case against Taylor highlights the transition from a single criminal complaint to a multi-felony conviction.
| Event | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Incident | December 11, 2022 (911 Call) | Completed |
| Charges Filed | Sexual Assault & Bail Jumping | Completed |
| Jury Verdict | May 8 (Guilty on all counts) | Completed |
| Sentencing | July 24 (Judge Laura Crivello) | Pending |
Impact and Professional Breach
For the Milwaukee legal community, the conviction of a senior defense attorney carries significant weight. The case underscores the critical role of emergency responders and medical professionals in identifying victims of domestic violence who may be under the direct control or coercion of their abusers.
The use of a domestic violence modifier in the charges indicates that the court recognized a relationship of trust or intimacy that Taylor exploited to commit these crimes. The addition of felony bail jumping charges further suggests a disregard for the judicial process he once practiced.
Disclaimer: This article reports on criminal proceedings and allegations presented in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, support is available:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 or text “HOPE” to 64673.
- Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault: wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers
- Aurora Health Care: Confidential 24/7 line at 414-219-5555.
- Sojourner Family Peace Center (Milwaukee): 414-933-2722.
- Milwaukee Women’s Center: 414-671-6140.
- The Women’s Center in Waukesha: 262-542-3828.
- We Are Here Milwaukee: weareheremke.org for culturally specific resources.
The next confirmed legal checkpoint is the sentencing hearing on July 24, where Judge Crivello will determine the term of incarceration for the 79-year-old former attorney.
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