In general, a Wisconsin felony arrest is a crime that is punishable by one year of incarceration or longer served in the Wisconsin State Prison System. By contrast, a misdemeanor is a class of criminal charge that is less serious than a felony and can result in jail time of less than one year.
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Felonies include crimes such as illegal drug possession or trafficking, assault and battery, illegal weapons possession, homicide and theft.
Wisconsin Felony Arrest
Within the broad category of felonies, crimes are broken down into classes - A through I. Class A felonies result in the most serious penalties, whereas Class I felonies result in the least. Felony convictions may carry additional penalties depending on the nature of the crime and your prior criminal record.
- Class A life in prison
- Class B imprisonment up to 60 years
- Class C fine of up to $100,000/imprisonment up to 40 years
- Class D fine of up to $100,000/imprisonment up to 25 years
- Class E fine of up to $50,000/imprisonment up to 15 years
- Class F fine of up to $25,000/imprisonment up to 12 years
- Class G fine of up to $25,000/imprisonment up to 10 years
- Class H fine of up to $10,000/imprisonment up to 6 years
- Class I fine of up to $10,000/imprisonment up to 3 ½ years
Wisconsin Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor are not punishable by imprisonment in the Wisconsin State Prison System, however they can result in jail time served at a local or county facility. Misdemeanors are divided into classes of A,B and C, with A resulting in fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 9 months, whereas less serious Class C Misdemeanors carry a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days of jail.
Beyond differences in terms of incarceration and fines when comparing felonies and misdemeanors, felony convictions may result in the forfeiture of certain civil liberties such as the right to vote, hold office or serve on a jury. Of greater consequence for many, is the potential loss of driving privileges and ineligibility for government assistance programs including housing, health programs or food stamps. For both felony and misdemeanor convictions, finding employment may present some obstacles.
Get Help Today | Waukesha Wisconsin Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been questioned in relation to a crime or have already been charged, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. The consequences are more serious for felony charges and some misdemeanors so it is in your best interests to seek a reduction in charges or a dismissal or some or all of the charges you face. Working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with the courts, prosecutors and judges involved in your case will help you to decide on an effective strategy. Attorney Andrew C. Ladd has over 30 years of experience in the local and federal courts and has earned an excellent reputation among legal professionals for his skill, knowledge of the law, and his ability to negotiate. Contact our Waukesha Wisconsin criminal defense law offices at 262-542-3900 for a free initial consultation of your case today.
