Felony & Misdemeanor Charges

Wisconsin has two classification for criminal offenses.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Crimes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has two classification for criminal offenses – Felony crimes and Misdemeanor crimes. Whether a crime is a felony or a misdemeanor depends on the nature of the crime, and in some instances, the criminal history of the person accused of the crime.

The main distinction between a felony and a misdemeanor crime is: 

  • Felony crimes are punishable by prison.
  • Misdemeanor crimes are punishable by fines and jail time.

Felony and Misdemeanor crimes do not automatically result in prison or jail sentences. All courts have the option of sentencing offenders, for most crimes, to sentences of Probation or deferred prosecution or a simple judgement and fine.

FELONY SENTENCING

Under Wisconsin’s Truth-in-Sentencing law, when a person is sentenced to prison, they receive a Bifurcated Sentence, whereby their prison sentence is determined by a period of Initial Confinement, followed by a period of Extended Supervision (known as parole in other states).

  • Initial Confinement – the time of actual incarceration in prison.
  • Extended Supervision – the period a person is monitored after release from prison.

 

 

Felony Sentencing Ranges

Class A felony

  • Max Prison: Life
  • Max confinement: Life

 

 

Class D felony

  • Max prison: 25 years
    1. Max confinement: 15 years
    2. Max supervision: 10 years
  • Fine: $50,000

Class G felony

  • Max prison: 10 years
    1. Max confinement: 5 years
    2. Max supervision: 5 years
  • Fine: $25,000

Class B felony

  • Max prison: 60 years
    1. Max confinement: 40 years
    2. Max extended supervision: 20 yrs

 

Class E felony

  • Max prison: 15 years
    1. Max confinement: 10 years
    2. Max supervision: 5 years
  • Fine: $50,000

Class H felony

  • Max prison: 6 years
    1. Max confinement: 3 years
    2. Max supervision: 3 years
  • Fine: $10,000

Class C felony

  • Max prison: 40 years
    1. Max confinement: 25 years
    2. Max supervision: 15 years
  • Fine: $100,000

Class F felony

  • Max prison: 12.5 years
    1. Max confinement: 7.5 years
    2. Max supervision: 5 years
  • Fine: $25,000

Class I felony

  • Max prison: 3.5 years
    1. Max confinement: 1.5 years
    2. Max supervision: 2 years

MISDEMEANOR SENTENCING

  1. Class A misdemeanors – 180 days jail / $10,000 fine
  2. Class B misdemeanors – 90 days jail / $1,100 fine
  3. Class C misdemeanors – 30 days jail / $500 fine
  4. Class U misdemeanors – 364 days jail

If not sentenced to jail for a misdemeanor offense, a court has the option of sentencing an offender to Probation, deferred prosecution, or a judgement and fine.

Note: if a person is considered a repeater or habitual offender, the maximum sentencing ranges for misdemeanors can be increased to include potential prison sentences, instead of jail.

Experienced Legal Representation is a Crucial

If charged with any crime, even a simple Class C misdemeanor, the need for an experience lawyer is invaluable. More often than not, a criminal case is settled by a plea agreement, instead of a trial, and when that happens, it is crucial for the accused to have an experience lawyer negotiating and advocating to avoid jail and prison.

Wyosnick Legal, LLC has represented countless clients in all types of felony and misdemeanor crimes. Our experience and training afford us the ability to zealously fight to preserve the freedom of our clients, as well as to fight to prevent the State from imposing unnecessary sentencing conditions.

For a free consultation on your case, please call 608-230-2413.

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Wyosnick Legal, LLC is an award-winning law practice because we understand what matters most to our clients when charged with criminal or drunk driving charges. Experienced legal representation is always your best defense - we are veterans of the courtroom.  Let us be your advocate today!

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