Criminal Charges in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has felonies and misdemeanors, which are categorized by their “class.” The Class of the felony or misdemeanor determines the maximum penalty for that charge. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors (and because they are more serious, will have more serious consequences). For example:
Theft, less than $2,500 = Misdemeanor, with max. sentence of 9 months.
Theft, more than $2,500 = Felony, with max. sentence of 3.5 years.
Theft, more than $10,000 = Felony, with max. sentence of 10 years.
If someone is convicted of a crime, Wisconsin can impose:
- imprisonment (jail time),
- fines and court costs, or
- both jail and fines.
Each felony and misdemeanor have a maximum sentence, but it does not mean it is the sentence that will definitely be imposed. To see more about Sentencing Arguments in Wisconsin, see our other blog posts here.
FELONIES
There are nine classes of felonies in Wisconsin. They range from most severe (Class A) to least severe (Class I). In Wisconsin, felony convictions hold a bifurcated sentence. A bifurcated sentence means that some of the sentence will be served in prison confinement, and some will be served under extended supervision (parole). Below, see the maximum bifurcated sentences for each Class of felony.
| Class _ | Maximum Sentence (bifurcated) | Confinement vs. Supervision (parole) | Maximum fine |
| A | Life. | Life in prison. | – |
| B | 60 years. |
40 years in prison. 20 years parole. |
– |
| C | 40 years. |
25 years in prison. 15 years parole. |
$100,000 |
| D | 25 years. |
15 years in prison. 10 years parole. |
$100,000 |
| E | 15 years. |
10 years in prison. 5 years parole. |
$50,000 |
| F | 12.5 years. |
7.5 years in prison. 5 years parole. |
$25,000 |
| G | 10 years. |
5 years in prison. 5 years parole. |
$25,000 |
| H | 6 years. |
3 years in prison. 3 years parole. |
$10,000 |
| I | 3.5 years. |
1.5 years in prison. 2 years parole. |
$10,000 |
MISDEMEANORS
There are four classes of misdemeanors in Wisconsin. They range from most severe (Class A) to least severe (Class C), and a “catchall” Class U. In Wisconsin, misdemeanors do not hold a bifurcated sentence,* so the maximum sentences are a bit more straightforward. Below, see the maximum sentences for each Class of misdemeanor.
| Class _ Misd. | Maximum Sentence | Maximum Fine |
| A | 9 months in jail. | $10,000 |
| B | 90 days in jail. | $1,000 |
| C | 30 days in jail. | $500 |
| U nclassified | Varies by offense. | Varies. |
*Unless there is habitual criminality, meaning the Defendant has been convicted of the same misdemeanors in the past. If you have habitual criminality questions about your misdemeanor charges, please call and set up a consultation with our office to discuss possible maximum penalties for your case.
Examples of felonies that Angela Olson Law can help you defend in court:
Class A felonies:
First-degree intentional homicide
Class B felonies:
Second-degree intentional homicide
First-degree reckless homicide
Armed robbery
First-degree Sexual Intercourse w/Minor (Child under 13)
Class C felonies:
OWI Vehicular Homicide (w/prior convictions)
Second-degree reckless homicide
Possession of Cocaine w/ Intent to Sell (> 40 g)
Arson
Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Class D felonies:
Strangulation and Suffocation
OWI Vehicular Homicide / Second-degree Reckless Homicide
Class E felonies:
Hit and Run Causing Great Bodily Harm
Robbery of a Dwelling
Class F felonies:
Theft (> $10,000)
Class G felonies:
Straw Purchasing of Firearms
Negligent Vehicular Homicide
Class H felonies:
Extortion
Class I felonies:
Fleeing Police Officer (in motor vehicle)
Aggravated Battery
and many others!
Examples of misdemeanors that Angela Olson Law can help you defend in court:
Class A misdemeanor:
Theft (<$2500)
Obstructing/Resisting Officer
Harassment with Threat of Death
Bail Jumping
Class B misdemeanor:
Minor in Possession of Alcohol (2nd Offense)
Disorderly Conduct
Owning Gambling Devices
Trespassing in Hospital
Class C misdemeanor:
Minor in Possession of Alcohol (1st Offense)
Providing Alcohol to Minor
Possession of Non-narcotic Controlled Substance
Drinking on Public Transportation
Class U misdemeanor:
Hit and Run (no injuries)
OWI (2nd Offense)
Hunting Violations
Intoxicated Boating
and many others!
YOUR NEXT STEPS
Regardless of the severity of your criminal charges, Angela Olson Law has the dedicated, passionate, and experienced criminal defense attorneys to fight at every step of the process. If you are facing criminal charges and need assistance, please contact our office and set up a free one-hour consultation.
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