Misdemeanor and Felony Defense Attorney Milwaukee, Wisconsin

After an arrest, police officers begin the process that moves your case into the criminal justice system. This may include formal criminal charges, court dates, and the prosecution preparing its case against you. Depending on the situation, you could be facing penalties such as fines, probation, or jail time, even for lower-level offenses. [Wis. Stat. § 939.51] For more serious cases, especially felonies, the consequences can include years in prison. Having a team in place early can help you defend your position, address how the arrest was handled, and work toward a better outcome.

Wisconsin divides criminal charges into three misdemeanor classes and nine felony classes, each with its own statutory penalty range.

Misdemeanors can result in: [Wis. Stat. § 939.51]

• Class A: up to 9 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class B: up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Class C: up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500

Felonies carry substantially more serious penalties, including: [Wis. Stat. § 939.50]

• Class I: up to 3 years and 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class H: up to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class G: up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
• Class F: up to 12 years and 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
• Class E: up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000
• Class D: up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
• Class C: up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
• Class B: up to 60 years in prison
• Class A: life imprisonment

A felony conviction in Wisconsin also carries consequences beyond the sentence itself. It permanently ends your right to possess a firearm unless you’re later pardoned. [Wis. Stat. § 941.29] It also suspends your right to vote until you’ve completed your entire sentence, including any probation or extended supervision, which means the moment your supervision ends, that right comes back automatically. [Wis. Stat. § 304.078] A conviction at any level can affect your record, your job, and your future, which is why understanding your options early matters.

In some cases, yes, and it depends on the strength of the evidence, how police handled the situation, and whether your rights were respected. A common example is a violation of your rights during arrest or interrogation, such as evidence obtained through an unlawful search or without proper Miranda warnings. That kind of evidence can sometimes be challenged and suppressed before trial, which weakens the state’s case. [Wis. Stat. § 971.31] If successful, this can mean avoiding jail time, reducing fines, or preventing a conviction altogether. Not every case needs to go to trial, and knowing when to fight and when to resolve is an important part of protecting your future.

Not every case goes to trial. Some are resolved through negotiated agreements before reaching that stage, depending on the circumstances and the evidence involved. If a case does go to trial, several defenses may come into play depending on the facts. These can include a claim of innocence supported by an alibi or witness testimony, or self-defense in cases involving alleged violence. [Wis. Stat. § 939.48] In rare cases involving a genuine mental health condition, an insanity defense may also apply. [Wis. Stat. § 971.15] If you’re found guilty, the penalties can vary widely. For misdemeanors, this may involve jail time, fines, or probation. For felonies, it can include substantial prison sentences, extended supervision, and long-term consequences that affect your life well beyond the court process. Preparing properly, with the right resources and a team that genuinely cares, can make a meaningful difference in how your case is handled.

Whether you’re facing drunk driving charges, a misdemeanor, or a felony, a criminal defense attorney helps you understand what you’re facing and how to respond. A strong defense involves reviewing how police handled the situation, examining the evidence, and building a strategy to defend your position. This may include working to reduce penalties, avoid jail, or prevent a conviction where possible. Our role is to protect your rights, guide you through the process, and help you move toward the best possible outcome during a time that can feel uncertain.