Understand a Misdemeanor Charge in Wisconsin
MISDEMEANOR IN WISCONSIN
In Wisconsin, a misdemeanor is a crime that can be punished by a year or less in jail – unlike a felony, a crime that can be punished by a year or more in prison. Most Wisconsin misdemeanors are Class A, B, or C misdemeanors.
Class C Misdemeanors are the least serious crimes. A person convicted of a Class C misdemeanor, without more, can be sentenced to up to 30 days in a county jail, a fine up $500, or some combination of the two.
Class B Misdemeanors are more serious. A person convicted of a Class B Misdemeanor, without more, can be sentenced to up to 90 days in a county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or some combination of the two.
Class A misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanors. A person convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor can be sentenced to up to 9 months in a county jail, a fine up to $10,000, or some combination of the two.
A judge must consider anyone convicted of a misdemeanor in Wisconsin for probation instead of or in addition to time in jail. Many people convicted of misdemeanors never actually have to go to jail at all – but probation comes with many restrictions on the person’s behavior while it lasts.
An experienced misdemeanor defense attorney can help defend you at a trial – for instance, if you did not commit the misdemeanor the prosecutor accused you of committing. Sometimes a misdemeanor defense attorney can even get your prosecution deferred so you don’t get convicted of anything at all. A criminal defense attorney can also help you work out a deal with the prosecutor if you are willing to plead guilty. Last, if a judge or jury convicts you of a misdemeanor, a criminal defense attorney can represent you at sentencing for a misdemeanor, including by explaining to the judge why you should get a shorter sentence, permission to serve your sentence in another county, probation instead of jail, or a fine instead of probation.
Criminal defense attorneys at Petit & Dommershausen defend people accused of misdemeanors every day. Our criminal defense attorneys practice in Outagamie, Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Calumet, Shawano, Waupaca, and Waushara Counties, and sometimes other counties too. Contact us today.