Criminal Defense Lawyers in Waunakee, WI

Fighting Felony Charges

 Generally, in Wisconsin, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are the more serious of the two, carrying stiff penalties. 

Wisconsin divides felonies into nine classes, penalized as follows:

• Class A:
  • Life imprisonment
• Class B:
  • No more than 60 years’ imprisonment
• Class C: 
  • No more than 40 years' and/or
  • No more than $100,000 in fines
• Class D: 
  • No more than 25 years' imprisonment and/or
  • No more than $100,000 in fines
• Class E: 
  • No more than 15 years’ imprisonment and/or
  • No more than $50,000 in fines
• Class F: 
  • No more than 12 years’ imprisonment and/or
  • No more than $25,000 in fines
• Class G:
  • No more than 10 years’ imprisonment and/or
  • No more than $25,000 in fines
• Class H:
  • No more than 6 years’ imprisonment and/or
  • No more than $10,000 in fines
• Class I:
  • No more than 3 ½ years’ imprisonment and/or
  • No more than $10,000 in fines

In comparison, the highest classification of misdemeanors (Class A) is punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 9 months. 

Various offenses can be charged as felonies. Examples include:

• Battery causing substantial bodily harm through an act intended to cause bodily harm (Class I)
• False imprisonment (Class H)
• Intimidating a witness (Class G)
• Burglary (Class F)
• First-degree sexual assault (Class B)

At West & Dunn, we stand up for and protect our client's rights, regardless of their charges. We get to know the person behind the allegations to develop an individualized defense strategy. 

Please contact us at (608) 490-9449 to learn about your defense options.

Accused of Drug Possession?

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to possess a controlled substance unless the individual has a valid prescription for it. The penalties for drug possession vary depending on the type of drug and the number of previous violations. For instance, possessing a Schedule I or II narcotic drug or methamphetamine is a Class I felony. In contrast, possession of other drugs is a misdemeanor.

The defenses that may be mounted in a drug possession case depend on the facts. For example, the defendant could argue that they did not know that a controlled substance was on or near them. Or investigators might have conducted an unlawful search and seizure, causing the evidence they collected to be suppressed.

Whatever your situation, our criminal defense lawyers in Waunakee want to hear your side of the story.

Speak with us about your case. Call (608) 490-9449 or arrange an appointment by contacting us online.