Milwaukee Criminal Defense Lawyers

There are ordinance violations that are usually prosecuted in municipal (or city) courts. These tickets can range from traffic violations, including OWI first offense, up to tickets for Underage Drinking or Disorderly Conduct. These violations are generally punishable by a fine and court costs and do not typically involve jail time.

Misdemeanors in Wisconsin

Misdemeanors are more serious offenses than ordinance violations. 

Examples of these offenses are: 

• operating after revocation
• OWI/drunk driving, second through fourth offense
• simple battery
• theft under $2,500
• simple drug possession

Misdemeanors are usually punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year and a fine up to $10,000.00 (depending on the specific offense).

Felonies in Wisconsin

Felonies are much more serious offenses than either misdemeanors or ordinance violations. 

Examples of these offenses are: 

• robbery
• possession with intent to distribute drugs
• homicide

These offenses can be punishable with significant imprisonment in the state prison for a period of many years. Although most people understand that there are very serious consequences to felony crimes, most do not realize just how punitive Wisconsin laws can be.

Felons in Wisconsin face additional consequences, such as:

• the loss of voting rights
• exclusion from certain lines of work 
• difficulty finding a job 
• prohibition from obtaining certain licenses
• exclusion from purchase and possession of firearms
• and ineligibility to run for or be elected to public office

People convicted of felonies will also carry the negative social stigma with them for the rest of their lives. Finally, if a felon is not a U.S. citizen, that person may be subject to deportation after sentencing is complete.

Importantly, Wisconsin does not allow expungement of a felony conviction, regardless of the age of the offender. If you or someone you love is facing a felony charge, then the charges are very serious, and so are the consequences. You need to act quickly and get in contact with an experienced felony lawyer.