When considering whether or not you need a lawyer if you are facing misdemeanor charges in Wisconsin, remember that even though they are less serious than felonies, misdemeanor convictions will appear on your criminal record. You will also face substantial fines, imprisonment, and probation, not to mention increased penalties for any future convictions. For these reasons, it is always advisable to consult a defense attorney when facing such charges. If you have been arrested on a misdemeanor, contact a criminal defense attorney at Eisenberg Law Offices right away to protect yourself.
Felonies and misdemeanors sound very different, and misdemeanors sound less serious, but they have more in common than you may realize. The repercussions are severe in both cases.
Misdemeanors are very closely related to felonies. The slightest change in facts, such as the weight of drugs found on your person, can change a felony charge to a misdemeanor or vice versa.
Some of the most common misdemeanor charges in the state are:
Wisconsin has three classes of misdemeanors – A, B, and C. Each one is associated with certain offenses and related punishments under WI Code § 939.51. If a misdemeanor does not fall under a listed penalty class, penalties are applied under provisions of WI Code § 939.61: Penalty When None Expressed.
Under WI Code § 939.51, the following penalties apply to misdemeanor convictions:
Penalties for misdemeanors typically increase based on the offender’s criminal history. A first-time marijuana conviction is a misdemeanor, but a second conviction for the same offense is considered a Class I felony.
There are several strong defense options for misdemeanor charges in Wisconsin. These defenses can be used to beat the charges, reduce the charges, or reduce the sentencing.
In addition to any fines, penalties, or imprisonment you’ll face, a conviction on misdemeanor charges will have many indirect consequences on your life because it shows up on your criminal record. You may have trouble finding or keeping a job. You might lose visitation rights with your children. You may lose your driver’s license or professional license and be barred from certain professions. You might have trouble obtaining loans and may lose certain rights and privileges.
For these reasons and more, we must answer yes, when asked if a person should retain a defense attorney when facing misdemeanor charges. The stakes are simply too high and too far-reaching to leave to chance.
If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Wisconsin, contact Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356 or info@eisenberglaw.org to schedule a free case consultation.
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The Information Contained In This Site Is Not Intended To Provide Legal Advice. Please Consult An Attorney To Discuss The Facts Of Your Individual Situation. Eisenberg Law Office, S.C. 308 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703 USA (608) 256-8356