An Explanation of Wisconsin Felony Classes

Wisconsin classifies a felony as any crime that carries a maximum sentence of  one year or more in the Wisconsin State Prison System. There are nine Wisconsin felony classes. These classes are defined by letters ranging from A to I, with A being the most serious and I being the least serious.

Understanding Wisconsin Felony Classes

Wisconsin felony classes are ranked according to the severity of the crime. Consequently, the punishments are most severe in Class A felony cases and less severe as the classifications move from A to I.

• Class A felonies are the most serious crimes and include homicide. Class A punishments often carry lifetime sentences and include severe consequences for repeat offenders.
• Class B felonies carry punishments of up to 60 years in a Wisconsin state prison. These are the second most severe crimes committed in the state and include 2^nd Degree Intentional Homicide and 1st Degree Reckless Homicide.
• Class C felony convictions are punishable by up to 40 years in state prison, carry a maximum fine of $100,000, or both. Examples include: Arson, OWI Vehicular Homicide with a Previous OWI Conviction, and Causing Death by Administering, Making, or Selling Schedule I or II Narcotic Drugs as well as certain drug possession charges.
• Class D felony convictions can include prison sentences of up to 25 years, a maximum fine of $100,000, or both. Examples include: Hit and Runs that include a fatality, OWI Vehicular Homicide or 2nd Degree Reckless Homicide, and certain drug delivery charges.
• Class E felonies may include punishments of up to 15 years in state prison, a maximum fine of $50,000, or both. Examples of Class E felonies are: Hit and Run Involving Great Bodily Harm, Aggravated Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm Intentionally, Possession of Schedule I or II Narcotics or 3-10g of Amphetamines or Flunitrazepam or Possession of Cocaine (5-15g) With Intent to Sell, and Possession of Marijuana (10kg Or More) With Intent to Sell.
• Class F felonies carry punishments of up to 12 and a half years in state prison and/or fines of up to $25,000. Examples include: 1st Degree Reckless Endangerment, OWI Causing Great Bodily Harm, Stalking Involving a Weapon, and several weapons and drug charges.
• Class G felony convictions may be punished by up to 10 years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $25,000. Examples include: 2nd Offense Strangulation, OWI 5th Offense, 2nd Degree Reckless Endangerment, Homicide by Negligence with Firearms or Motor Vehicles, Possession of a Firearm with a Previous Felony Conviction, as well as theft and drug delivery charges.
• Class H felony convictions are punishable by up to 6 years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000. Examples of Class H Felonies include: 4th Offense OWI, OWI with a Minor Under the Age of 16 in the Vehicle, Second OWI Causing an Injury, Strangulation, False Imprisonment, Felony Bail Jumping, Aggravated Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm, theft, destruction of public and private property, weapons charges, and drug charges.
• Class I felonies are punishable by up to 3 and a half years in state prison and/or fines up to $10,000. Examples include: Aggravated Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm, Threatening Stalking, Theft, Arson, and Destruction of Property, and certain drug charges.

Fight Felony Charges With Help From Eisenberg Law Offices

If you are facing felony criminal charges in Wisconsin, contact our team right away to discuss your situation. Time is of the essence in building a strong defense. We offer free consultations to help you obtain the legal advice you need to protect yourself from damaging felony charges.

Call Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356 or email info@eisenberglaw.org to arrange your free consultation.