How a Wisconsin Theft Conviction Can Affect Your Future

Theft occurs when one person steals from another. In Wisconsin, there are different kinds of theft, which carry varying levels of severity and penalties. Larceny, for example, requires intention by one party to steal from another. Embezzlement occurs when one party misappropriates funds or property that was entrusted to them. A theft conviction can even arise from intellectual property theft, ownership rights, or the stealing of services or utilities.

Sometimes, a situation arises from an honest mistake, sometimes the theft is intentional. Criminal convictions are very serious and can affect your life for years to come.

Theft Convictions Range From Misdemeanor to Felony

Wisconsin has five levels of theft charges, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Specifically, theft can fall into any of the below categories:

• Class A misdemeanor
• Class I felony
• Class H felony
• Class G felony
• Class F felony

The category of the charge is based on the value of the stolen property, but a conviction at either the misdemeanor or felony level is serious and will impact your future.

Four Areas of Life That Are Affected By Criminal Convictions

• Financial. Borrowers with criminal convictions are considered high-risk by lenders. This can make it difficult for you to obtain a mortgage, car loan, or other types of loans or credit which can affect many areas of your future life.

• Career. A theft conviction can affect your future career prospects. You may be barred from holding any type of financial position or job that involves handling finances or money. At best, you will be viewed as a risk. Many employers will choose the less risky hire of two equally qualified candidates and choose the one without a criminal record.

• Housing. If you cannot obtain a mortgage, you will be forced to rent a place to live, but many landlords in Wisconsin run background checks on applicants and your criminal conviction will show up on the report. This can eliminate you from the list of applicants and

• Civic. Anyone convicted of a felony will lose their voting privileges temporarily. In order to regain those privileges, you will need to complete your sentence as well as your parole or probation requirements.

• Felony convictions mandate a life long prohibition of possessing firearms.

Help is Available to Fight Theft Charges in Wisconsin

The most important thing to do if you are facing theft charges is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you. Eisenberg Law Offices is a Madison-based law firm that represents clients throughout the state. To discuss your situation with a qualified Wisconsin criminal defense attorney, call 608-256-8356 or email our office at info@eisenberglaw.org and ask to schedule a free consultation.