Wisconsin felony classifications

Crimes receive different classifications according to their severity. The mildest crimes are known as infractions, more serious crimes are known as misdemeanors, and the most serious crimes are known as felonies. The classification of a crime influences both the substance and procedure of a criminal charge, so it's important to understand the differences between the classifications. This section describes each classification and examines how they differ from one another.

A felony is any crime for which the punishment is one or more years in prison. Any other crime is a misdemeanor.

Wisconsin’s felony classifications are:

Class A felony
Class B felony
Class C felony
Class D felony
Class E felony
Class F felony
Class G felony
Class H felony
Class I felony

Class A Felony

For a Class A Felony, the penalty is a lifetime sentence. For a repeat offender, the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years, if he/she was previously convicted of one or more misdemeanors, and up to 6 years if he/she was previously convicted of a felony.

Class B Felony

For a Class B Felony, the penalty is imprisonment up to 60 years. For a repeat offender the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years if he/she has any prior misdemeanor convictions, and with a prior felony conviction up to 6 years .

Class C Felony

For a Class C Felony, the penalty is a fine of up to $100,000, or imprisonment of up to 40 years, or both. For a repeat offender, the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years if he/she has any prior misdemeanor convictions, and with a prior felony conviction up to 6 years.

Class D Felony

For a Class D Felony, the penalty is a fine of up to $100,000, or imprisonment of up to 25 years, or both; however, for a repeat offender, the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years with prior misdemeanor convictions, and up to 6 years with a prior felony conviction.

Class E Felony

For a Class E Felony, the penalty is a fine of up to $50,000, or imprisonment of up to 15 years, or both; however, for a repeat offender, the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years with prior misdemeanor convictions, and up to 6 years with a prior felony conviction.

Class F Felony

For a Class F Felony, the penalty is a fine of up to $25,000, or imprisonment of up to 12-1/2 years, or both; however, for a repeat offender, the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years with prior misdemeanor convictions, and up to 6 years with a prior felony conviction.

Class G Felony

For a Class G Felony, the penalty is a fine of up to $25,000, or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both; however, for a repeat offender, the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years with prior misdemeanor convictions, and up to 6 years with a prior felony conviction.

Class H Felony

For a Class H Felony, the penalty is a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to 6 years, or both; however, for a repeat offender, the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years with prior misdemeanor convictions, and up to 6 years with a prior felony conviction.

Class I Felony

For a Class I Felony, the penalty is a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to 3-1/2 years, or both; however, for a repeat offender, the term of imprisonment may increase up to 2 years with prior misdemeanor convictions, and up to 6 years with a prior felony conviction.

wisconsin criminal defense lawyers

Felony offenses are very serious criminal accusations that can result in long prison terms and high fines. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.