In Wisconsin, the state legislature has classified nine different classes of felonies, from Class A (the most serious), to class I (the least serious).
Depending on what a defendant is convicted of, sentencing for these crimes can be as severe as life imprisonment for a Class A felony to a fine of up to $10,000 for a class I felony and/or up to 3 1/2 years in prison.
Read on to learn more about Class C felonies in Wisconsin.
What is a Class C Felony in Wisconsin?
Class C felonies in Wisconsin are punishable by up to 40 years in state prison, a maximum fine of $100,000, or both.
Class C felonies are serious offenses that should be handled in partnership with an experienced, knowledgable criminal defense attorney to be sure that the details of the case are completely understood and a proper defense can be mounted.
A felony conviction is a very serious matter and can affect your rights going forward, including:
- Voting rights
- The right to travel out of the country
- The right to own guns
- Holding some types of employment
- Obtaining housing and social benefits
- Parenting rights
Examples of Class C felonies Stangl Law Can Defend in Court
- OWI Vehicular Homicide with a previous OWI conviction
- Possession of Amphetamines or Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) with the intent to sell (of 50 grams or more)
- Arson
- Possession of of cocaine with the intent to sell (40 grams or more)
- Causing death by administering, making, or selling Schedule I or II narcotic drugs
- 2nd Degree Sexual Assault
Please note that this is not a complete list of Class C felonies. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss the specific charges you face.
Defenses for a Class C Felony in Wisconsin
While every case is unique and should be handled as such, it's important to understand that an experienced criminal defense attorney should first and foremost help you fully and clearly understand the charges in front of you and assure you that anything offered by the prosecution is not the path forward.
Skilled criminal defense attorneys will often begin by thoroughly investigating the underlying details of the case itself and whether or not prosecutors have probable cause to accuse you of a felony during a preliminary hearing. This involves analyzing police and court records to determine if your rights where violated at any point in the process.
If a procedural violation or other type of mistake was made before trial, a motion hearing can be called to dismiss the charges against you.
A skilled attorney will take the time to review all the details of your arrest, searches made by law enforcement, and statements made. If, at any point your rights were violated, it may render the prosecution's evidence inadmissible in court. Other possible angles of attack include examining for evidence of entrapment (which can prevent many drug-related charges from moving forward in court), or in situations where certain behaviors can also be charged as a misdemeanor, attempting to reduce the charges to a lesser charge, thereby protecting your civil rights from restriction and avoiding prison time.
Again, these are just some of the many possible options an experienced criminal defense attorney will consider within the context of your case, whether it's a Class C felony or any other type of offense.
What to do if You've Been Charged with a Class C Felony in Wisconsin
If you or a loved one has been charged with any crime that may potentially be considered a Class C felony, do not wait to seek legal advice. Contact us and schedule a consultation right now.
At Stangl Law Offices, Patrick J. Stangl listens carefully to your side of the incident, and works with you to build a defense that could potentially result in either an acquittal, a reduction to a lesser charge, or in some cases the dropping of charges. No matter what your situation, being accused of a crime is unsettling, contact us for a free 10-minute consultation.
Two Felony Success Stories from Stangl Law, S.C.
State of Wisconsin v. N.M.
Attorney Stangl recently represented a client who was involved in a head on collision where both drivers received serious injuries. Some of the other driver’s injuries are unfortunately permanent. The client was charged with causing great bodily harm by the intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and causing great bodily harm by the use of a motor vehicle while operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, serious felony charges. Luckily, neither of the drivers were killed. Attorney Stangl’s client registered an alcohol concentration of .15 and faced the likelihood of being sent to prison. Attorney Stangl put together an excellent defense which included a well regarded accident re-constructionist and the case was successfully settled shortly before jury trial. Remarkably, the most serious felony charges which each carried penalties of 12 years in prison and a twenty five thousand and 00/100 dollars ($25,000.00) fine were dismissed. His client was convicted of only misdemeanor offenses.
Caleb's Conspiracy Victory
The client was charged with multiple felonies and drug charges including conspiring to manufacture/deliver methamphetamines, §961.41, §939.31 and §939.50 (3) (f) Wis. Stats. The client was initially charged with seven (7) felonies. Believing that the client was overcharged and the criminal complaint was insufficient to confer probable cause as to each element of all the charges listed, Attorney Stangl filed a lengthy Motion to Dismiss prior to the preliminary hearing. Before the hearing the State agreed to dismiss eight (8) charges including five (5) felonies. The defendant was bound over for trial on two (2) felonies. During the course of his investigation of the case Attorney Stangl was able to demonstrate to the prosecutor that the defendant was on the periphery of the conspiracy and was not a co-conspirator in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Ultimately this very challenging case was resolved without any felony or misdemeanor drug convictions. As long as the client successfully completes his probation he will only end up with a misdemeanor on his record after being charged with seven (7) felonies and multiple misdemeanors.
Free 10 Minute Consultation
If you are charged with any crime that may potentially be considered a Class C felony, having a good defense attorney on your side is invaluable. At Stangl Law Offices, our attorney, Patrick J. Stangl listens carefully to your side of the incident, and works with you to build a defense that could potentially result in either an acquittal, a reduction to a lesser charge, or in some cases the dropping of charges. No matter what your situation, being accused of a crime is unsettling, contact us for a free 10 minute consultation.
Stangl Law Offices, S.C.