In Wisconsin, all felonies are serious criminal matters that can permanently affect your livelihood and reputation. Wisconsin has classified nine different classes of felonies, from Class A (the most serious) to class I.
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 G felonies in Wisconsin.
If you or someone you know is facing a Class G felony charge in Wisconsin, contact Stangl Law to request a free consultation immediately.
What is a Class G Felony in Wisconsin?
According to Wis. Stat. § 939.50, a Class G felony is punishable by up to 10 years in state prison, a maximum fine of $25,000, or both. Common types of Class G felonies include offenses such as sexual assault and repeat OWIs.
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
Common Types of Class G Felonies in Wisconsin
There are many offenses that constitute a Class G felony. Some of the most common are listed below.
- Second offense strangulation
- Fifth offense OWI
- Homicide by negligent use of a firearm or motor vehicle
- Theft of property (worth more than $10,000)
- Possession of a firearm with a previous felony conviction
- Endangering safety with a dangerous weapon
- 2nd Degree reckless endangerment
- Possession of cocaine with intent to sell (less than 1 gram)
- Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 to 2.5 kg.)
Defenses for a Class G 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 were violated at any point in the process.
If a procedural violation or another 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 G felony or any other type of offense.
FAQs About Class G Felonies in Wisconsin
Q1: What is a Class G Felony in Wisconsin?
A Class G felony in Wisconsin is a category of criminal offense punishable by up to 10 years in state prison, a maximum fine of $25,000, or both. It includes crimes such as sexual assault, repeat OWIs, and certain types of theft and possession charges.
Q2: How does a Class G felony affect my civil rights?
Being convicted of a Class G felony can lead to losing certain civil rights, including the right to vote, travel out of the country, own guns, and more. It can also impact your employment opportunities, housing options, and social benefits.
Q3: What are some common types of Class G felonies?
A3: Common Class G felonies include second-offense strangulation, fifth-offense OWI, homicide by negligent use of a firearm or motor vehicle, theft of property worth more than $10,000, and possession of a firearm with a previous felony conviction, among others.
Q4: How can a defense attorney help if I’m charged with a Class G felony?
A skilled defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explore potential defense strategies, and work to protect your rights. They can examine the details of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and seek to reduce or dismiss the charges.
Q5: Can a Class G felony charge be reduced?
Yes, in some cases, it may be possible to reduce a Class G felony to a lesser charge. This depends on the case's specifics, the evidence, and the defense strategy employed.
Q6: What should I do if I’m charged with a Class G felony?
It’s crucial to seek legal advice immediately. Contact a defense attorney to discuss your case, understand your rights and options, and begin preparing your defense. If you're facing felony charges in Wisconsin, fill out my contact form now to get in touch.
Q7: Are there any successful defense stories for Class G felony charges?
Yes, there are instances where individuals charged with Class G felonies have had their charges reduced or dismissed or have been acquitted. The outcomes depend on various factors including the nature of the crime, the evidence, and the defense strategy.
Q8: How does a Class G felony conviction impact future employment?
A Class G felony conviction can limit employment opportunities as some employers may be hesitant to hire individuals with a felony record. It’s essential to understand your rights and explore options for expungement or seeking employment in industries more open to hiring individuals with a criminal record.
Q9: Can I own a gun if I’m convicted of a Class G felony?
Conviction of a Class G felony typically results in the loss of the right to own firearms. There are legal processes to restore this right, but they are complex and vary by case.
Q10: Can a Class G felony be expunged from my record?
The possibility of expungement depends on several factors, including the nature of the crime, the individual’s age at the time of the offense, and their criminal history. Consulting with an attorney is the best way to explore this option.
What to do if You've Been Charged with a Class G Felony in Wisconsin
If you or a loved one has been charged with any crime that may potentially be considered a Class G felony, having a good defense attorney on your side is critical. Do not wait to seek legal advice. Contact us and schedule a consultation right now.
Two Felony Defense Success Stories
Victory - State of Wisconsin v. J.H.
The client had a search warrant executed on her house where several marijuana plants were discovered as a result of the search. She was charged with a drug felony and her husband was charged with manufacturing THC. In defending her case Attorney Stangl believed that there were false statements made in the affidavit portion of the complaint
Victory - Matthew’s Dilemma
Matthew was arrested after he had an accident during which he crashed into a decorative retaining wall in front of a closed business. He was initially arrested and cited for felony reckless endangerment as well as operating a vehicle while intoxicated. It was alleged that he "huffed" an inhalant and blacked out while driving. He immediately hired Attorney Stangl prior to being formally charged and the criminal charges were not pursued. He was then charged with an OWI 1st under the theory that he was under the influence of an inhalant. The matter was aggressively defended and many motions challenging the case were filed including a motion to suppress statements made by Matthew which were very damaging to his case. Ultimately, prior to trial, due to concerns with proving its case, a resolution was reached and the City amended the OWI to reckless driving and inattentive driving with the payment of two forfeitures-fines.
FREE 10-Minute Consultation
If you need help fighting felony charges in Madison or elsewhere in the state, Attorney Pat Stangl is happy to offer you a FREE 10-minute consultation to discuss your case and explore options for your defense. Click or tap the link below to get started.
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Stangl Law Offices, S.C.