Wisconsin Criminal Defense Laws

Class A: life. Class B: 60 years. Class C: 40 years ($100K fine). Class D: 25 years ($100K). Class E: 15 years ($50K). Class F: 12.5 years ($25K). Class G: 10 years ($25K). Class H: 6 years ($10K). Class I: 3.5 years ($10K). Wisconsin has 9 felony classes — more gradations than most states.

Wisconsin was the first state to permanently abolish the death penalty (July 10, 1853). Only one execution was ever carried out (John McCaffary, 1851, widely regarded as botched). No capital punishment for over 170 years — longer than any other state.

Expungement is available only at the time of sentencing (not retroactively) for persons under age 25 at the time of the offense, for crimes with a maximum sentence of 6 years or less. The court must find the person will benefit and society will not be harmed. Record is expunged upon successful completion of the sentence.

First-offense OWI is a civil forfeiture ($150-$300), not criminal. Second offense: Class A misdemeanor. Third: potential Class G felony if within 5 years. Fourth+: felony regardless of timeframe.