What Counts as a Felony in Wisconsin?

What are Wisconsin felony classes? In Wisconsin, a felony represents the most serious category of criminal offense—crimes ranging from murder to invasion of privacy. Unlike misdemeanors, which carry lighter penalties, felonies carry the potential for imprisonment in state prison.

Wisconsin law divides all felonies into nine distinct classes, ranging from Class A (the most severe) to Class I (the least severe). Understanding where your charge falls within this classification system helps you grasp the potential consequences and the importance of seeking legal representation from a felony crimes lawyer in Wisconsin.

Table Of Contents

Wisconsin’s Nine-Class Felony System

Wisconsin Statute § 939.50 establishes this nine-tier (Class A-I) classification structure. The class assigned to your charge determines the maximum prison sentence, fines, and collateral consequences you may face. This classification system applies to all state-level felony charges in Wisconsin.

If you or a loved one is facing a felony charge, it’s important to understand what the state must prove and what defenses may be available early on—because the steps you take at the beginning can make a major difference in how the case unfolds.

Class A Felonies

Class A felonies in Wisconsin are the most severe criminal charges. These offenses carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment with no possibility of parole.

Examples include:

Class A convictions carry the harshest consequences and typically involve crimes of extreme violence or harm. If you face a Class A charge, immediate legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney becomes critical.

Class B Felonies

Class B felonies in Wisconsin carry a maximum penalty of 60 years’ imprisonment. These serious violent crimes include some of the most significant offenses prosecuted in Wisconsin courts.

Examples include:

Class C Felonies

Class C felonies in Wisconsin carry a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment (typically structured as 25 years of confinement followed by 15 years of extended supervision under Wisconsin’s truth-in-sentencing law).

Examples include:

Class D Felonies

Class D felonies are among the more serious felony charges. These cases often involve allegations of significant harm, and a conviction can have long-term consequences beyond incarceration—like difficulty finding work, limits on housing options, and the loss of certain civil rights.

Class D felonies in Wisconsin can carry a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison.

Examples include:

Class E Felonies

A Class E felony typically carries lower penalties than higher felony classes. A conviction can still mean prison time, extended supervision, steep fines, and long-term consequences—including a permanent criminal record that can affect jobs, housing, and professional licenses.

Class E felonies in Wisconsin carry a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.

Examples include:

Because the specific charge (and penalty exposure) depends heavily on the allegations and your record, it’s smart to review the exact statute you’re charged under and the “elements” the state has to prove.

Class F Felonies

Class F felonies in Wisconsin carry a maximum penalty of 12.5 years imprisonment.

Examples include:

Class G Felonies

Class G felonies in Wisconsin carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

Examples include:

Class H Felonies

Class H felonies in Wisconsin carry a maximum penalty of 6 years imprisonment.

Examples include:

Class I Felonies (Least Serious)

Class I felonies in Wisconsin represent the least severe felony classification but still carry significant consequences. These offenses carry a maximum penalty of 3.5 years’ imprisonment.

Examples include:

Class U Felonies in Wisconsin (Unclassified Felonies)

Wisconsin doesn’t officially label felonies as “Class U” the way it does for misdemeanors. When people say “Class U felony,” they usually mean an unclassified felony—a felony that isn’t assigned to one of Wisconsin’s standard felony classes (A–I). Wisconsin’s felony classes and their maximum penalties are set out in Wis. Stat. § 939.50, but unclassified felonies determine their maximum penalty from the specific statute that defines the offense (rather than § 939.50).

Understanding Wisconsin Felony Sentencing

Felony Class	Maximum Fine	Maximum Term of Imprisonment
A	N/A	Life
B	N/A	60 years
C	$100,000	40 years
D	$100,000	25 years
E	$50,000	15 years
F	$25,000	12 years
G	$25,000	10 years
H	$10,000	6 years
I	$10,000	3.5 years

Truth-in-Sentencing and Bifurcated Sentences

Wisconsin’s truth-in-sentencing law fundamentally shapes how judges sentence felony defendants. Under this system, judges impose bifurcated sentences consisting of two components: a period of confinement (prison time) and a period of extended supervision (parole-like supervision in the community).

For example, a 25-year sentence might be structured as 15 years of confinement followed by 10 years of extended supervision. Defendants must serve the entire confinement portion before becoming eligible for release. Extended supervision operates similarly to parole, with conditions and potential revocation if violated.

Factors Judges Consider When Sentencing

Wisconsin judges have discretion within the maximum penalties established by statute. When determining your sentence, judges consider numerous factors, including:

The severity of the offense and harm to the victims
Your prior criminal history
Your age and personal circumstances
Aggravating factors (such as use of weapons)
Mitigating factors (such as cooperation or remorse)
Victim impact statements

An experienced criminal defense attorney can present compelling arguments during sentencing to advocate for the most favorable outcome within the legal framework. Hart Powell’s attorneys have extensive experience in sentencing advocacy.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction

Beyond prison time and fines, felony convictions carry lasting collateral consequences that affect your life long after your sentence concludes.

Loss of Voting Rights and Restoration

Wisconsin law automatically restores voting rights upon completion of your sentence, including extended supervision. However, during incarceration and extended supervision, you lose the right to vote. Understanding the restoration process helps you regain this fundamental right.

Firearm Ownership Restrictions

Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony from possessing firearms. This restriction applies regardless of the specific felony charge and remains in effect for life in most circumstances. For more information on Wisconsin gun laws, consult with a criminal defense attorney.

Employment and Professional Licensing Impacts

Felony convictions create substantial employment barriers. Many employers conduct background checks and refuse to hire individuals with felony records. Professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, law, education, and finance are often unavailable following felony convictions.

Housing, Education, and Financial Aid Barriers

Landlords frequently deny housing to individuals with felony convictions. Federal law also restricts financial aid eligibility for students with drug-related felony convictions. These barriers can persist for years or permanently, depending on the offense. Expungement may provide relief in certain circumstances.

What To Do If You’re Charged With a Felony

Importance of Immediate Legal Representation

The moment you face felony charges, securing experienced legal representation becomes your highest priority. The decisions you make in the immediate aftermath of arrest significantly impact your case outcome. An attorney protects your constitutional rights, advises you on critical decisions, and begins building your defense strategy.

Your Rights During Arrest and Interrogation

You have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise these rights immediately. Do not answer police questions without your attorney present, regardless of pressure or promises. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Understanding your Miranda rights is critical.

The Criminal Justice Process in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s criminal process involves multiple stages: arrest, initial appearance, preliminary hearing, charging decision, arraignment, discovery, plea negotiations, trial preparation, and potentially trial or sentencing. Each stage presents opportunities for skilled defense advocacy. Understanding this process helps you navigate the system with confidence. Plea bargaining is often an important consideration at various stages.

Contact Hart Powell, S.C. for Your Felony Defense

Hart Powell, S.C. has defended individuals facing serious felony charges throughout Wisconsin for over 30 years. Managing Partner Michael F. Hart brings three decades of criminal defense experience and recognition as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer and Best Lawyers in America honoree. Partner Craig S. Powell, a Top 100 Trial Lawyer with a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating, has achieved not guilty verdicts in homicide, sexual assault, and drug crime cases.

Trust Our Experience

The firm has tried over 300 felony cases and represented high-profile clients from professional sports, law enforcement, medicine, and business. Hart Powell’s appellate expertise has secured new trials and reversals in complex cases involving sexual assault, violent crimes, and constitutional issues.

If you face felony charges in Wisconsin, Hart Powell, S.C. provides the experienced, aggressive defense your felony case demands.