Many people, including those charged with a crime, do not know the difference between a felony and misdemeanor. Both felony charges and misdemeanor charges are crimes in Wisconsin. However, felony charges are considered more serious and carry higher potential penalties.
A felony is a criminal charge which carries a term in state prison, with more than a one-year sentence, as a potential penalty.
A misdemeanor may also include a term of incarceration as a penalty, but will be in a county or local municipal jail instead of the state prison system.
Other than the potential term of incarceration, felonies often carry “collateral consequences.” These are additional consequences, over and above any forfeiture or prison time.
Potential penalties include:
- Losing the right to vote
- Losing the right to possess firearms
- Having to register as a sex offender
- Deportation
Many defendants do not know about the collateral consequences of a conviction until it is too late.
Our lawyers understand the stakes. We will promptly meet with you, whether it is at Axley’s offices or in jail. During our free initial consultations, we will explain to you the entire process. We will expeditiously acquire the evidence necessary to analyze your case and develop aggressive defense strategies for trial. And for cases that will not proceed to a trial, we will work carefully with you and the prosecutor to handle those cases in a fashion that will result in the best possible outcome for you.
