Class H Felony in Wisconsin

Being charged with a felony is always scary and stressful. A conviction could drastically change your future. You’re probably worried about going to trial and confronting many unknowns. If you’re facing Class H felony charges, we want you to have hope. At Tracey Wood & Associates, we know charges don’t equal convictions, and we’ve proven it many times over. We’re here to provide you with information and knowledge to help you feel empowered to fight the charges against you.

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

Felonies and misdemeanors are defined by the length of the prison sentence and the amount of fines in Wisconsin. Crimes with sentences of less than one year are misdemeanors. Crimes with sentences of one year or more are felonies.

What Are the Penalties for a Class H Felony?

Wisconsin law states that Class H felonies carry a prison sentence of up to six years.

What Are the Fines for a Class H Felony?

Class H felonies in Wisconsin carry fines up to $10,000.

What Happens to Repeat Offenders if They’re Charged with a Class H Felony?

Having prior convictions will increase the severity of future charges. Repeat offenders may face prison sentences up to two years longer for prior misdemeanor convictions, and up to six years longer with prior felony convictions.

Can You Immediately Appeal a Class H Felony?

Yes, but you only have 20 days to do so. After your sentence, you have 20 days to file a “notice of intent to seek post-conviction relief.” Depending on the type of appeal you file, one of two things could happen next. If we bring new evidence to the case, we could go back to trial court. If we feel your constitutional rights have been violated, we could go straight to the Court of Appeals.

Can a Class H Felony Be Reduced to a Different Class?

Yes, and there are a few ways to do so. Before trial, we have the opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor on the charges and sentencing they plan to seek. If they agree to reduce charges, the state must approve them as well. At trial, we can petition to include a “lesser included offense” with the charges the jury considers, and they can convict on that lesser charge if they choose.

What Are Some Consequences of Having a Criminal Record?

Felony convictions affect your life beyond jail time and fines. Future charges will involve more severe punishments. Your future employment and housing options may also be limited because employers and landlords will see a felony on your permanent record. Your child custody and visitation rights could also be revoked.

What Are the Civil Liberties That Are Removed from Somebody That Has a Felony Conviction?

In addition to being held in confinement, felons are barred from their right to possess firearms. Voting rights and the ability to serve on a jury will also be revoked during the sentence and through the completion of any probation.

Is There a Way to Get Early Parole with a Class H Felony?

Parole may be possible, but it depends on the circumstances of each case.

Will a Class H Felony Conviction Cause Someone to Be Removed or Deported from the U.S.?

Potentially. Deportation depends on a number of factors, including the length of time you’ve lived in the U.S., your visa and immigration status, and the type of crime. The following crimes result in deportation more frequently than others:

• • Drug charges
• • Controlled substances charges
• • Aggravated crimes
• • Domestic violence
• • Crimes of moral turpitude (crimes that violate moral community standards)

Don’t Lose Hope

Feeling confident about your case, your defense team, and your trial is key to maintaining your wellbeing throughout this trying time. At Tracey Wood & Associates, we help you regain hope by listening to your side of the story and finding the best way to present it to the court. We’ll advise you on everything you’re facing, and that knowledge gives you power.

Take back control by contacting us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation online.