Class I Felony in Wisconsin

If you’ve been charged with a Class I felony, you’re probably feeling anxious and worried. Not knowing what you’re up against only increases your fears. At Tracey Wood & Associates, we educate our clients about their charges and what they will face at each step of the process. Empowered with this knowledge, they regain hope for their case – something we want all our clients to have.

Your Case Can Be Dismissed or Reduced

Our clients come to us wanting to see their charges significantly reduced or dismissed altogether. We make that happen. The attorneys at Tracey Wood & Associates have a history of achieving successful outcomes in challenging cases.

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

The length of the prison sentence and associated fines determine whether a crime is a felony or misdemeanor in Wisconsin. Crimes with sentences of one year or more are felonies. Crimes with sentences of less than one year are misdemeanors.

What Are the Penalties for a Class I Felony?

Class I felonies carry a jail sentence of up to three-and-a-half years.

What Are the Fines for a Class I Felony?

Class I felonies carry fines up to $10,000.

Can You Immediately Appeal a Class I Felony?

You can immediately appeal a Class I felony, but you must act quickly. You only have 20 days after sentencing to submit a “notice of intent to seek post-conviction relief.” Depending on the type of appeal, you could go back to trial court to present new evidence or argue that there were mistakes, errors, or omissions in the case. If you appeal on a constitutional rights violation, you could go directly to the Court of Appeals.

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

Possibly, yes. There are two ways to get a Class I felony reduced. First, we can work with the prosecutor prior to going to trial. If the prosecutor agrees to a reduced charge, the court will have to accept it as well. Second, we can push to have a “lesser included offense” included in the charges the jury evaluates. They can choose to convict on a lesser class of felony.

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

Having felonies on your record will likely increase your sentence for any subsequent felonies.

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

During your sentence, you will lose the right to vote. You regain the right to vote after completing your sentence, including probation, and paying all fines. During your sentence, you lose the right to serve on a jury. You will also lose your right to possess firearms.

In addition to civil rights, a felony conviction has other significant consequences. It can impact your ability to find a job, buy or rent a house, and maintain custody of your children.

Are There Ways to Get Early Parole with a Class I Felony?

Each case is different, but early parole is a possibility depending on your circumstances.

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

Yes, it can happen. Being deported after a felony conviction depends on a few factors – your visa, how long you’ve been in the U.S., your immigration status, and the type of crime you committed. Some crimes are much more likely to cause someone to be deported, including:

• • • Domestic abuse
  • • Crimes of an aggravated nature
  • • Drug charges
  • • Controlled substance charges
  • • Crimes of moral turpitude, meaning crimes that breach community moral standards

Don’t Lose Hope

You might be worried about your future, but don’t lose hope. At Tracey Wood & Associates, we help our clients regain hope by empowering them with knowledge and building an aggressive defense based on their side of the story.

Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, and start fighting back today.