Criminal Defense in Wisconsin

Wisconsin classifies felonies into nine classes (A through I) and misdemeanors into three classes. Defense costs range $2,000-$5,000 for misdemeanors to $7,500-$40,000 for felonies. Wisconsin uses Truth-in-Sentencing with bifurcated sentencing (confinement followed by extended supervision). Milwaukee County has significant criminal caseload pressures. Wisconsin has active treatment courts including drug courts, OWI courts, and mental health courts. The state's criminal justice reform efforts include Second Chance legislation for record expungement. Wisconsin law requires a two-thirds jury vote for civil cases but unanimous verdict for criminal cases.