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Criminal charges

felonies

Criminal offenses under state and federal laws are generally categorized by the seriousness of the crime as felonies (more serious) or misdemeanors (less serious). Felonies are offenses that generally may result in prison sentences of more than one year, and misdemeanors carry sentences of one year or less. The United States Congress sets the penalties for all federal criminal offenses, and thus decides which criminal offenses are felonies and which are misdemeanors. And the state legislature in each state decides which criminal offenses are felonies and which are misdemeanors under state law.

In Wisconsin, criminal offenses are classified into felonies and misdemeanors based on the severity of the crime, consistent with the broader distinction used across the United States. Felonies are the more serious offenses that can result in imprisonment for more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious crimes with potential sentences of up to one year in jail. The classification of crimes and the corresponding penalties at the federal level are determined by the United States Congress. Similarly, the Wisconsin State Legislature is responsible for defining state criminal offenses and their classification as either felonies or misdemeanaries. The specific statutes and penalties for various offenses are outlined in the Wisconsin Statutes, which provide detailed guidance on the legal consequences of criminal conduct within the state.

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Criminal charges

felonies

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Wisconsin State Code

Wisconsin State Code

Criminal charges

felonies

Articles