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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, similar to the federal system. 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 one year or less. The classification of crimes and the corresponding penalties at the federal level are determined by the United States Congress. At the state level, the Wisconsin Legislature is responsible for defining criminal offenses as either felonies or misdemeanaries and for setting the penalties for each. This structure allows for a clear distinction between the levels of criminal offenses and ensures that the punishment is proportionate to the crime committed.

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Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Wisconsin State Code

Wisconsin State Code

Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Articles