Question 1

What is the statute of limitations for criminal defense in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Class A felonies (1st degree homicide, 1st degree sexual assault, treason) have no statute of limitations. Most other felonies: 6 years. Misdemeanors: 3 years. Special periods: 2nd degree reckless homicide (15 years), sexual assault of a child (10 years). (Wis. Stat. § 939.74)

Question 2

What is Wisconsin's law on felony classification?

Accepted Answer

Class A: life. Class B: 60 years. Class C: 40 years ($100K fine). Class D: 25 years ($100K). Class E: 15 years ($50K). Class F: 12.5 years ($25K). Class G: 10 years ($25K). Class H: 6 years ($10K). Class I: 3.5 years ($10K). Wisconsin has 9 felony classes — more gradations than most states. (Wis. Stat. § 939.50)

Question 3

What is Wisconsin's law on death penalty — abolished 1853?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin was the first state to permanently abolish the death penalty (July 10, 1853). Only one execution was ever carried out (John McCaffary, 1851, widely regarded as botched). No capital punishment for over 170 years — longer than any other state. (1853 Wis. Laws, Ch. 101)

Question 4

What is Wisconsin's law on expungement (restrictive)?

Accepted Answer

Expungement is available only at the time of sentencing (not retroactively) for persons under age 25 at the time of the offense, for crimes with a maximum sentence of 6 years or less. The court must find the person will benefit and society will not be harmed. Record is expunged upon successful completion of the sentence. (Wis. Stat. § 973.015)

Question 5

What is Wisconsin's law on owi/dui — first offense civil?

Accepted Answer

First-offense OWI is a civil forfeiture ($150-$300), not criminal. Second offense: Class A misdemeanor. Third: potential Class G felony if within 5 years. Fourth+: felony regardless of timeframe. (Wis. Stat. §§ 346.63, 346.65)

Wisconsin Criminal Defense Laws

Statute of Limitations

Key Wisconsin Statutes

Official Sources

Other Wisconsin Laws