In Wisconsin, law enforcement and prosecutors consider domestic abuse a serious offense. As a result, a conviction on domestic abuse charges can have significant consequences, including potentially harsh penalties.
What Constitutes Domestic Abuse in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law defines “domestic abuse” as engaging in certain types of conduct by an adult person against their spouse, former spouse, a person with whom the adult resides or formerly resided, or a person with whom the adult has a child in common. Conduct that may constitute domestic abuse includes:
- Intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or illness
- Intentional impairment of physical condition
- First-, second-, or third-degree sexual assault
- A physical act that reasonably causes the other person to fear intentional infliction of physical pain, physical injury, or illness, intentional impairment of physical condition, or sexual assault
Examples of acts that may fall under the umbrella of domestic abuse when committed against an eligible victim include:
- Assault and battery
- Terroristic threats
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Strangulation
Classification of Domestic Abuse Offenses
Domestic abuse offenses may constitute misdemeanor or felony crimes, depending on the nature of the offense. Misdemeanor offenses usually involve offenses where the victim does not suffer injury or suffers minor injuries. Conversely, felony offenses include those where the victim sustains a severe injury or a violation of bodily autonomy.
Examples of misdemeanor domestic abuse crimes include:
- Misdemeanor battery
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal trespass
- Harassment (first offense)
Examples of felony domestic abuse offenses include:
- Felony battery
- Stalking
- Strangulation/suffocation
- Sexual assault
- Criminal restraint (“false imprisonment”)
Penalties for Misdemeanor Domestic Abuse
Penalties for misdemeanor domestic abuse offenses can vary depending on the grading of the offense. Crimes graded as forfeiture impose fines (forfeitures) ranging from $25 to $10,000, depending on the class of forfeiture. Penalties for misdemeanor offenses include:
- Class A Misdemeanor – A fine of up to $10,000, up to nine months in jail, or both
- Class B Misdemeanor – A fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both
- Class C Misdemeanor – A fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both
Penalties for Felony Domestic Abuse
Penalties for felony domestic abuse convictions also depend on the grading of the offense:
- Class B Felony – Up to 60 years in prison
- Class C Felony – A fine of up to $100,000, up to 40 years in prison, or both
- Class D Felony – A fine of up to $100,000, up to 25 years in prison, or both
- Class E Felony – A fine of up to $50,000, up to 15 years in prison, or both
- Class F Felony – A fine of up to $25,000, up to 12 years and six months in prison, or both
- Class G Felony – A fine of up to $25,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both
- Class H Felony – A fine of up to $10,000, up to six years in prison, or both
- Class I Felony – A fine of up to $10,000, up to three years and six months in prison, or both
Additional Consequences and Considerations
A person who commits acts of domestic abuse may face additional consequences, such as the imposition of a protective order that prohibits them from contacting or approaching the victim and requires them to follow other requirements or restrictions. Domestic abuse convictions can also lead to the loss of firearm rights.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
When a family member, partner, or household member accuses you of domestic abuse, you need experienced legal counsel to advocate for your interests. Contact J. Kippa Law, LLC, today for a free, confidential consultation with our legal team to learn more about the potential consequences of a domestic abuse conviction in Wisconsin and discuss how we can support you and protect your rights.
