If you’re convicted of drug-related crimes in Wisconsin, you could face severe legal penalties. While some offenses may result in misdemeanor charges, others are classified as felonies. Felonies are punished harshly, including prison sentences and heavy fines.
Understanding which drug crimes are considered felonies in Wisconsin is important for anyone involved in or affected by drug-related offenses. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, strong legal representation is the key to dismissing charges or reducing penalties.
Drug Possession Crimes and Felony Classifications
Some drug crimes are felonies when certain types or amounts of drugs are involved. Others are felonies no matter which drugs or amounts are concerned. Wisconsin categorizes felonies into classes, ranging from Class A to Class I. Each class carries different punishments.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of a controlled substance can be a Class I felony if you possess less than one gram of a Schedule I or II drug (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine). If you’re caught with over 200 grams of marijuana, that is also a Class I felony. Class I felonies are punishable by up to 3.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
If you’re found with larger quantities of controlled substances, especially narcotics, you may be charged with a Class G or Class F felony. This is punished by 10 to 12.5 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Distribute, or Deliver
You can be charged with possession with intent to distribute (PWID) or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver if you’re found with larger quantities of controlled substances and distribution paraphernalia. Similarly, sales communications will turn a possession charge into PWID. Depending on the amount and type of drug, this can be charged as a Class H felony through a Class C felony. Class C felonies are punishable by up to 40 years’ incarceration and up to $100,000 in fines.
Trafficking large amounts of drugs—such as 10 or more pounds of cocaine or heroin—is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 60 years in prison. Trafficking large quantities of marijuana can result in Class D or Class F felonies. Class D felonies carry up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Enhanced Penalties
Some circumstances increase penalties for drug crimes:
- Prior convictions: Repeat offenses can be grounds for elevating misdemeanors to felonies.
- Distribution leading to harm or death: If distributing a controlled substance leads to a person’s death, you could face a Class A felony charge. Class A felonies carry potential life sentences.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia: Some paraphernalia-related offenses can increase the penalties for other drug crimes.
Get Legal Guidance from a Madison, WI, Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’re facing drug crime charges, don’t navigate the legal system on your own. The experienced drug crime defense attorneys at Jasti Zehawi & Johnson LLC can review your charges and build a strong defense. Call us at 608-572-7052 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.