If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Wisconsin, you probably feel unsure about what that means for your future. 

Many people hear the word “misdemeanor” and assume it is a minor offense. For some, they worry that this is going to follow them forever. The truth falls somewhere in between. So, is a misdemeanor a crime in Wisconsin?

The answer is yes, but not all misdemeanors are treated the same. Also, not every conviction has the same long-term impact. Here is what a conviction really means for you.

Wisconsin Crime Classification 

Wisconsin law divides criminal offenses into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. These are criminal charges. With a conviction, you can end up with a criminal record. The difference centers around the seriousness of the offense and potential penalties.

Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies. However, a conviction can show up on background checks, affect employment opportunities, and create complications you may not anticipate at first.

What Are the Three Types of Misdemeanors?

Remember that not all misdemeanors are created equal. Wisconsin groups them into three classes.

Class A misdemeanors are the most serious. With a conviction, you could:

• Spend up to nine months in jail
• Pay a fine of up to $10,000

Class B misdemeanors carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000. One of the most commonly charged misdemeanors is disorderly conduct.

Class C misdemeanors are the lowest-level criminal offenses. They can include jail time up to 30 days. Also, you may still have to pay a fine of up to $500. This still counts as a criminal conviction.

Even at the lowest level, you will have a criminal record with a conviction.

Is a Misdemeanor the Same as a Ticket?

Some offenses in Wisconsin are handled as civil forfeitures. This would be similar to traffic tickets. They are not crimes and do not create a criminal record. 

But misdemeanors are different. They are criminal charges, even if the penalties seem small.

Having a criminal charge can be a major hurdle when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses.

What a Misdemeanor Conviction Can Affect

While the penalties might be small, a conviction can affect several parts of your life. This can include:

• Employment background checks
• Rental applications
• Professional or occupational licenses
• Firearm rights in certain cases
• Immigration status for non-citizens

While these consequences don’t always show up immediately, you still want to take precautions. Working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Wisconsin may be able to help you avoid a conviction.

Will a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record?

In many cases, the answer is yes. But under Wisconsin law, certain misdemeanor convictions can be expunged. That means they are removed from public records. 

However, expungement is not automatic. Unfortunately, it isn’t available for every offense. Your eligibility will depend on:

• Type of charge
• Your age at the time
• Whether you successfully completed the sentence

If expungement is not requested or approved, the conviction remains visible.

Can a Misdemeanor Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Depending on the facts of the case, a misdemeanor charge may be reduced to a non-criminal offense. Sometimes, it can be dismissed or resolved through an alternative program. These outcomes vary based on the facts, the evidence, and a person’s prior record.

In these situations, those early decisions are important. What happens in the first stages of a case can shape the long-term outcome.

Misdemeanors Deserve Careful Attention

You might think a misdemeanor is not that serious, especially if jail time is not likely. However, the long-term effects of a conviction can weigh more heavily than the immediate penalty.

Yes, a misdemeanor is a crime in Wisconsin, but this is not a dead end. The impact of this offense depends on how the case is handled and what steps you take. 

At Melms Law, we are available to assist with your misdemeanor case. We will examine the circumstances of the situation and provide a few options for your next steps. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.