The High Stakes of a Murder Plea Deal in Wisconsin

 Posted on June 27, 2025 in Criminal Defense

When you are facing a homicide charge in Wisconsin, you may be under overwhelming pressure to accept a plea deal. And, in some cases, that plea deal may be all that is standing between you and life in prison with no parole and less time in prison with the possibility of parole.

The stakes of accepting a murder plea deal could not be higher. Those stakes include your freedom and your future. The prosecutor may offer a reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea, but accepting such a deal is never a simple decision.

A plea deal can help you avoid the uncertainty of a trial and the potential for harsher punishment, but it also means giving up your right to defend yourself in court. The decision to take a plea deal requires experienced legal guidance from a Dodge County, WI criminal defense lawyer.

Understanding Murder Charges in Wisconsin

First-degree intentional homicide in Wisconsin describes intentionally taking the life of another person and is a Class A felony. First-degree intentional homicide can also describe intentionally causing the death of an unborn child or killing a woman who is pregnant with that unborn child. Second-degree intentional homicide is a Class B felony that involves mitigating circumstances, such as provocation, self-defense, or to prevent a felony.

The penalty for first-degree intentional homicide in Wisconsin is life in prison with no possibility of parole. The penalty for second-degree intentional homicide in Wisconsin is a prison sentence of up to 60 years. First-degree reckless homicide does not require intent but is also a Class B felony that can result in up to 60 years in prison.

How Do Plea Deals Work in a Wisconsin Murder Case?

Defense attorneys will rarely recommend that a client charged with murder take a plea deal unless they feel the evidence against their client is significant. A plea deal could involve pleading to lesser charges or a more favorable sentencing agreement. A prosecutor will usually offer a plea bargain when the evidence against a defendant is weak or to minimize a potential loss by settling on a mutually acceptable outcome.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Accepting a Murder Plea Deal?

The benefits of accepting a plea deal after being charged with intentional homicide include:

•  Reducing prison time
• Gaining the potential for parole
• Avoiding a trial
• Avoiding an uncertain jury outcome
• Accepting responsibility

The primary adverse outcome of accepting a murder plea deal is that the defendant will be sent to prison and will be a convicted felon. If an individual is not guilty of the homicide charges, then pleading guilty to a crime not committed can be a tough decision, even when it will prevent a harsher sentence.

Yet, innocent people do accept plea deals when the evidence against them suggests they will be sentenced to life in prison with no parole. Accepting a plea deal means the defendant loses trial rights, including the right to testify and the appeals process, and may result in feelings of regret.

What Factors Should Be Considered Before Accepting a Homicide Plea Deal?

The defendant’s criminal defense attorney will comprehensively evaluate the fairness and long-term consequences of any offered plea deal. Based on the strength of the prosecutor’s evidence, the availability of viable defenses or mitigating circumstances, and the defendant’s prior criminal record (and the impact of that record on sentencing), the attorney may recommend an offered plea deal.

Contact a Jefferson County, WI Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing intentional homicide charges in Wisconsin, be aware that a plea deal is a life-altering decision rather than a quick fix, and you should never agree to a plea deal without the benefit of legal guidance. An Ozaukee County, WI criminal defense attorney from Bucher Law Group, LLC will have a full understanding of the law, the facts, and the risks associated with a plea deal.

Attorney Bucher has litigated some of the most high-profile and complex cases in Wisconsin, directing or personally handling dozens of homicide cases. He spent 20 years as the Waukesha County District Attorney, which provides distinct benefits to his clients. Call 262-303-4916 to schedule your free consultation.