Which Drug Crimes Are Felonies in Wisconsin?

 Posted on January 10, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Felonies are more serious crimes that can result in a prison sentence of more than one year. Drug crimes are the most common reason that non-violent offenders are incarcerated across the country. However, not all drug crimes are felonies. Simple possession of certain narcotics, especially as a first offense, may be charged as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. However, it is possible to be charged with and convicted of a drug felony even if you have no prior criminal record. If you are facing felony drug charges, an attorney may sometimes be able to make a strong argument for having your charges reduced to misdemeanors.

Which Drug Offenses Are Misdemeanors?

Misdemeanor drug offenses usually involve the possession of a small amount of an illegal narcotic for personal use rather than any kind of sales or manufacturing operation. Drug-related misdemeanors include:

• Paraphernalia - If you are caught with a device used to consume drugs, such as a marijuana pipe or a needle used for heroin injection, you could be charged with a misdemeanor even if you did not have any of the narcotic on you at the time.
• Simple possession - If you only had a small quantity of most illegal drugs, such as cocaine, psilocybin, or methamphetamine, you will likely face misdemeanor charges for your first offense. This offense is punishable by up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine, so it is not to be taken lightly.
• Cannabis - If the substance in question is cannabis, the situation is somewhat less serious. Possessing a small amount of cannabis for your own consumption is a misdemeanor, carrying up to six months in jail or a fine of $1,000.

Which Drug Offenses Are Felonies?

Drug felonies are very serious charges that can affect the rest of your life. Being a felon can seriously limit the opportunities you will have going forward. Drug-related felonies in Wisconsin include:

• Intent to distribute - Whether you intended to sell the drugs you were in possession of is often determined by the quantity of the substance you possessed. Smaller amounts may indicate personal use, but having a large amount of a drug may get you charged with felony intent to distribute.
• Manufacture - Manufacturing drugs, such as making methamphetamine or cooking cocaine into crack, will lead to felony charges. Drug manufacturers may also be charged with distribution at the same time.
• Cultivation - Similarly, illegal cannabis grow operations could result in felony charges for those involved.
• Repeat possession - Multiple possession offenses may lead to felony convictions, especially for those who are re-arrested while still on probation for the initial offense.

Reach Out to a Wisconsin Drug Crimes Attorney

If you have been arrested over drugs and are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, Bucher Law Group, LLC can help by preparing the strongest possible defense. Whether you struggle with addiction or other disadvantageous factors in your life contributed to your offense, there may be legal strategies our Milwaukee drug crimes lawyers can employ to help reduce the severity of the situation. Call us at 262-303-4916 to arrange a complimentary consultation.

Source:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/961/iv/41/3g/e