If you’ve been arrested for first offense felony drug charges in Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin, you may want to talk to a drug crime defense attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will walk you through the possible penalties if you’re convicted, answer all your questions and protect your rights through every step of the legal process.
Being charged with any drug crime is stressful and scary – but if it’s your first offense, here’s what you need to know.
First Offense Felony Drug Charges in Wisconsin
Sometimes first offense felony drug convictions carry lighter penalties than second, third or subsequent convictions do, but that’s not always the case. Nobody can predict how a judge will rule, and no attorney can give you a guarantee on the outcome of your case. Wisconsin judges work hard to be fair and impartial when they apply the law, and in many cases, they don’t automatically give someone the maximum penalty. This can be true when defendants have an otherwise clean record (or a mostly clean record) and in many other cases, as well.
Here’s a breakdown of each drug and the charge it carries when you’re accused of manufacturing, distributing or delivering it.
Cocaine
- 1 gram or less: Class G felony
- 1 gram to 5 grams: Class F felony
- 5 grams to 15 grams: Class E felony
- 15 grams to 40 grams: Class D felony
- 40 grams or more: Class C felony
Heroin
- 3 grams or less: Class F felony
- 3 to 10 grams: Class E felony
- 10 to 50 grams: Class D felony
- 50 grams or more: Class C felony
PCP, Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, and Similar Controlled Substances
- 3 grams or less: Class F felony
- 3 to 10 grams: Class E felony
- 10 to 50 grams: Class D felony
- 50 grams or more: Class C felony
Remember, though, that a lot of first-time drug charges are misdemeanors, not felonies. Misdemeanors come with less severe consequences than felonies do. For example, if police catch you with a very small amount of marijuana, the law only allows you to be charged with a misdemeanor.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About First Offense Felony Drug Charges?
If you’re in legal trouble and need to talk to a lawyer about first offense felony drug charges, we can help. Call us right away at 414-383-6700 or get in touch with us online for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and give you the advice you need right now.
