Is Burglary a Felony in Wisconsin?
If you’ve been accused of burglary, you could be facing serious penalties – especially if your alleged offense involved a weapon. But what makes a crime a burglary, and is it a felony or misdemeanor? Here’s what you need to know.
Is Burglary a Felony in Wisconsin?
Burglary is a Class F felony in Wisconsin, and as you probably already know, felonies come with more serious punishments than misdemeanors do. If the state convicts you of burglary, you’re facing up to 7 years and 6 months in prison, plus an additional 5 years of extended supervision. The court could even order you to pay a fine of up to $25,000.
If you’re armed at the time of the offense, or if a battery occurs during the commission of the burglary, you’re facing a Class E felony. Class E felonies carry even more severe penalties. You could spend 10 years in prison with another 5 years on extended supervision, and you could have to pay up to $50,000 in fines.
What is Burglary?
Burglary is different from what many people think. The state can convict you of it if you:
- Intentionally enter a building
- When you enter the building, you do so without consent from the person in lawful possession of the building
- You know full well that you’re entering without consent
- You enter the building with intent to steal or commit another felony
You don’t have to steal something to be convicted of felony burglary. In fact, you don’t even have to intend to steal something. If you go into a building without consent and with the intent to commit any other felony (even if you don’t pull it off), the state can convict you of burglary.
What to Do if You’re Accused of Felony Burglary
If you’re arrested for burglary, you probably want to talk to an attorney as soon as you can. Your lawyer will answer your questions and help you move forward, toward the best possible outcome.
Call us at 414-383-6700 now or get in touch with us online for your free consultation. You’ll talk to someone who can give you the guidance you need.