Milwaukee Theft Lawyer
Wisconsin Theft Laws
A crime of theft can be charged at the misdemeanor or felony level in Wisconsin, depending on the value of the property allegedly stolen. Note that property refers to personal property and money as well as other things like utilities (electricity and gas), documents, and ownership rights. If you are facing such charges, contact the Milwaukee theft attorney at Bayer Law Offices right away.
What Is Misdemeanor Theft in Wisconsin?
Theft is charged as a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property or services allegedly stolen does not exceed $2,500, and the consequences upon violation could result in a maximum of $10,000 in fines and up to 9 months in prison.
What Is Considered a Felony Theft in Wisconsin?
Most other theft charges are classified as felonies, from Class I to Class F.
Penalty for Felony Theft:
- Class I (value of property or services allegedly stolen is $2,500-$5,000): up to $10,000 in fines and up to 3.5 years in prison
- Class H (value of property allegedly stolen is $5,000-$10,000 or taken from an at-risk individual or due to looting): up to $10,000 in fines and up to 6 years in jail
- Class G (value of the property allegedly stolen is $10,000-$100,000): up to $25,000 in fines and up to 10 years in jail
- Class F (value of property allegedly stolen is more than $100,000): up to $25,000 in fines and up to 12.5 years in jail
Note that the specific circumstances of the offense may impact the sentencing. For example, retail theft may warrant civil as well as criminal penalties. An experienced Milwaukee theft lawyer can better help clarify the sentencing specific to your offense.
Get Started on Your Defense with Bayer Law Offices
Do not hesitate to take legal action regarding your theft defense today. Our Milwaukee theft attorneys have years of experience helping clients navigate the criminal justice system and will do our best to help you negotiate a favorable deal in your case.
Whether you have been accused of misdemeanor or felony theft in Wisconsin, Bayer Law Offices can help.
Schedule a free consultation online or at (414) 250-7997 to discuss your defense options today with our theft lawyer in Milwaukee, WI.
Theft FAQs
What Is Petty Theft?
Petty theft occurs when the items or property stolen were of a lesser value. Such charges are typically a misdemeanor in Wisconsin.
What Is Grand Theft?
Grand theft occurs when the property stolen was of a higher value and/or if force was utilized during the theft. This is often considered a more serious crime that can be charged as a felony.
What Is Considered Theft in Wisconsin?
While the definitions may vary by state, Wisconsin recognizes any act of purposely taking, removing, utilizing, transporting, transferring, or hiding the property of another individual without their permission as theft. This not only pertains to the theft of merchandise or personal property, but also to mail, identity, credit cards, and fraud.
What Is Theft of Services?
The theft of services indicate that an individual did not pay for services rendered to them. This could include refusing to pay a contractor or company for work done on your property, such as your car, landscaping, or the like; or refusing to pay for food at a restaurant.
What Is the Difference Between Theft and Burglary?
The primary difference between theft and burglary is how the property is stolen. Burglary can be considered a form of theft, as it does involve stealing. However, it differs from theft as it involves breaking into another person’s property, without permission, to steal or perpetrate another crime.
What Is the Wisconsin Statute for Retail Theft?
Wisconsin statue 943.50 specifically details how the state defines retail theft and the penalties for this charge based on the value of goods stolen. This may include physically stealing goods from a store, changing the price of an item in the store, taking a theft detection device off an item while on the property, or hiding the merchandise.
It’s important to note that retail theft can also be charged as a civil crime under statute 943.51. This charge can be made if the retail owner experienced damage to their business following the theft.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Theft in Wisconsin?
The statue of limitations for theft charges will vary based on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. According to Wisconsin state law, for a misdemeanor charge the statue of limitations is three years, while the statue of limitations for a felony is six years.
If you are facing charges, it’s imperative you contact a skilled Milwaukee theft lawyer for your defense. Call Bayer Law Offices today to schedule a consultation.
Why Work With Bayer Law Offices?
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Strategic Defense with Proven Results
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Hands-On Attention to Each Case
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Exceptional Track Record of Success
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Experience You Can Count On
meet attorney john t. bayer
John Bayer grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After graduating with his B.A in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006, John earned his law degree from Marquette University Law School in 2009. He continued to go on and passed the California State Bar Exam.
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