In Mequon, violent crime charges carry a range of penalties. Violent crimes can include burglary, dangerous use of a weapon, and other types of assault. First-degree reckless injury penalties can result in up to 25 years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine. A first-degree sexual assault is a Class B felony with a penalty of up to 60 years in prison.

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Mequon, call Grieve Law's criminal defense attorney for a free case consultation. 

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Penalties for Domestic Violence in Mequon

In Wisconsin, domestic violence is not a specific crime or charge, but rather an enhancer. The state uses sentencing enhancers against defendants to adjust the range of sentencing. When a domestic violence enhancer is added to an assault or battery charge, it can increase the potential penalties of conviction.

When police believe a person has committed domestic violence against their partner, child, or someone they live with they are obligated to make an arrest. After an arrest, the accused offender may not be in contact with the alleged victim for 72 hours, unless the victim signs a waiver. Violating a no-contact order can result in up to 9 months in jail and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct, often called disturbing the peace, involves behavior considered violent, indecent, unreasonably loud or otherwise disruptive. Common examples of disorderly conduct include fighting, unlawful assembly, obscene gestures or profane and abusive language. Charges can stem from physical or verbal actions and may be filed alone or alongside other charges like OWI.

When charged as a misdemeanor, disorderly conduct charges in Mequon, Wisconsin, can carry a penalty of up to $10,000 in fines, a jail sentence of up to 9 months, or both. When charged as a felony, penalties can carry a fine up to $50,000, up to 15 years in prison, or both.

In the state of Wisconsin, disorderly conduct is charged as a Class B misdemeanor or a non-criminal forfeiture. A Class B misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of a $1000 fine, 90 days in jail, or both. A civil forfeiture violation charge results in fines only. Even with no jail time, however, disorderly conduct charges can severely affect your life.

Battery

The classification of battery charges in Wisconsin can vary between misdemeanors and felonies, based on the severity of bodily harm caused and if it has been done intentionally and without the other person’s consent. To gain a better understanding of the potential penalties for battery charges in Wisconsin, work with one of our skilled criminal defense lawyers in Mequon.

There are three different types of battery charges in Wisconsin:

• Battery (Class A misdemeanor): Up to 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine
• Substantial battery (Class I felony): Up to 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Aggravated battery:
  • Class H felony (intent to cause harm): Up to 6 years and $10,000
  • Class E felony (intent to cause great harm): Up to 15 years and $50,000

Under Wisconsin Statute § 940.19(1), any act done with intent to cause bodily harm qualifies as misdemeanor battery. The statute of limitations for misdemeanor battery is 3 years, meaning charges cannot be filed beyond this window.

A battery conviction typically remains on your record for life. Self-defense is a recognized legal strategy when the defendant reasonably believed they were stopping unlawful interference and used only the force necessary.

Strangulation

Strangulation, often tied to domestic violence incidents, is classified as a Class H felony in Wisconsin. It occurs when someone intentionally impedes another person’s breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the neck or blocking airways. Strangulation in Mequon could be penalized with up to a $10,000 fine and/or 6 years in prison for a first offense. The maximum fine for second offense strangulation is $25,000 and the maximum prison sentence for second offense strangulation is 10 years.

The law does not require loss of consciousness or death for prosecution, only proof the defendant’s actions made it harder for the victim to breathe. Strangulation charges often rely on conflicting accounts and time-sensitive evidence, which opens the door for aggressive legal defense.

If convicted, the felony remains on your record for life and may limit job prospects, housing and firearm rights. Self-defense remains a viable strategy if the accused used reasonable force to protect themselves during an altercation.

Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers for Ozaukee County

The domestic violence defense attorneys at Grieve Law are the best resource for men and women facing exaggerated accusations of domestic violence. Our experienced law team has fought these charges before and has a proven track record for getting charges reduced or dismissed outright. 

In addition to legal issues, domestic violence charges can impact your job, your children, and your reputation. While real occurrences of domestic violence should be taken very seriously, false or exaggerated accusations can and do happen. Unfortunately, this type of occurrence is common in unhappy relationships, especially when child custody or property disputes are involved. Tom Grieve is an award-winning Mequon criminal defense lawyer who has served as both a prosecutor and defender for the State of Wisconsin. This experience gives Tom a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, allowing him to help put you in the strongest possible position to defend your case.