A Class A felony in Wisconsin carries the most severe penalties under state law, punishable by life imprisonment. Crimes classified as Class A felonies include first-degree intentional homicide and sexual assault of a minor under 13 (Wis. Stat. § 939.50).

Convictions come with permanent consequences, including the loss of civil rights, lifelong restrictions, and no possibility of expungement. If you or a loved one is facing Class A felony charges, you need an experienced criminal defense team to fight for your rights.

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What Is a Class A Felony in Wisconsin?

A Class A felony is the most serious criminal offense in Wisconsin, punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole in most cases. This category is reserved for the most violent crimes, like first-degree intentional homicide and sexual assault of a child under 13 (Wis. Stat. § 939.50). 

Unlike lesser felonies, Class A felony sentencing does not allow fines or probation as an alternative to imprisonment. Anyone facing Class A felony charges should seek skilled legal representation immediately.

Types of Class A Felonies

Grieve Law defends clients against Class A felony charges, including:

• First-Degree Intentional Homicide
• First-Degree Sexual Assault of a Minor Under 13

Prosecutors will aggressively pursue the harshest penalties for these crimes, but you are only guilty if you are convicted. At Grieve Law, we challenge every aspect of the prosecutor’s case to protect your freedom.

 

Defenses for a Class A Felony in Wisconsin

When facing a Class A felony charge, having a knowledgeable defense attorney is critical. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Our defense strategies include:

• Challenging Probable Cause: If the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing, the case cannot proceed to trial.
• Examining Constitutional Violations: If law enforcement violated your rights during arrest, interrogation, or investigation, key evidence may be thrown out.
• Mistaken Identity or Lack of Evidence: In serious cases like homicide or sexual assault, unreliable witness testimony or forensic inconsistencies can lead to wrongful accusations.
• Negotiating Charge Reductions: When applicable, an attorney may fight to have Class A felony charges reduced to lesser offenses.

Grieve Law’s defense strategies focus on getting charges reduced or dismissed before trial whenever possible. This starts with a strong defense at the initial court appearance to help our clients understand their legal options and challenge any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We aggressively pursue motion hearings to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully and contest probable cause determinations. By scrutinizing every stage of the legal process, we build the strongest possible defense to fight for our clients’ freedom.

References: Classification of felonies: Wisconsin Statute § 939.50 (2025)