(262) 786-7100
If a felon is convicted of gun possession, the minimum prison sentence could be 10 years. If a Wisconsin resident has no prior record, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit could still lead to a fine not to exceed $10,000 and/or a jail term not to exceed 9 months.
Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
The minimum sentence for firearm possession by a felon has a potential sentence of 10 years in prison. This could be divided into 5 years of initial confinement and 5 years supervision, and/or a $25,000 fine. If the person in question has (1) been previously convicted of committing, soliciting, conspiring, or attempting to commit a felony and (2) committed the offense of possession of a firearm by a felon within five years after completing his sentence, including probation, parole, or extended supervision for a prior felony or violent misdemeanor—then the mandatory sentence is three years of initial confinement.
This law defines “numerous crimes” as “violent felonies,” and also includes “violent misdemeanors” such as battery, endangering safety by use of a firearm, and some crimes against animals.
Tom Grieve is an experienced gun attorney who has appeared as a keynote conference speaker and webinar subject matter consultant for the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA).
Tom Grieve is an experienced gun attorney and zealous 2nd amendment advocate with offices in Madison & Milwaukee. He helps Wisconsin gun owners with:
Possession of Body Armor in Wisconsin
Under Wisconsin Statute 941.291, it is illegal for anyone with a prior violent felony conviction to possess body armor. A first offense is a Class E felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $50,000 in fines. A second offense is a Class D felony, carrying up to 25 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.
If convicted of possessing body armor as a felon, the charge can remain on your record for life. Even a single vest, helmet, or other bulletproof garment could result in permanent consequences.
Defenses include challenging whether the prior conviction qualifies as a “violent felony,” or whether the item in question legally meets the definition of “body armor.” In some cases, exemptions can also provide relief. Grieve Law’s defense attorneys analyze every angle to protect your rights and challenge the charges.
Explosives Possession
Wisconsin Statute 941.31 makes it a Class F felony to make, buy, transport, or possess explosives with criminal intent. Penalties can include up to 12.5 years in prison and fines of $25,000. Possession of improvised explosive devices can be charged separately as a Class H felony.
A conviction for possession of explosives or bomb-making materials can stay on your record for life. Even without the maximum sentence, the record itself may permanently impact your future.
Defense strategies involve challenging the definition of the substance, disputing intent or arguing whether the materials truly qualified as an “explosive device.” Grieve Law has experience reducing or dismissing serious charges, protecting clients from long-term penalties.
Possession of Facsimile Firearms
Under Wisconsin Statute 941.2965, using or displaying a facsimile firearm to alarm, intimidate, or threaten others is a Class C forfeiture, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Although the fine is relatively minor, a conviction for using a facsimile firearm can remain on your record permanently, creating long-term consequences beyond the financial penalty.
Defenses often focus on whether the item met the legal definition of a facsimile firearm or whether the behavior in question actually rose to the level of intimidation or threat. Grieve Law attorneys know how to challenge the evidence and protect your record from lasting damage.
Armor-Piercing Bullets Possession in Wisconsin
Under Wisconsin Statute 941.296, possessing or using armor-piercing bullets during the commission of a crime is a Class H felony. Penalties can include up to 6 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
A conviction for possession of armor-piercing bullets during a crime can stay on your record for life. Even without the maximum penalties, the felony listing creates lasting consequences for employment, reputation and firearm rights.
Defenses involve disputing whether the ammunition qualifies under the statute’s definition, challenging whether it was used or possessed “during the commission of a crime,” or arguing constitutional issues tied to firearm rights. Grieve Law attorneys know how to identify weak points in the state’s case and fight for reduced or dismissed charges.
Possession of a Weaponized Drone
Under Wisconsin Statute 941.292, possession or operation of a weaponized drone is a Class H felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
A conviction for possession of a weaponized drone remains on your record for life. Even without serving the maximum sentence, the felony record can follow you indefinitely.
Defenses include questioning whether the drone was legally classified as “weaponized,” raising issues of ownership versus operation or applying statutory exemptions for armed forces or National Guard. Grieve Law provides strong representation to challenge evidence and protect your record.
Possession of a Short-Barreled Shotgun or Rifle
Wisconsin Statute 941.28 prohibits selling, transporting, purchasing, or possessing short-barreled shotguns and rifles. Violations are charged as a Class H felony, carrying up to 6 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
A conviction for possession of a short-barreled shotgun or rifle remains on your record for life unless strict legal requirements for removal are met.
Defenses include proving an exemption applies, such as lawful registration, compliance with federal licensing requirements or operation by armed forces or law enforcement. Grieve Law attorneys build strong cases to contest unlawful searches, improper classifications, or other weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Possession of a Firearm Without a Permit
For a citizen with no prior record, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit anywhere within the state is a class A misdemeanor, putting you at risk of up to $10,000 in fines, 9 months of jail time, or as much of both as determined by a judge.
Weapons can be openly carried in public, but you must either have a concealed carry license of be a public officer to go inside a public building or place where alcohol is served with a weapon. Violation of this law could result in a class A misdemeanor.
Our criminal defense attorneys have negotiated multiple felonies down to misdemeanors, non-criminal tickets and outright dismissal of charges. Through negotiation or jury trial our Wisconsin criminal defense attorneys faithfully represent your interests to the fullest under criminal law. Grieve Law LLC has the firearm, criminal defense, drug and DUI attorneys in Waukesha and Milwaukee that surrounding areas trust for powerful results. When drunk driving charges and possession of a firearm are combined, consequences can be serious.
Grieve Law is not a general practitioner law firm. Criminal defense is practically everything the firm does. Staffed by criminal defense attorneys who are former prosecutors, our firm understands the letter of the law and how things tend to play out in practice.
If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in greater Milwaukee, please contact us today.
People Are Only Accused If Charged With a Crime
In Wisconsin, how long does a Gun Possession charge stay on your record?
In Wisconsin, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit could cost $10,000 if convicted, but the charges alone could lead to a permanent listing on their record.
