Understanding Wisconsin’s Felony Possession Punishments

As in all states in the United States, felony drug possession is a big deal. If law enforcement officials have caught you in possession of illegal drugs, you’re in for an arduous court battle.
Of course, the specific illegal drug that you’re in possession of will affect the severity of your punishment. Marijuana possession doesn’t receive as harsh a penalty as does heroin possession, but they’re both still fairly serious crimes. 
So, what can you expect as a punishment for felony possession of specific drugs?
Here is an explanation of Wisconsin’s felony possession punishments.

What Drugs are Unlawful to Possess in Wisconsin?
While a bevy of different drugs are considered illegal in Wisconsin, a select few drugs are used and punished the most. These drugs include marijuana, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, heroin, and non-prescribed prescription drugs.

Marijuana
While marijuana is slowly being legalized from state to state within the United States, it’s still illegal to possess in many U.S. states in 2017. Wisconsin is one of those states.
Possession of marijuana in the state can yield a number of penalties. For a first offense, at the very least, you’ll be slapped with a small fine and some community service. At the very most, you can face up to 6 months in prison. A first offense is considered a misdemeanor. 
For a second offense, the crime is considered a felony. Being indicted for a second time can result in you spending up to 3 ½ years in prison, and in paying up to $10,000 in fines.

Cocaine
While marijuana possession is a serious offense in the state of Wisconsin, cocaine possession is a very serious offense.
The very first time you’re caught with possession of cocaine, you can be sentenced to up to a year in prison. While first-time possession is considered a misdemeanor, it can still result in you paying a fine of $5,000.
Any subsequent possessions of cocaine are considered a felony. These offenses, like second-time marijuana offenses, can result in you spending up to 3 ½ years in prison, or in paying up to a $10,000 fine.

LSD
In the state of Wisconsin, LSD possession penalties are identical to cocaine possession penalties.
Upon a first offense, your possession will be considered a misdemeanor. This misdemeanor will result in up to a year in prison, and up to $5,000 in fines.
A second offense will be considered a felony, and will be met with much harsher penalties. These penalties include up to 3 ½ years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Methamphetamine
Possession of methamphetamines in Wisconsin is subject to the same penalties as possession of cocaine or LSD.
First-time offenders can receive up to a year in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Second-time offenders can receive up to 3 ½ years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Heroin
In the state of Wisconsin, those who are caught in possession of heroin and heroin-related drugs will be immediately subject to harsh penalties.
First-time offenders can face up to 3 ½ years in prison, and can also face up to $10,000 in fines. Subsequent offenses will result in the same.

Non-Prescribed Prescription Drugs
If you’re caught in possession of prescription drugs which were not prescribed to you, you can receive a number of different penalties.
These penalties are entirely predicated upon what drug you’re in possession of. Each drug carries a slightly different penalty.
Consult us to learn of the potential penalties for these drugs.

Looking to Avoid Wisconsin’s Felony Possession Punishments?
Have you gotten yourself into a situation in which you must fight Wisconsin’s felony possession punishments? Do you live in the Milwaukee area? If so, you’ve arrived in the perfect place.
At Hartley Pecora Law Offices, we know exactly what must be done to save our clients from the repercussions of felony drug possession. Our experienced team of attorneys is well-versed in defending clients against drug charges.
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Contact us to schedule a free consultation today!