Felony Murder is an aggravating penalty that is charged when there is evidence that a person accused of a crime may have caused the death of another person while committing one of certain felony offenses.

In order to be found guilty of felony murder, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you caused the death of another human while you were in the process of committing one of several felonies. In Wisconsin, the maximum penalty for felony murder is whatever the penalty for the felony or attempted felony would be plus an additional 15-years imprisonment. For example, if you were in the process of committing a Class B Felony and ended up causing the death of another human, you could be facing a maximum of 55-years imprisonment.

There are a number of possible defenses, which generally include presenting evidence that challenges the State’s argument that you committed the felony underlying the Felony Murder charge, and challenging the evidence suggesting you caused the death of another person. Because each defense can depend on specific facts of each case, which can mean a defense may apply in one case but not another similar case, it is important that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you evaluate the strength of your possible defenses. Please contact an attorney at our firm for a consultation and we look forward to discussing your case in detail.