Battery Defense Lawyers in Madison, Wisconsin

If you have been charged with a violent crime such as battery, you may be sentenced to a significant amount of time in prison and steep fines. Wisconsin law has strict sentencing guidelines and financial penalties for defendants convicted of battery crimes, which can negatively impact your life.

State law stipulates that anyone who intentionally causes great bodily harm to another may be charged with a Class H felony. If convicted, not only can you be incarcerated, but will also be branded a convicted felon. Convicted felons are typically prohibited from legally owning or hunting with a firearm, inability to vote, obtaining gainful employment, and being able to travel abroad.

Casper Mehlos Law Group of Madison, Wisconsin, is a law firm that provides clients with aggressive legal representation to help them fight criminal charges. Contact our law offices and ask to schedule a free consultation with a qualified legal team member who will evaluate your case and determine what legal strategies suit your needs.

What is Considered Battery in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin battery crimes may encompass many different charges depending on the circumstances involved in the case. In essence, Wisconsin law classifies battery as when an individual intentionally causes injury to another person or unborn child.

Misdemeanor Battery

A defendant may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor battery if the defendant intentionally caused bodily harm to the victim without their consent.

Defendants may be charged with misdemeanor battery if the victim suffered scrapes, cuts, or bruises. A Class A misdemeanor battery is punishable by up to 9 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Felony Battery

Felony battery crimes involve the victim suffering significant injuries such as broken bones, fractures, tooth loss, a concussion, long-term impairment, or disfigurement.

The terms substantial battery and great bodily harm are often used in conjunction with felony battery charges.

Substantial battery: Charged as a Class I felony, a defendant could be sentenced to up to three and a half years in prison to 10,000 fines
Aggravated battery: Causing bodily harm to another may be charged as a Class H or Class E felony. A Class H felony is punishable by up to a 6-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. A Class E felony, which involves the intent to cause great bodily harm, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $50,000

What is the Difference Between Substantial Battery and Great Bodily Harm?

In battery cases, there are several terms that defendants should be familiar with to understand their charges better. Some of the most common terms include:

Substantial bodily harm to another: Bodily harm in which the victim may suffer a concussion, loss of consciousness, tooth loss, or that requires stitches or staples.
Great bodily harm to another: Bodily harm that causes permanent disfigurement, impairment to a body part or organ, or imminent risk to the victim’s life.

Because substantial or great bodily harm charges often occur due to violence in personal relationships, battery crimes are often considered domestic violence, and defendants may face additional charges.

If any of the charges related to bodily harm occur during a domestic violence incident, a defendant can face a felony conviction. Even if the crime is charged as misdemeanor battery, a domestic violence charge added on can impact a defendant’s right and ability to legally own firearms and pay steep fines.

For these reasons, it is imperative that anyone charged with a battery crime hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to have the charge lowered or dismissed.

Are There Any Legal Defenses to Battery Charges?

Because Wisconsin law imposes serious consequences on those convicted of battery crimes, defendants must hire a skilled defense attorney to safeguard their rights and freedom.

Attorneys can utilize several battery defense strategies to try to help clients. These legal defenses include:

Self-defense: The defendant was in danger of being harmed or suffering great bodily injury and used a reasonable amount of force to defend themselves or others
Defense of property: The defendant used force to protect their property if another person unlawfully tries to take it or attack it
Consent: The alleged victim gave consent to the bodily harm, and therefore there is no crime
Mistaken identity: A battery defense attorney can present evidence that the victim misidentified the defendant, and they are not guilty of the charges.

If you have been charged with a battery offense, you must hire a defense attorney who has experience representing clients charged with violent crimes. Contact our Madison, Wisconsin, law office immediately to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can assist you.

Why is Your Criminal Defense Lawyer the Best Choice for My Legal Needs?

Battery charges can result from various situations and can be charged in several different ways, such as intent to cause bodily harm or with special circumstances, such as when the perpetrator used a dangerous weapon.

Regardless of how or why you are charged with battery, it is critical that you hire a well-experienced lawyer to defend your case. Convictions for violations of Wisconsin battery laws can result in you being sentenced to jail or prison, damaging your personal and professional reputation.

Casper Mehlos Law Group is a criminal defense law firm that tirelessly defends clients accused of violent crimes. If we agree to take your case, we will conduct an independent investigation to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case and determine appropriate defense strategies.

If you have been arrested on a battery charge, contact our Madison, Wisconsin, law offices at (608) 820-8926 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation so that we may review your case.