Wisconsin Theft Laws and Penalty - Huppertz and Powers

In Wisconsin, there is a long list of ways to commit theft. To go along with this long list of violations, there’s also a long list of penalties for the various levels of severity. Because Wisconsin theft laws are so thorough it can be hard to know which category a theft crime might fall into.

In Wisconsin, Theft offenses are charged as like in many states. According to value or service theft offense classified.

Defining Theft Under Wisconsin Law

Intentionally taking the movable property of another person without their consent with the intent of permanently depriving them of that property.

Converting the use of property from one person to another without the owner’s consent, including (but not limited to) doing so because of a person’s office or position.

Intentionally and without consent, taking property from another who has a right to possession of the property.

Obtaining title to another’s property by intentionally deceiving the person with false representation, made with the intent to defraud, or

Intentionally failing to return any personal property in the person’s possession due to a lease or rental agreement. (Wis. Stat. § 943.20.)

Source: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2005/statutes/index/index/l/larceny

Ways to commit theft in Wisconsin

Converting to a person’s own use the property of another as a result of the person’s office or position, without the owner’s consent.

Obtaining title to another’s property by intentionally deceiving the person with false representation, made with the intent to defraud.

Intentionally failing to return any personal property in the person’s possession due to a lease or rental agreement.

Intentionally taking the property of another without the owner’s consent, and with the intent of permanently depriving the owner.

Taking property from another who has a right to possession of the property, intentionally and without consent.

Penalties for Theft in Wisconsin

When it comes to penalties, in Wisconsin theft laws the punishment must fit the crime. The penalty will typically depend on how valuable the items stolen are. The more valuable, the more severe the punishment will be.

Value	Classification	Penalty
Under $100	Not a criminal charge	Ticket
Under $2,500	Class A Misdemeanor	Up to $10,000 fine, up to nine months in jail
$2,500-$5,000	Class I Felony	Up to $10,000 fine, up to three and a half years in jail
$5,000-$10,000	Class H Felony	Up to $10,000 fine, up to six years in jail
$5,000-$10,000	Class G Felony	Up to $25,000 fine, up to 10 years in jail

In addition to these charges, you can also be held liable for the cost of the stolen goods, damages, and legal fees of the owner.

If you have been charged with theft in Wisconsin, no matter how small the amount, you need a trustworthy lawyer who has experience in Wisconsin theft laws. The lawyers at Huppertz & Powers “Waukesha Criminal Defense Attorney” know what it takes to win your theft case.