When Is Criminal Damage to Property a Felony in Wisconsin?

Criminal damage to property is typically a misdemeanor in Wisconsin, but there are times when the damages could result in a felony charge.

Definition of Criminal Damage to Property and Repercussions

Wisconsin defines criminal damage as “Whoever intentionally causes damage to any physical property of another without the person’s consent.” Under the law, this is typically a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties for this charge are jail time for up to 9 months and/or as much as $10,000 in fines.

However, criminal damage to property becomes a Class I felony in Wisconsin if the damage:

• Affects a public roadway or vehicle, which may result in injury to other people or further damage or destruction.
• Affects a public utility or common carrier, and the destruction impairs service delivery.
• Is made to property that belongs to a person who is/was a juror and the damage was caused in reaction to a verdict or indictment.
• Reduces the value of the property by more than $2,500.
• Occurs on state-owned land and affects any “rock-site art”, such as archaeological sites with carvings or paintings on immobile rock surfaces.
• Was a plant or material used to grow a plant and the plant was to be used to feed animals or for commercial purposes.
• Was to a machine that operates with paper or plastic currency, the purpose of the destruction was to steal the money, and the damage decreased the object’s value by between $500 and $2500.

Class I felony criminal damage to property convictions include up to 3 years and 6 months of imprisonment and/or fines of up to $10,000.

If the property that was damaged belonged to an energy provider and was destroyed in order to disrupt goods or services, it may be charged as a Class H felony, which carries imprisonment for up to 6 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Fight Criminal Charges in Wisconsin With Eisenberg Law Offices

If you are facing criminal charges in Wisconsin, you need an experienced defense attorney by your side, advocating for you, protecting your rights, and sharing your side of the story. Contact the team at Eisenberg Law Offices to arrange a free case consultation by calling 608-256-8356 or emailing Info@eisenberglaw.org.