Misdemeanor Battery Defense Lawyer in Wisconsin
Charged with Misdemeanor Battery under Wis. Stat. § 940.60(1)? Even a first-offense conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Early legal representation can be critical to protecting your rights and avoiding unnecessary consequences.
What the Law Says About Misdemeanor Battery in Wisconsin
Under Wis. Stat. § 940.60(1) (Formerly codified at Wis. Stat. § 940.19), Battery occurs when a person causes bodily harm to another by an act done with intent to cause bodily harm to that person or another, without the consent of the person so harmed.
What the State Must Prove to Convict on a Misdemeanor Battery Charge
To convict on a Misdemeanor Battery charge in Wisconsin, the prosecution must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- The defendant caused bodily harm to another.
- “Bodily harm” means physical pain, injury, illness, or impairment of physical condition.
- The defendant intended to cause bodily harm.
- The act was done without the victim’s consent.
- The defendant knew the victim did not consent.
These elements are detailed in Wisconsin Jury Instruction – Criminal 1220 Battery.
Penalties and Sentencing for Misdemeanor Battery in Wisconsin
Misdemeanor Battery is classified as a Class A misdemeanor under Wisconsin law and carries potential jail time and significant collateral consequences, even for first-time offenders.
- Up to 9 months jail
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Probation, community service, or counseling
- Possible no-contact and firearm restrictions if charged as an act of Domestic Abuse
Beyond the statutory penalties, a misdemeanor battery conviction can result in employment barriers, background-check issues, housing difficulties, and immigration consequences.
REQUEST A FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
Defenses and Legal Strategies for Misdemeanor Battery Charges
Misdemeanor Battery cases frequently turn on disputed facts, credibility assessments, and whether the State can prove intent and lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt. Effective defense strategies may include:
Related Battery Offenses in Wisconsin
Misdemeanor Battery is part of Wisconsin’s broader battery offense framework, which includes charges that escalate based on injury severity, intent, and the status of the alleged victim. A full overview of Wisconsin battery laws and how these charges differ is available on our Wisconsin Battery Charges page.
Related battery offenses include:
- Substantial Battery – § 940.60(2)
- Aggravated Battery – § 940.60(3)
- Battery by Prisoner or Person Subject to an Injunction – Wis. Stat. § 940.61
- Battery to Law Enforcement, Judges & Protected Persons – § 940.62
Why Hiring a Battery Defense Lawyer Matters
Even though Misdemeanor Battery is not a felony, a conviction can still carry serious and lasting consequences. Jail time, probation conditions, no-contact orders, and a permanent criminal record can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Early involvement by an experienced defense attorney can often determine whether a case is dismissed, reduced, or resolved without a conviction.
Misdemeanor Battery Case Results
View more case results from the attorneys at Chirafisi Anderson, S.C.
Contact Chirafisi Anderson, S.C.
A misdemeanor battery charge can have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. Jail exposure, probation conditions, no-contact orders, and a permanent criminal record can affect your employment, housing, and future opportunities. An experienced defense attorney can intervene early to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. represents individuals charged with misdemeanor battery and other battery offenses throughout Southern and Central Wisconsin, including Dane, Rock, Iowa, Green, Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson, and Sauk Counties.