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Every Level Of Battery Has Serious Consequences

In Wisconsin, there are several different types of battery offenses. The most commonly charged battery is sometimes referred to as “simple battery” — which is the intentional causing of pain to another person without their consent. Simple battery is a misdemeanor offense, and carries a maximum penalty of nine months in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.

Aggravated And Substantial Battery

There are additional, more serious types of battery in Wisconsin, including:
  • Aggravated battery
  • Substantial battery
Both aggravated and substantial battery charges are felonies. Generally speaking, if the alleged victim in a case receives injuries constituting any of the following, they will be charged with a felony:
  • A broken bone
  • A laceration requiring stitches
  • Loss of consciousness and/or hearing
  • Internal injuries

Aggravated battery can bring penalties of 10-15 years in prison, and $10,000 to $50,000 in fines depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Substantial battery carries punishments of 3 1/2 years’ imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines.

Wisconsin does offer the affirmative defense of self-defense in battery cases. This defense requires the defendant to show that he reasonably believed that his safety was at risk, and that he used the minimal amount of force necessary to prevent harm to himself or another person. The latter portion of the self-defense law is commonly referred to as “defense of others.”

Contact A Battery Lawyer

Aggravated and substantial battery charges in Wisconsin are serious offenses that bring serious penalties. If you’ve been charge with one of these crimes you could be facing massive fines or jail time. Call our Madison defense attorneys for a free 30-minute initial consultation. Call 608-471-5003 or send us an email.