Wisconsin State & US Federal Drug Crime Charges

An Overview Of Drug Related Crimes In Wisconsin

Charges for Wisconsin criminal drug offenses parrallel charges for federal criminal drug offenses - both use schedules to categorize drugs by their potential harm and both provide harsher penalties for more dangerous drugs, although prison sentences are usually harsher for federal convictions than Wisconsin convictions. A person can be charged by both the federal prosecuting attorney and the state of Wisconsin prosecuting attorney for the same drug related crime, as well as tried twice and potentionally convicted twice for the same drug prossession, act of intending to sell or distribute, drug trafficking or manufacture of drugs. Typically, the federal and state prosecuting attorneys will settle on which governement brings the criminal charges, tries the case and goes for the conviction. Seldom, if ever, will criminal drug charges be dismissed, or at least not without a compelling unarguable defense.

Drug Charges Dismissed

The rare dismissal of drug crime charges, whether by a federal or Wisconsin court, requires more than a good defense attorney - dismissals demand billiant lawyering and skillful trial strategies to put conviction out of reach for the prosecution. Recently, the prosecution couldn't reach even one of eight counts brought against Corey Chirafisi's client, and the court dismissed the drug charges two weeks before trial.

Typically, if a person is charged with a drug crime by both the state of Wisconsin and the federal government, the prosecuting attorneys will settle on which government will prosecute the case. Rarely, however do either federal or Wisconsin prosecuting attorney agree to dismiss criminal drug charges. Yet, Attorney Corey Chirafisi has won numerous dismissals for his clients. As well, outright acquittals (not guilty verdicts) are rare in Wisconsin courts and even moreso in federal courts, yet Corey Chirafisi has won numerous trial acquittals for his clients.

Attorney Corey Chirafisi frequently defends people against federal and state drug charges. Federal and state penalties for drug related crimes are similar, both providing schedules of drugs for which penalties are more severe for the worse drugs and less severe for others such as maijuana. Wisconsin courts and judges impose very harsh sentences for drug related crimes, but the federal courts and judges impose even harsher sentences. Federal courts operate under entirely different courtroom rules than do state courts. Federal prosecutors and judges are very familiar with federal sentencing guidelines, penalties and federal courtroom procedures, and so should your attorney. By hiring an attorney who is very familiar with federal court procedures, particular for federal drug cases, you increases your chances of a successful outcome.

Wisconsin Drug Offenses

Drug offenses under Wisconsin laws include illegal drugs, as well as prescription drugs if the prescription is fraudulent or distributed illegally. Attorney Corey Chirafisi handles all types of drug offenses. The more frequently charged drug crimes are listed below. You can click on the bold terms for more information, or click on the links to the left.

• Possession - actual physical possession versus mere knowledge
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with an intent to deliver or sell
• Delivery or Manufacture of Drugs
• Federal drug charges
• Trafficking drugs - within Wisconsin or across state lines
• Distributing controlled substance or prescription drugs without a prescription

Second Or Subsequent Drug Offenses

If a person has a previous conviction for a drug offense, then a second or any subsequent conviction will result in harsher penalties. Please refer to prior drug convictions for more information about the types of convictions that can and cannot be used as a prior drug conviction.

Classification & Schedule

Drug offenses are classified by level of seriousness depending on the weight and type of drug. Drug schedules provide a list of the drug classifications and their related penalties. Wisconsin drug schedules and federal schedules are very similar, and both provide very harsh penalties for any drug conviction.

Criminal Defense Against Drug Crimes

There are several defenses that can be raised when a person is charged with a drug offense. Possession can be challenged. As well, a prior conviction can be challenged. For information about some of the more common defenses, please refer to Drug Crime Defenses.

Contact Wisconsin Drug Defense Attorney Corey Chirafisi

If you have been arrested for a drug related crime such as possession, possession with intent to deliver or sell, delivery, selling, trafficking, or manufacture of a drug, please contact Attorney Corey Chirafisi for a free initial consultation.

Telephone: 608.250.3500
Toll-free: 1.866.514.0647
One North Pinckney Street, Suite 300
Madison, Wisconsin 53703

:: Wisconsin Drug Crimes :: Possession :: Controlled Substance ::
:: Intent :: Delivery :: Selling :: Manufacturing :: Prior Convictions ::
:: Federal Charges :: Crack - Powder Cocaine :: Defenses ::