Substantial Battery in Wisconsin

If you have charged with battery or substantial battery in Wisconsin, it is necessary to understand what these charges include and what it could mean for you.

Battery vs. Substantial Battery

In Wisconsin, battery is defined as the intentional infliction of bodily harm on another person without their consent. Bodily harm includes physical pain as well as injury, illness, or impairment of any other physical condition.

Substantial battery is a special type of battery that involves more serious injury. The types of injuries that fall into this category are specifically listed out in the statutes. They include:

• • A laceration that requires stitches, staples, or a tissue adhesive
• • Any fracture of a bone
• • A broken nose
• • A burn
• • A petechia
• • A temporary loss of consciousness, sight or hearing
• • A concussion
• • A loss or fracture of a tooth

 
To be charged with a substantial battery, it is necessary that the other party suffered one of these specific injuries. It is not necessary that the person intended to cause those specific injuries. In other words, it is not a defense to substantial battery if you claim that you intended to punch someone but did not intend to knock him unconscious.

Possible Consequences of a Battery Conviction

Simple battery is a misdemeanor offense, carrying no more than nine months in jail. Substantial battery, however, is a felony. If convicted, a person could face a prison sentence of up to three and a half years, and a $10,000 fine.

How We Can Help

If you have been charged with simple or substantial battery, you need the best defense team possible. At Tracey Wood & Associates, we are ready to get to work for you. Contact us today discuss your options.