Facing jail time can be a scary and intimidating experience, especially if you don’t know what to expect. In Wisconsin, the concept of “good time” is important for inmates who want to reduce their sentences. But understanding this term and how it applies to your case can be confusing.
Good time in Wisconsin refers to credits that are given to prisoners for good behavior while they are incarcerated. These credits can reduce an inmate's overall sentence by up to 25%. The amount of credit each prisoner receives depends on factors such as the length of their sentence and any disciplinary infractions they may have had while behind bars.
In order to make sure you receive the maximum possible reduction in your sentence through good-time credits, it is important that you understand exactly how this system works in Wisconsin and comply with all rules during your incarceration period.
Does Good Time Apply to Prison Sentences?
In Wisconsin, good time applies only to county jail sentences and not to prison sentences. This means that if you are sentenced to serve your time in a state prison, good time creditswon’t apply and you will not be able to reduce the amount of time served. However, if your sentence is for a county jail term, then good time credit may be available.
What About Condition Time?
The law governing good time explicitly excludes condition time, meaning that if you are sentenced to probation but a condition of your probation is to serve a set amount of time in jail, you are not entitled to accrue good time as part of that "condition time" served in jail.
How Do I Earn Good Time in Wisconsin?
In order to earn good-time credits in Wisconsin, inmates must be free from disciplinary infractions and follow all rules while behind bars. The maximum number of credits that can be earned varies depending on the length of incarceration and how much “good behavior” was exhibited during this time period.
It's important that you consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you are facing a possible jail sentence. The Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella has extensive experience in criminal law and can help you understand how good time credits may apply to your case. We can also help you ensure that you take the necessary steps during your incarceration period to maximize the amount of good time credits available to reduce your sentence. No matter what type of criminal charge you are facing, it is important that you have experienced legal representation on your side throughout the process.
Contact the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella online or call us at (414) 347-9334 for more information and to discuss your case.
