Chapter 961

961.453 History History: 2005 a. 14, 262.

961.455 961.455 Using a child for illegal drug distribution or manufacturing purposes.

961.455(1) (1) Any person who has attained the age of 17 years who knowingly solicits, hires, directs, employs or uses a person who is under the age of 17 years for the purpose of violating s. 961.41 (1) is guilty of a Class F felony.

961.455(2) (2) The knowledge requirement under sub. (1) does not require proof of knowledge of the age of the child. It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the actor mistakenly believed that the person solicited, hired, directed, employed or used under sub. (1) had attained the age of 18 years, even if the mistaken belief was reasonable.

961.455(3) (3) Solicitation under sub. (1) occurs in the manner described under s. 939.30, but the penalties under sub. (1) apply instead of the penalties under s. 939.30.

961.455(4) (4) If the conduct described under sub. (1) results in a violation under s. 961.41 (1), the actor is subject to prosecution and conviction under s. 961.41 (1) or this section or both.

961.455 History History: 1989 a. 121; 1991 a. 153; 1995 a. 27; 1995 a. 448 ss. 273 to 275; Stats. 1995 s. 961.455; 1997 a. 283; 2001 a. 109.

961.46 961.46 Distribution to persons under age 18. If a person 17 years of age or over violates s. 961.41 (1) by distributing or delivering a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog to a person 17 years of age or under who is at least 3 years his or her junior, the applicable maximum term of imprisonment prescribed under s. 961.41 (1) for the offense may be increased by not more than 5 years.

961.46 History History: 1971 c. 219; 1985 a. 328; 1987 a. 339; 1989 a. 121; 1993 a. 98, 118, 490; 1995 a. 27; 1995 a. 448 ss. 276 to 279; Stats. 1995 s. 961.46; 1999 a. 48, 57; 2001 a. 109.

961.47 961.47 Conditional discharge for possession or attempted possession as first offense.

961.47(1) (1) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any offense under this chapter, or of any offense under any statute of the United States or of any state or of any county ordinance relating to controlled substances or controlled substance analogs, narcotic drugs, marijuana or stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic drugs, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of possession or attempted possession of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog under s. 961.41 (3g) (b), the court, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the accused, may defer further proceedings and place him or her on probation upon terms and conditions. Upon violation of a term or condition, the court may enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided. Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against him or her. Discharge and dismissal under this section shall be without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime, including the additional penalties imposed for 2nd or subsequent convictions under s. 961.48. There may be only one discharge and dismissal under this section with respect to any person.

961.47(2) (2) Within 20 days after probation is granted under this section, the clerk of court shall notify the department of justice of the name of the individual granted probation and any other information required by the department. This report shall be upon forms provided by the department.

961.47 History History: 1971 c. 219; 1985 a. 29; 1989 a. 121; 1991 a. 39; 1995 a. 448 s. 285; Stats. 1995 s. 961.47.

961.47 Annotation A disposition of probation without entering a judgment of guilt was not appealable because there was no judgment. If a defendant desires either a final judgment or order in the nature of a final judgment for appeal purposes, the defendant has only to withhold consent. State v. Ryback, 64 Wis. 2d 574, 219 N.W.2d 263 (1974).

961.47 Annotation The reference to s. 161.41 (3) [now s. 961.41 (3g) (b)] in sub. (1) means that proceedings may only be deferred for convictions for crimes encompassed by s. 161.41 (3) [now s. 961.41 (3g) (b)]. State v. Boyer, 198 Wis. 2d 837, 543 N.W.2d 562 (Ct. App. 1995), 95-0624.

961.472 961.472 Assessment; certain possession or attempted possession offenses.

961.472(1) (1) In this section, “facility” means an approved public treatment facility, as defined under s. 51.45 (2) (c).

961.472(2) (2) Except as provided in sub. (5), if a person pleads guilty or is found guilty of possession or attempted possession of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog under s. 961.41 (3g) (am), (c), (d), or (g), the court shall order the person to comply with an assessment of the person’s use of controlled substances. The court’s order shall designate a facility that is operated by or pursuant to a contract with the county department established under s. 51.42 and that is certified by the department of health services to provide assessment services to perform the assessment and, if appropriate, to develop a proposed treatment plan. The court shall notify the person that noncompliance with the order limits the court’s ability to determine whether the treatment option under s. 961.475 is appropriate. The court shall also notify the person of the fee provisions under s. 46.03 (18) (fm).

961.472(3) (3) The facility shall submit an assessment report within 14 days to the court. At the request of the facility, the court may extend the time period by not more than 20 additional workdays. The assessment report may include a proposed treatment plan.

961.472(4) (4) The court shall consider the assessment report in determining whether the treatment option under s. 961.475 is appropriate.

961.472(5) (5) The court is not required to enter an order under sub. (2) if any of the following applies:

961.472(5)(a) (a) The court finds that the person is already covered by or has recently completed an assessment under this section or a substantially similar assessment.

961.472(5)(b) (b) The person is participating in a substance abuse treatment program that meets the requirements of s. 165.95 (3), as determined by the department of justice under s. 165.95 (9) and (10).

961.472 History History: 1985 a. 328; 1987 a. 339; 1989 a. 121; 1993 a. 118; 1995 a. 27 s. 9126 (19); 1995 a. 448 s. 286; Stats. 1995 s. 961.472; 1999 a. 48; 2001 a. 109; 2003 a. 49; 2005 a. 25; 2007 a. 20 s. 9121 (6) (a); 2013 a. 20.

961.473 961.473 Victim impact panels. If a person pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this chapter, the court may order the person to attend a program, such as a victim impact panel, that demonstrates the adverse effects of substance abuse on an individual or an individual’s family in addition to any forfeiture or penalty imposed. The court may order the defendant to pay a reasonable fee, based on the person’s ability to pay, to offset the costs of assembling and holding the program ordered under this section.

961.473 History History: 2017 a. 261.

961.475 961.475 Treatment option. Whenever any person pleads guilty to or is found guilty of possession or attempted possession of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog under s. 961.41 (3g), the court may, upon request of the person and with the consent of a treatment facility with special inpatient or outpatient programs for the treatment of drug dependent persons, allow the person to enter the treatment programs voluntarily for purposes of treatment and rehabilitation. Treatment shall be for the period the treatment facility feels is necessary and required, but shall not exceed the maximum sentence allowable unless the person consents to the continued treatment. At the end of the necessary and required treatment, with the consent of the court, the person may be released from sentence. If treatment efforts are ineffective or the person ceases to cooperate with treatment rehabilitation efforts, the person may be remanded to the court for completion of sentencing.

961.475 History History: 1971 c. 219, 336; 1985 a. 328; 1987 a. 339; 1989 a. 121; 1993 a. 118; 1995 a. 448 s. 287; Stats. 1995 s. 961.475.

961.48 961.48 Second or subsequent offenses.

961.48(1) (1) If a person is charged under sub. (2m) with a felony offense under this chapter that is a 2nd or subsequent offense as provided under sub. (3) and the person is convicted of that 2nd or subsequent offense, the maximum term of imprisonment for the offense may be increased as follows:

961.48(1)(a) (a) By not more than 6 years, if the offense is a Class C or D felony.

961.48(1)(b) (b) By not more than 4 years, if the offense is a Class E, F, G, H, or I felony.

961.48(2m) (2m) 

961.48(2m)(a) (a) Whenever a person charged with a felony offense under this chapter may be subject to a conviction for a 2nd or subsequent offense, he or she is not subject to an enhanced penalty under sub. (1) unless any applicable prior convictions are alleged in the complaint, indictment or information or in an amended complaint, indictment or information that is filed under par. (b) 1. A person is not subject to an enhanced penalty under sub. (1) for an offense if an allegation of applicable prior convictions is withdrawn by an amended complaint filed under par. (b) 2.

961.48(2m)(b) (b) Notwithstanding s. 971.29 (1), at any time before entry of a guilty or no contest plea or the commencement of a trial, a district attorney may file without leave of the court an amended complaint, information or indictment that does any of the following:

961.48(2m)(b)1. 1. Charges an offense as a 2nd or subsequent offense under this chapter by alleging any applicable prior convictions.

961.48(2m)(b)2. 2. Withdraws the charging of an offense as a 2nd or subsequent offense under this chapter by withdrawing an allegation of applicable prior convictions.

961.48(3) (3) For purposes of this section, a felony offense under this chapter is considered a 2nd or subsequent offense if, prior to the offender’s conviction of the offense, the offender has at any time been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor offense under this chapter or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to controlled substances or controlled substance analogs, narcotic drugs, marijuana or depressant, stimulant or hallucinogenic drugs.

961.48(5) (5) This section does not apply if the person is presently charged with a felony under s. 961.41 (3g) (c), (d), (e), or (g).

961.48 History History: 1971 c. 219; 1985 a. 328; 1987 a. 339; 1989 a. 121; 1993 a. 98, 118, 482, 490; 1995 a. 402; 1995 a. 448 s. 288; Stats. 1995 s. 961.48; 1997 a. 35 ss. 340, 584; 1997 a. 220; 1999 a. 48; 2001 a. 109; 2003 a. 49.

961.48 Annotation The trial court erred in imposing a second sentence on a defendant convicted of a second violation of ss. 161.41 (1) (a) and 161.14 (3) (k) [now ss. 961.41 (1) (a) and 961.14 (3) (k)]. While the repeater statute, s. 161.48 [now this section], allows imposition of a penalty not exceeding twice that allowable for a first offense, it does not of itself create a crime and cannot support a separate and independent sentence. Olson v. State, 69 Wis. 2d 605, 230 N.W.2d 634 (1975).

961.48 Annotation For offenses under ch. 161 [now this chapter], the court may apply this section or s. 939.62, but not both. State v. Ray, 166 Wis. 2d 855, 481 N.W.2d 288 (Ct. App. 1992).

961.48 Annotation In sentencing a defendant when the maximum sentence is doubled under this section, the court considers the same factors it considers in all sentencing, including prior convictions. State v. Canadeo, 168 Wis. 2d 559, 484 N.W.2d 340 (Ct. App. 1992).

961.48 Annotation Sentencing under this section was improper when the defendant did not admit a prior conviction and the state did not offer proof of one. State v. Coolidge, 173 Wis. 2d 783, 496 N.W.2d 701 (Ct. App. 1993).

961.48 Annotation Conviction under this section for a second or subsequent offense does not require proof of the prior offense at trial beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Miles, 221 Wis. 2d 56, 584 N.W.2d 703 (Ct. App. 1998), 97-1364.

961.48 Annotation A conviction for possessing drug paraphernalia under s. 961.573 qualifies as a prior offense under sub. (3). State v. Moline, 229 Wis. 2d 38, 598 N.W.2d 929 (Ct. App. 1999), 98-2176.

961.48 Annotation A defendant convicted of a second or subsequent controlled substance offense is subject to the penalty enhancements provided for in both s. 939.62 and sub. (2) if the application of each enhancer is based on a separate and distinct prior conviction or convictions. State v. Maxey, 2003 WI App 94, 264 Wis. 2d 878, 663 N.W.2d 811, 02-1171. But see State v. Hailes, 2023 WI App 29, 408 Wis. 2d 465, 992 N.W.2d 835, 21-1339.

961.48 Annotation The use of the word “or” in s. 973.01 (2) (c) 2. c. contrasts with the use of the word “and” in s. 973.01 (2) (c) 2. a. The use of the word “or” indicates that only one of the penalty enhancers found in this section and s. 939.62 (1) can apply, but not both. State v. Hailes, 2023 WI App 29, 408 Wis. 2d 465, 992 N.W.2d 835, 21-1339.

961.49 961.49 Offenses involving intent to deliver or distribute a controlled substance on or near certain places.

961.49(1m) (1m) If any person violates s. 961.41 (1) (cm), (d), (dm), (e), (f), (g) or (h) by delivering or distributing, or violates s. 961.41 (1m) (cm), (d), (dm), (e), (f), (g) or (h) by possessing with intent to deliver or distribute, cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, a fentanyl analog, heroin, phencyclidine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocin, psilocybin, amphetamine, methamphetamine, methcathinone or any form of tetrahydrocannabinols or a controlled substance analog of any of these substances and the delivery, distribution or possession takes place under any of the following circumstances, the maximum term of imprisonment prescribed by law for that crime may be increased by 5 years:

961.49(1m)(a) (a) While the person is in or on the premises of a scattered-site public housing project.

961.49(1m)(b) (b) While the person is in or on or otherwise within 1,000 feet of any of the following:

961.49(1m)(b)1. 1. A state, county, city, village or town park.

961.49(1m)(b)2. 2. A jail or correctional facility.

961.49(1m)(b)3. 3. A multiunit public housing project.

961.49(1m)(b)4. 4. A swimming pool open to members of the public.

961.49(1m)(b)5. 5. A youth center or a community center.

961.49(1m)(b)6. 6. Any private or public school premises and any premises of a tribal school, as defined in s. 115.001 (15m).

961.49(1m)(b)7. 7. A school bus, as defined in s. 340.01 (56).

961.49(1m)(c) (c) While the person is in or on the premises of an approved treatment facility, as defined in s. 51.01 (2), that provides alcohol and other drug abuse treatment.

961.49(1m)(d) (d) While the person is within 1,000 feet of the premises of an approved treatment facility, as defined in s. 51.01 (2), that provides alcohol and other drug abuse treatment, if the person knows or should have known that he or she is within 1,000 feet of the premises of the facility or if the facility is readily recognizable as a facility that provides alcohol and other drug abuse treatment.

961.49(2m) (2m) If any person violates s. 961.65 and, during the violation, the person intends to deliver or distribute methamphetamine or a controlled substance analog of methamphetamine under any of the circumstances listed under sub. (1m) (a), (b), (c), or (d), the maximum term of imprisonment for that crime is increased by 5 years.

961.49 History History: 1985 a. 328; 1987 a. 332, 339, 403; 1989 a. 31, 107, 121; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 87, 98, 118, 281, 490, 491; 1995 a. 448 s. 289, 491; Stats. 1995 s. 961.49; 1997 a. 283, 327; 1999 a. 32, 48, 57; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 14; 2009 a. 302; 2021 a. 179.

961.49 Annotation Scienter is not an element of this section. State v. Hermann, 164 Wis. 2d 269, 474 N.W.2d 906 (Ct. App. 1991).

961.49 Annotation A university campus is not a “school” within the meaning of s. 161.49 [now this section]. State v. Andrews, 171 Wis. 2d 217, 491 N.W.2d 504 (Ct. App. 1992).

961.49 Annotation Anyone who passes within a zone listed in sub. (1) [now sub. (1m)] while in possession of a controlled substance with an intent to deliver it somewhere is subject to the penalty enhancer provided by this section whether or not the arrest is made within the zone and whether or not there is an intent to deliver the controlled substance within the zone. State v. Rasmussen, 195 Wis. 2d 109, 536 N.W.2d 106 (Ct. App. 1995), 94-2400.

961.49 Annotation School “premises” begin at the school property line. State v. Hall, 196 Wis. 2d 850, 540 N.W.2d 219 (Ct. App. 1995), 94-2848.

961.49 Annotation The penalty enhancer for sales close to parks does not violate due process and is not unconstitutionally vague. The ordinary meaning of “parks” includes undeveloped parks. Proximity to a park is rationally related to protecting public health and safety from drug sale activities. State v. Lopez, 207 Wis. 2d 413, 559 N.W.2d 264 (Ct. App. 1996), 95-3250.

961.49 Annotation Day care centers are a subset of “youth centers” as defined in s. 961.01 (22) and come within the definition of places listed in sub. (2). State v. Van Riper, 222 Wis. 2d 197, 586 N.W.2d 198 (Ct. App. 1998), 97-3367.

961.49 Annotation This section contains two elemental facts, a distance requirement and a particularized protected place, both of which must be submitted to the jury and proven beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Harvey, 2002 WI 93, 254 Wis. 2d 442, 647 N.W.2d 189, 00-0541.

961.495 961.495 Possession or attempted possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places. If any person violates s. 961.41 (3g) by possessing or attempting to possess a controlled substance included in schedule I or II, a controlled substance analog of a controlled substance included in schedule I or II or ketamine or flunitrazepam while in or on the premises of a scattered-site public housing project, while in or on or otherwise within 1,000 feet of a state, county, city, village, or town park, a jail or correctional facility, a multiunit public housing project, a swimming pool open to members of the public, a youth center or a community center, while in or on or otherwise within 1,000 feet of any private or public school premises or of any premises of a tribal school, as defined in s. 115.001 (15m), or while in or on or otherwise within 1,000 feet of a school bus, as defined in s. 340.01 (56), the court shall, in addition to any other penalties that may apply to the crime, impose 100 hours of community service work for a public agency or a nonprofit charitable organization. The court shall ensure that the defendant is provided a written statement of the terms of the community service order and that the community service order is monitored. Any organization or agency acting in good faith to which a defendant is assigned pursuant to an order under this section has immunity from any civil liability in excess of $25,000 for acts or omissions by or impacting on the defendant.

961.495 History History: 1989 a. 31, 121; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 87, 118, 281, 490; 1995 a. 448 s. 290; Stats. 1995 s. 961.495; 1999 a. 57; 2009 a. 302.

961.50 961.50 Suspension or revocation of operating privilege.

961.50(1) (1) If a person is convicted of any violation of this chapter, the court may, in addition to any other penalties that may apply to the crime, suspend the person’s operating privilege, as defined in s. 340.01 (40), for not less than 6 months nor more than 5 years. If a court suspends a person’s operating privilege under this subsection, the court may take possession of any suspended license. If the court takes possession of a license, it shall destroy the license. The court shall forward to the department of transportation the record of conviction and notice of the suspension. The person is eligible for an occupational license under s. 343.10 as follows:

961.50(1)(a) (a) For the first such conviction, at any time.

961.50(1)(b) (b) For a 2nd conviction within a 5-year period, after the first 60 days of the suspension or revocation period.

961.50(1)(c) (c) For a 3rd or subsequent conviction within a 5-year period, after the first 90 days of the suspension or revocation period.

961.50(2) (2) For purposes of counting the number of convictions under sub. (1), convictions under the law of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state, federal law or the law of another jurisdiction, as defined in s. 343.32 (1m) (a), for any offense therein which, if the person had committed the offense in this state and been convicted of the offense under the laws of this state, would have required suspension or revocation of such person’s operating privilege under this section, shall be counted and given the effect specified under sub. (1). The 5-year period under this section shall be measured from the dates of the violations which resulted in the convictions.

961.50(3) (3) If the person’s license or operating privilege is currently suspended or revoked or the person does not currently possess a valid operator’s license issued under ch. 343, the suspension or revocation under this section is effective on the date on which the person is first eligible for issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of an operator’s license under ch. 343.

961.50 History History: 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 16, 480; 1995 a. 448 s. 291; Stats. 1995 s. 961.50; 1997 a. 84; 2009 a. 8, 103; 2011 a. 258.

subch. V of ch. 961 SUBCHAPTER V

ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

961.51 961.51 Powers of enforcement personnel.

961.51(1) (1) Any officer or employee of the pharmacy examining board designated by the examining board may:

961.51(1)(a) (a) Execute and serve search warrants, arrest warrants, administrative inspection warrants, subpoenas and summonses issued under the authority of this state;

961.51(1)(b) (b) Make arrests without warrant for any offense under this chapter committed in the officer’s or employee’s presence, or if the officer or employee has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing a violation of this chapter which may constitute a felony; and

961.51(1)(c) (c) Make seizures of property pursuant to this chapter.

961.51(2) (2) This section does not affect the responsibility of law enforcement officers and agencies to enforce this chapter, nor the authority granted the department of justice under s. 165.70.

961.51 History History: 1971 c. 219; 1985 a. 29; 1993 a. 482; 1995 a. 448 s. 293; Stats. 1995 s. 961.51.