Chapter 961

961.41(1q) (1q) Penalty relating to tetrahydrocannabinols in certain cases. Under s. 961.49 (2), 1999 stats., and subs. (1) (h) and (1m) (h), if different penalty provisions apply to a person depending on whether the weight of tetrahydrocannabinols or the number of plants containing tetrahydrocannabinols is considered, the greater penalty provision applies.

961.41(1r) (1r) Determining weight of substance. In determining amounts under s. 961.49 (2) (b), 1999 stats., and subs. (1) and (1m), an amount includes the weight of cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, a fentanyl analog, heroin, phencyclidine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocin, psilocybin, amphetamine, methamphetamine, tetrahydrocannabinols, synthetic cannabinoids, or substituted cathinones, or any controlled substance analog of any of these substances together with any compound, mixture, diluent, plant material or other substance mixed or combined with the controlled substance or controlled substance analog. In addition, in determining amounts under subs. (1) (h) and (1m) (h), the amount of tetrahydrocannabinols means anything included under s. 961.14 (4) (t) and includes the weight of any marijuana.

961.41(1x) (1x) Conspiracy. Any person who conspires, as specified in s. 939.31, to commit a crime under sub. (1) (cm) to (h) or (1m) (cm) to (h) is subject to the applicable penalties under sub. (1) (cm) to (h) or (1m) (cm) to (h).

961.41(2) (2) Counterfeit substances. Except as authorized by this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to create, manufacture, distribute, deliver or possess with intent to distribute or deliver, a counterfeit substance. Any person who violates this subsection is subject to the following penalties:

961.41(2)(a) (a) Counterfeit schedule I and II narcotic drugs. If a person violates this subsection with respect to a counterfeit substance included in schedule I or II which is a narcotic drug, the person is guilty of a Class E felony.

961.41(2)(b) (b) Counterfeit schedule I, II, III, and IV drugs. Except as provided in pars. (bm) and (cm), if a person violates this subsection with respect to any other counterfeit substance included in schedule I, II, III, or IV, the person is guilty of a Class H felony.

961.41(2)(bm) (bm) Counterfeit of phencyclidine and certain other drugs. If a person violates this subsection with respect to a counterfeit substance that is a counterfeit of phencyclidine, methamphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxy-beta-phenylethylamine, 4-methylthioamphetamine, or ketamine, the person is subject to the applicable fine and imprisonment for manufacture, distribution, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or deliver, of the genuine controlled substance under sub. (1) or (1m).

961.41(2)(cm) (cm) Counterfeit flunitrazepam. If a person violates this subsection with respect to a counterfeit substance that is flunitrazepam, the person is subject to the applicable fine and imprisonment for manufacture, distribution, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or deliver, of the genuine controlled substance under sub. (1) or (1m).

961.41(2)(d) (d) Counterfeit schedule V drugs. If a person violates this subsection with respect to a counterfeit substance included in schedule V, the person is guilty of a Class I felony.

961.41(3g) (3g) Possession. No person may possess or attempt to possess a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog unless the person obtains the substance or the analog directly from, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order of, a practitioner who is acting in the course of his or her professional practice, or unless the person is otherwise authorized by this chapter to possess the substance or the analog. Any person who violates this subsection is subject to the following penalties:

961.41(3g)(am) (am) Schedule I and II narcotic drugs. If a person possesses or attempts to possess a controlled substance included in schedule I or II which is a narcotic drug, or a controlled substance analog of a controlled substance included in schedule I or II which is a narcotic drug, the person is guilty of a Class I felony.

961.41(3g)(b) (b) Other drugs generally. Except as provided in pars. (c) to (g), if the person possesses or attempts to possess a controlled substance or controlled substance analog, other than a controlled substance included in schedule I or II that is a narcotic drug or a controlled substance analog of a controlled substance included in schedule I or II that is a narcotic drug, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable under s. 939.61.

961.41(3g)(c) (c) Cocaine and cocaine base. If a person possesses or attempts to possess cocaine or cocaine base, or a controlled substance analog of cocaine or cocaine base, the person shall be fined not more than $5,000 and may be imprisoned for not more than one year in the county jail upon a first conviction and is guilty of a Class I felony for a 2nd or subsequent offense. For purposes of this paragraph, an offense 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 under this chapter or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to controlled substances, controlled substance analogs, narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogenic drugs.

961.41(3g)(d) (d) Certain hallucinogenic and stimulant drugs. If a person possesses or attempts to possess lysergic acid diethylamide, phencyclidine, amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methcathinone, cathinone, N-benzylpiperazine, a substance specified in s. 961.14 (4) (a) to (h), (m) to (q), (sm), (u) to (xb), or (7) (L), psilocin, or psilocybin, or a controlled substance analog of lysergic acid diethylamide, phencyclidine, amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methcathinone, cathinone, N-benzylpiperazine, a substance specified in s. 961.14 (4) (a) to (h), (m) to (q), (sm), (u) to (xb), or (7) (L), psilocin, or psilocybin, the person may be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year in the county jail or both upon a first conviction and is guilty of a Class I felony for a 2nd or subsequent offense. For purposes of this paragraph, an offense 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 under this chapter or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to controlled substances, controlled substance analogs, narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogenic drugs.

961.41(3g)(e) (e) Tetrahydrocannabinols. If a person possesses or attempts to possess tetrahydrocannabinols included under s. 961.14 (4) (t), or a controlled substance analog of tetrahydrocannabinols, the person may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months or both upon a first conviction and is guilty of a Class I felony for a 2nd or subsequent offense. For purposes of this paragraph, an offense 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 under this chapter or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to controlled substances, controlled substance analogs, narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogenic drugs.

961.41(3g)(em) (em) Synthetic cannabinoids. If a person possesses or attempts to possess a controlled substance specified in s. 961.14 (4) (tb), or a controlled substance analog of a controlled substance specified in s. 961.14 (4) (tb), the person may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months or both upon a first conviction and is guilty of a Class I felony for a 2nd or subsequent offense. For purposes of this paragraph, an offense 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 under this chapter or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to controlled substances, controlled substance analogs, narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogenic drugs.

961.41(3g)(f) (f) Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, ketamine, or flunitrazepam. If a person possesses or attempts to possess gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, ketamine or flunitrazepam, the person is guilty of a Class H felony.

961.41(3g)(g) (g) Methamphetamine. If a person possesses or attempts to possess methamphetamine or a controlled substance analog of methamphetamine, the person is guilty of a Class I felony.

961.41(3j) (3j) Purchases of pseudoephedrine products. Whoever purchases more than 7.5 grams of pseudoephedrine contained in a pseudoephedrine product within a 30-day period, other than by purchasing the product in person from a pharmacy or pharmacist, is guilty of a Class I felony. This subsection does not apply to a purchase by a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or pharmacist or a purchase that is authorized by a physician, dentist, or veterinarian.

961.41(4) (4) Imitation controlled substances.

961.41(4)(am) (am)

961.41(4)(am)1. 1. No person may knowingly distribute or deliver, attempt to distribute or deliver or cause to be distributed or delivered a noncontrolled substance and expressly or impliedly represent any of the following to the recipient:

961.41(4)(am)1.a. a. That the substance is a controlled substance.

961.41(4)(am)1.b. b. That the substance is of a nature, appearance or effect that will allow the recipient to display, sell, distribute, deliver or use the noncontrolled substance as a controlled substance, if the representation is made under circumstances in which the person has reasonable cause to believe that the noncontrolled substance will be used or distributed for use as a controlled substance.

961.41(4)(am)2. 2. Proof of any of the following is prima facie evidence of a representation specified in subd. 1. a. or b.:

961.41(4)(am)2.a. a. The physical appearance of the finished product containing the substance is substantially the same as that of a specific controlled substance.

961.41(4)(am)2.b. b. The substance is unpackaged or is packaged in a manner normally used for the illegal delivery of a controlled substance.

961.41(4)(am)2.c. c. The substance is not labeled in accordance with 21 USC 352 or 353.

961.41(4)(am)2.d. d. The person distributing or delivering, attempting to distribute or deliver or causing distribution or delivery of the substance to be made states to the recipient that the substance may be resold at a price that substantially exceeds the value of the substance.

961.41(4)(am)3. 3. A person who violates this paragraph is guilty of a Class I felony.

961.41(4)(bm) (bm) It is unlawful for any person to agree, consent or offer to lawfully manufacture, deliver, distribute or dispense any controlled substance to any person, or to offer, arrange or negotiate to have any controlled substance unlawfully manufactured, delivered, distributed or dispensed, and then manufacture, deliver, distribute or dispense or offer, arrange or negotiate to have manufactured, delivered, distributed or dispensed to any such person a substance which is not a controlled substance. Any person who violates this paragraph may be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months or both.

961.41(5) (5) Drug abuse program improvement surcharge.

961.41(5)(a) (a) When a court imposes a fine for a violation of this section, it shall also impose a drug abuse program improvement surcharge under ch. 814 in an amount of 75 percent of the fine and penalty surcharge imposed.

961.41(5)(b) (b) The clerk of the court shall collect and transmit the amount to the county treasurer as provided in s. 59.40 (2) (m). The county treasurer shall then make payment to the secretary of administration as provided in s. 59.25 (3) (f) 2.

961.41(5)(c) (c)

961.41(5)(c)1. 1. The first $850,000 plus two-thirds of all moneys in excess of $1,275,000 collected in each fiscal year from drug surcharges under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.435 (5) (gb).

961.41(5)(c)2. 2. All moneys in excess of $850,000 and up to $1,275,000 plus one-third of moneys in excess of $1,275,000 collected in each fiscal year from drug surcharges under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.455 (2) (kv).

961.41 History History: 1971 c. 219, 307; 1973 c. 12; 1981 c. 90, 314; 1985 a. 328; 1987 a. 339, 403; 1989 a. 31, 56, 121; 1991 a. 39; 138; 1993 a. 98, 118, 437, 482; 1995 a. 201; 1995 a. 448 ss. 243 to 266, 487 to 490; Stats. 1995 s. 961.41; 1997 a. 220, 283; 1999 a. 21, 32, 48, 57; 2001 a. 16, 109; 2003 a. 33, 49, 139, 320, 325, 327; 2005 a. 14, 25, 52, 262; 2007 a. 20; 2009 a. 28, 180; 2011 a. 31; 2013 a. 20, 166, 196, 351; 2015 a. 195 s. 83; 2021 a. 179; s. 35.17 correction in (1m) (dm) 2.

961.41 Annotation An inference of intent could be drawn from possession of hashish with a street value of $2,000 to $4,000 and opium with a street value of $20,000 to $24,000. State v. Trimbell, 64 Wis. 2d 379, 219 N.W.2d 369 (1974).

961.41 Annotation No presumption of intent to deliver is raised by sub. (1m). The statute merely lists evidence from which intent may be inferred. State ex rel. Bena v. Crosetto, 73 Wis. 2d 261, 243 N.W.2d 442 (1976).

961.41 Annotation Evidence of a defendant’s possession of a pipe containing burnt residue of marijuana was insufficient to impute knowledge to the defendant of possession of a controlled substance. Kabat v. State, 76 Wis. 2d 224, 251 N.W.2d 38 (1977). But see State v. Chentis, 2022 WI App 4, 400 Wis. 2d 441, 969 N.W.2d 482, 20-1699.

961.41 Annotation This section prohibits the act of manufacture, as defined in s. 161.01 (13) [now s. 961.01 (13)]. Possession of a controlled substance created by an accused is not required for conviction. This section is not unconstitutionally vague. State ex rel. Bell v. County Court, 82 Wis. 2d 401, 263 N.W.2d 162 (1978).

961.41 Annotation A conviction under sub. (1m) was upheld when the defendant possessed one-third gram of cocaine divided into four packages and evidence of defendant’s prior sales of other drugs was admitted under s. 904.04 (2) as probative of intent to deliver the cocaine. Peasley v. State, 83 Wis. 2d 224, 265 N.W.2d 506 (1978).

961.41 Annotation Testimony that weapons were found at the accused’s home was admissible as part of the chain of facts relevant to the accused’s intent to deliver heroin. State v. Wedgeworth, 100 Wis. 2d 514, 302 N.W.2d 810 (1981).

961.41 Annotation Being a procuring agent of the buyer is not a valid defense to a charge under this section. By facilitating a drug deal, the defendant was party to the crime. State v. Hecht, 116 Wis. 2d 605, 342 N.W.2d 721 (1984).

961.41 Annotation When police confiscated a large quantity of drugs from an empty home and the next day searched the defendant upon his return to the home, confiscating a small quantity of the same drugs, the defendant’s conviction for the lesser-included offense of possession and the greater offense of possession with intent to deliver did not violate double jeopardy. State v. Stevens, 123 Wis. 2d 303, 367 N.W.2d 788 (1985).

961.41 Annotation The defendant was properly convicted of attempted delivery of cocaine even though a noncontrolled substance was delivered. State v. Cooper, 127 Wis. 2d 429, 380 N.W.2d 383 (Ct. App. 1985).

961.41 Annotation Possession is not a lesser included offense of manufacturing. State v. Peck, 143 Wis. 2d 624, 422 N.W.2d 160 (Ct. App. 1988).

961.41 Annotation Identification of a controlled substance can be established by circumstantial evidence such as lay experience based on familiarity through prior use, trading, or law enforcement. State v. Anderson, 176 Wis. 2d 196, 500 N.W.2d 328 (Ct. App. 1993).

961.41 Annotation A conspiracy under sub. (1x) must involve at least two people with each subject to the same penalty for the conspiracy. If the buyer of drugs is guilty of misdemeanor possession only, a felony conspiracy charge may not be brought against the buyer. State v. Smith, 189 Wis. 2d 496, 525 N.W.2d 264 (1995).

961.41 Annotation The state is not required to prove that a defendant knew the exact nature or precise chemical name of a possessed controlled substance. The state must only prove that the defendant knew or believed that the substance was a controlled substance. State v. Sartin, 200 Wis. 2d 47, 546 N.W.2d 449 (1996), 94-0037.

961.41 Annotation A delivery conspiracy under sub. (1x) requires an agreement between a buyer and a seller that the buyer will deliver at least some of the controlled substance to a third party. State v. Cavallari, 214 Wis. 2d 42, 571 N.W.2d 176 (Ct. App. 1997), 96-3391.

961.41 Annotation Standing alone, the presence of drugs in someone’s system is insufficient to support a conviction for possession, but it is circumstantial evidence of prior possession. Evidence that the defendant was selling drugs is irrelevant to a charge of simple possession. Evidence that the defendant had money but no job does not have a tendency to prove possession. State v. Griffin, 220 Wis. 2d 371, 584 N.W.2d 127 (Ct. App. 1998), 97-0914.

961.41 Annotation Delivery under sub. (1m) requires a transfer from one person to another. Intent to transfer drugs to the person from whom they were originally received satisfies this definition. Transfer to a third party is not required. State v. Pinkard, 2005 WI App 226, 287 Wis. 2d 592, 706 N.W.2d 157, 04-2755.

961.41 Annotation A person may be a member of a conspiracy, in particular, a conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance, based on the person’s sale of goods that are not illegal to sell or possess. One does not become a party to a conspiracy by aiding and abetting it, through sales of supplies or otherwise, unless the person knows of the conspiracy, the inference of which knowledge cannot be drawn from mere knowledge that the buyer will use the goods illegally. The gist of the conspiracy is the seller’s intent, when given effect by an overt act to further, promote, and cooperate in the buyer’s intended illegal use. There must be clear, unequivocal evidence of the seller’s knowledge of the buyer’s intended illegal use. State v. Routon, 2007 WI App 178, 304 Wis. 2d 480, 736 N.W.2d 530, 06-2557.

961.41 Annotation Possession requires evidence that the individual had a substance in the individual’s control. When combined with other corroborating evidence of sufficient probative value, evidence of ingestion can be sufficient to prove possession. State v. Patterson, 2009 WI App 161, 321 Wis. 2d 752, 776 N.W.2d 602, 08-1968.

961.41 Annotation Sub. (3g) (c) requires that the prior conviction be connected to controlled substances if a prior conviction is to trigger penalty enhancement. When the statute underlying a prior conviction presents alternative methods of violating the statute, it is appropriate to consult a limited class of documents to determine what statutory alternative formed the basis for the defendant’s prior conviction. A trial court judge, rather than a jury, is allowed to determine the applicability of a defendant’s prior conviction for sentence enhancement purposes, when the necessary information concerning the prior conviction can be readily determined from an existing judicial record. State v. Guarnero, 2015 WI 72, 363 Wis. 2d 857, 867 N.W.2d 400, 13-1753.

961.41 Annotation Arrest did not terminate possession or control of a controlled substance. State v. Brantner, 2020 WI 21, 390 Wis. 2d 494, 939 N.W.2d 546, 18-0053.

961.41 Annotation Multiple charges for possession based on different dosages were multiplicitous under sub. (3g) (am) because that subsection proscribes possession without regard to the dosage of the pills. State v. Brantner, 2020 WI 21, 390 Wis. 2d 494, 939 N.W.2d 546, 18-0053.

961.41 Annotation There is no minimum quantity of a controlled substance necessary to sustain a conviction for possession. However, possession of a controlled substance requires both knowledge and control. Thus, the state must prove the defendant knew or believed that the defendant was in possession of a narcotic drug. Such knowledge or belief may be shown circumstantially by conduct, directly by admission, or indirectly by contradictory statements from which guilt may be inferred. State v. Chentis, 2022 WI App 4, 400 Wis. 2d 441, 969 N.W.2d 482, 20-1699.

961.41 Annotation Double jeopardy was not violated when the defendant was convicted of separate offenses under s. 161.41 [now this section] for simultaneous delivery of different controlled substances. Leonard v. Warden, Dodge Correctional Institution, 631 F. Supp. 1403 (1986).

961.42 961.42 Prohibited acts B — penalties.

961.42(1) (1) It is unlawful for any person knowingly to keep or maintain any store, shop, warehouse, dwelling, building, vehicle, boat, aircraft or other structure or place, which is resorted to by persons using controlled substances in violation of this chapter for the purpose of using these substances, or which is used for manufacturing, keeping or delivering them in violation of this chapter.

961.42(2) (2) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class I felony.

961.42 History History: 1971 c. 219; 1995 a. 448 s. 267; Stats. 1995 s. 961.42; 1997 a. 283; 2001 a. 109.

961.42 Annotation “Keeping” a substance under sub. (1) means more than simple possession; it means keeping for the purpose of warehousing or storage for ultimate manufacture or delivery. State v. Brooks, 124 Wis. 2d 349, 369 N.W.2d 183 (Ct. App. 1985).

961.42 Annotation Warehousing or storage under Brooks, 124 Wis. 2d 349 (1985), does not encompass merely possessing an item while transporting it. Cocaine was not warehoused or stored when the cocaine was carried in the defendant’s truck while moving from one location to another. State v. Slagle, 2007 WI App 117, 300 Wis. 2d 662, 731 N.W.2d 284, 06-0775.

961.43 961.43 Prohibited acts C — penalties.

961.43(1) (1) It is unlawful for any person:

961.43(1)(a) (a) To acquire or obtain possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge;

961.43(1)(b) (b) Without authorization, to make, distribute or possess any punch, die, plate, stone or other thing designed to print, imprint or reproduce the trademark, trade name or other identifying mark, imprint or device of another or any likeness of any of the foregoing upon any drug or container or labeling thereof so as:

961.43(1)(b)1. 1. To make a counterfeit substance; or

961.43(1)(b)2. 2. To duplicate substantially the physical appearance, form, package or label of a controlled substance.

961.43(2) (2) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class H felony.

961.43 History History: 1971 c. 219; 1981 c. 90; 1995 a. 448 s. 268; Stats. 1995 s. 961.43; 1997 a. 283; 2001 a. 109.

961.435 961.435 Specific penalty. Any person who violates s. 961.38 (5) may be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 30 days or both.

961.435 History History: 1975 c. 190; 1995 a. 448 s. 269; Stats. 1995 s. 961.435.

961.44 961.44 Penalties under other laws. Any penalty imposed for violation of this chapter is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any civil or administrative penalty or sanction otherwise authorized by law.

961.44 History History: 1971 c. 219; 1995 a. 448 s. 271; Stats. 1995 s. 961.44.

961.442 961.442 Penalties; hemp. If a person attempts to conceal the commission of a crime under this chapter while representing that he or she is engaging in the planting, growing, cultivating, harvesting, producing, processing, transporting, importing, exporting, selling, transferring, sampling, testing, or taking possession of hemp, the maximum term of imprisonment prescribed by law for that crime may be increased as follows:

961.442(1) (1) The maximum term of imprisonment for a misdemeanor may be increased by not more than 6 months.

961.442(2) (2) The maximum term of imprisonment for a felony may be increased by not more than 3 years.

961.442 History History: 2017 a. 100; 2019 a. 68.

961.443 961.443 Immunity from criminal prosecution; possession.

961.443(1) (1) Definitions. In this section, “aider” means a person who does any of the following:

961.443(1)(a) (a) Brings another person to an emergency room, hospital, fire station, or other health care facility and makes contact with an individual who staffs the emergency room, hospital, fire station, or other health care facility if the other person is, or if a reasonable person would believe him or her to be, suffering from an overdose of, or other adverse reaction to, any controlled substance or controlled substance analog.

961.443(1)(b) (b) Summons and makes contact with a law enforcement officer, ambulance, emergency medical services practitioner, as defined in s. 256.01 (5), or other health care provider, in order to assist another person if the other person is, or if a reasonable person would believe him or her to be, suffering from an overdose of, or other adverse reaction to, any controlled substance or controlled substance analog.

961.443(1)(c) (c) Calls the telephone number “911” or, in an area in which the telephone number “911” is not available, the number for an emergency medical service provider, and makes contact with an individual answering the number with the intent to obtain assistance for another person if the other person is, or if a reasonable person would believe him or her to be, suffering from an overdose of, or other adverse reaction to, any controlled substance or controlled substance analog.

961.443(2) (2) Immunity from criminal prosecution. An aider is immune from prosecution under s. 961.573 for the possession of drug paraphernalia, under s. 961.41 (3g) for the possession of a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog, and under s. 961.69 (2) for possession of a masking agent under the circumstances surrounding or leading to his or her commission of an act described in sub. (1).