Wisconsin good time and sentence credit rules
Wisconsin is a truth-in-sentencing state. For felonies on or after Dec 31, 1999, the confinement part of the sentence is served without good-time reduction.[1]
Sources last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:21 AM MT. This explains current law. It does not calculate anyone's date.
Credit types and rates
- Courts impose a bifurcated sentence: a term of confinement in prison followed by extended supervision.[1]
- No good time: the confinement portion is served "without reduction for good behavior." It can be extended for misconduct.[1]
- Some program-based early release options (such as the Earned Release Program) exist under other statutes and need a judge's eligibility finding. They are not covered here.
Exclusions and limits
- Applies to felonies on or after Dec 31, 1999 and misdemeanors on or after Feb 1, 2003 that lead to state prison.[1]
Parole eligibility vs. discharge
- There is no parole for bifurcated sentences. Release to extended supervision comes when the confinement term ends.[1] Older (pre-2000) sentences may still be parole-eligible.
How to find a release date
- Search the official Wisconsin DOC Offender Locator by name or ID number.
- Look for the projected release, parole eligibility, or discharge date. The DOC record already includes credits it has awarded.
- For questions, contact the facility records office. Only DOC can correct a date.
New laws and bills
Not yet verified We have not yet verified whether sentence-credit legislation is active here. (tracker checked Oct 16, 2026)
FAQ
Does Wisconsin have good time?
No, not for bifurcated sentences. The prison confinement term is served without reduction for good behavior (§973.01(4)).
What is extended supervision?
Community supervision that follows the confinement term in a Wisconsin bifurcated sentence.
What this site can't do
| Issue | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Discipline and lost credits | We cannot see write-ups, forfeitures or restored credits. Only the facility record shows them. |
| Detainers and holds | Warrants, immigration holds or other-state detainers can block release. They are not in public data. |
| Consecutive and concurrent sentences | How sentences stack changes every date. We do not recompute aggregated sentences. |
| Parole board discretion | Eligibility is not release. Boards decide, and can deny or defer. |
| Jail credit errors | Pretrial credit is set by the court. Errors must be fixed through the court or records office. |
| Recent law changes | New laws, court rulings and DOC policy changes can take weeks to reach records. |
| Individual legal advice | We explain public rules. A lawyer or the DOC records office can apply them to one case. |
Always confirm dates with the official DOC records office.
Sources
Official statute, regulation, or agency pages only. Last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:21 AM MT. Spotted an error? Tell us.
All 50 states + DC · Federal (First Step Act) · Paroling to another state (Interstate Compact)
Sources: Wis. Stat. §973.01 (bifurcated sentences) · Last verified: · Corrections