In Wisconsin, most breaches of fiduciary duty are handled in civil court. When those breaches involve deceit, theft, or abuse of power, prosecutors may pursue criminal charges. In 2025, state and federal authorities are showing greater willingness to treat certain financial misconduct and betrayals of trust not just as civil disputes, but as crimes worthy of jail time. 

If you are being accused of a fiduciary breach that involves misuse of funds, public authority, or client assets, you may be facing more than financial penalties. You may be facing felony charges and need the help of a Wisconsin white collar criminal defense attorney right away. 

What Is a Fiduciary and What Makes a Fiduciary Breach Criminal?

A fiduciary is someone entrusted to act in the best interests of another person or organization. The fiduciary role can exist between trustees and beneficiaries, financial advisors and clients, guardians and wards, corporate directors and shareholders, and many others. Even public officials have fiduciary duties to the people they serve. When fiduciaries act in self-interest or violate the trust placed in them, they may be liable in civil court.