SCOW Finds Generic Conduct in “High Crime Area” Created Reasonable Suspicion of Criminal Activity

November 3, 2021 | Court Hearings

The Wisconsin Supreme Court continues to make life harder for criminal defendants throughout the state, broadening law enforcement’s power through its recent rulings. In one case, the Supreme Court has practically criminalized being in a “high-crime area,” allowing officers practically unlimited ability to view any ordinary behavior in these areas as a pretext to search possible suspects. With rulings like these, defendants need attorneys more than ever to help them fight illegal searches and seizures.

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Odor of Burning Weed Justifies Warrantless Entry into the Home

October 6, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

In any criminal case that involves physical evidence, you can expect some scrutiny from criminal defense attorneys of how law enforcement seized the evidence. One of a defendant’s basic rights in any trial is their Fourth Amendment right to be free from an illegal search or seizure. When police enter a home without a warrant, their entry will almost always be challenged. This is exactly what happened when police went into a home after smelling burning marijuana. However, in the case of In the Interest of B.W.R., the Wisconsin Court of Appeals gave officers very wide latitude for a warrantless search.

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What are the Consequences of Illegally Possessing Prescription Drugs?

August 20, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Many people associate stiff drug possession penalties with illegal narcotics such as heroin and cocaine. However, the law defines illegal possession of drugs differently. For the most part, Wisconsin law groups drugs into categories for purposes of illegal possession. Some types of prescription drugs can fall into buckets where illegal possession can merit serious jail time. Either way, you need to take drug possession charges seriously from the very first minute.

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Powerful Phone Surveillance Makes Its Mark

July 9, 2021 | Legal Advice

When it comes to defending yourself against criminal charges, it can feel like the law is stacked against you, and a recent news story does little to dispel this notion. If you are facing a criminal charge, you need to bring the strongest defense possible, and to do so, you need an experienced Wisconsin criminal defense attorney in your corner.

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How a Criminal Record Can Affect Your Professional Life

May 19, 2021 | Criminal Convictions

While Wisconsin has some limits on how employers can use criminal records in making hiring decisions, there are still many ways that it could affect your ability to get a job. The state tries to protect people with a criminal history, enabling them to get a fresh start in life. However, there are limits to what an employer is required to ignore when they run a background check. This could impact how your criminal case proceeds.

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When Can Police Conduct a Warrantless Search of a Vehicle?

April 6, 2021 | Constitution

Police will usually try to do everything that they can to have a reason and an excuse to execute a search without a warrant. Whether it is for convenience or effectiveness, they want to be able to search you right now as opposed to having to show probable cause for a search warrant from a magistrate. While this may conflict with your constitutional rights, there are circumstances in which law enforcement can conduct a warrantless search. This includes being able to search your car at times without a warrant. If law enforcement has conducted a search without a warrant, contact Hogan Eickhoff today!

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Tips for Talking to the State Prosecutor

February 25, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Talking to the prosecutor can be a make-or-break moment for your case. The chances are that you and your criminal defense attorney have concluded that there is some benefit to be had from a face-to-face meeting where you submit to questions. Given the critical importance of this interview, you must not prepare extensively. You must also be very disciplined during the interview itself, considering the stakes. Here are some things to consider before you sit down for an interview with the prosecutor.

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Can The Police Search Your Cell Phone?

January 12, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

When it comes to police searches, most people are not completely aware of what police can and cannot do. At one end of the spectrum, some people just automatically comply with police instructions when they want to search or seize evidence. At the other end, some are firmly convinced that they have personal liberty over everything and that police can seize or search nothing. This is even more pronounced when you are dealing with something like your cell phone that can hold some of your most personal information.

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Should You Talk to the Police After an Arrest?

November 25, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Any interaction with a law enforcement officer can be a terrifying event. Especially in today’s heated political climate, interactions can escalate quickly, and verbal or physical violence can ensue. It is important to know what to say and do to stay safe in these interactions. It is also important to understand your constitutional rights. If you do not understand and enforce these rights, the police could ignore them. They are allowed to ask you to waive your rights, to use various tactics to convince you to talk about the allegations, or even outright lie to you. By knowing what your rights are and how to enforce them safely, you can ensure that you stay safe and protect your constitutional rights after any arrest. Make sure you hire a criminal defense attorney right away if you’ve been arrested for any type of criminal charges.

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Initial Court Appearances in Wisconsin

October 13, 2020 | Court Hearings

If you have been charged with committing a crime in the State of Wisconsin, your first court appearance will be an initial appearance hearing. In some courts, this initial proceeding is referred to as an arraignment proceeding.

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