Michael Turner, Author at Hogan Eickhoff

Focusing on the Quality of the Client Experience: What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney

August 27, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Close to 90% of Americas experience a legal need at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, some people hesitate to contact an attorney for fear of excessive fees and drawn-out litigation. However, many legal professionals resolve many matters in less than six months and for less than $5,000. If you need an Outagamie County lawyer, look for the following client-centered factors before signing a retainer agreement and speak with the professional Appleton attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff by calling (920) 450-9800 or contacting us online to receive a free consultation.

Wisconsin Plea Bargain Facts & Information

Wisconsin Plea Bargain FAQ

July 14, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

What are plea bargains, and what can they do? Plea agreements also referred to as plea bargains or plea deals, are contracts entered into between criminal defendants and local prosecutors. In exchange for pleading guilty to one or more criminal charges, prosecutors may agree to do the following: Recommend a more lenient sentence or alternative arraignment to the court Drop certain charges Not bring additional charges based on newly discovered evidence Not file certain documents that would result in sentencing enhancements Speak to the court about your cooperation and character throughout the criminal process The vast majority of criminal defendants charged with a Wisconsin felony accept a plea deal. However, agreements exist only between the defendant and local prosecutors. They do not bind the judge or the courts. Appleton judges may accept a guilty plea but refuse to impose the recommended sentence, and this will not generally nullify a plea … Continued

Wisconsin Marijuana Charges Can Result in Serious Legal Penalties

June 10, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

No. Marijuana remains illegal in Wisconsin for both recreation and medical use. Wisconsin has some of the firmest anti-marijuana laws in the United States. Canada, Michigan, and now Illinois all permit recreational marijuana possession and use. As such, many first-time offenders unassumingly bring marijuana into the state without considering the consequences.

For Students, Drug Charges are a Particularly Serious Matter

April 9, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Wisconsin has some of the strictest drug laws in the nation. Marijuana is illegal at both a state and federal level, and Wisconsin drug charges often carry serious felony-level consequences. Wisconsin students are particularly vulnerable to the direct and collateral consequences of a Wisconsin drug conviction. From difficulties obtaining financial aid and student housing to rejection or dismissal from Wisconsin universities, a single drug offense can have lifetime consequences for students.

What to Look for in an Appleton Criminal Defense Attorney

March 9, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

No one wants to schedule a meeting with a criminal defense lawyer. Having to defend against criminal charges is not something people look forward to. On top of worrying about the potential penalties of a conviction, including the impact it will have on your personal and professional life, you now have to worry about retaining and paying a criminal defense lawyer. While the talented and experienced attorneys at the Appleton public defender’s office are available for those who can’t afford a lawyer, their caseload leaves little room to prepare a compressive and personalized defense to your charges. Further, the public defender’s office is not obligated to assist you beyond the first appeal and generally does not provide post-conviction assistance.

Marijuana Charges Are Still a Serious Matter in Wisconsin

January 21, 2020 | Drug Defense Lawyer

With a quick step over the Wisconsin border to Michigan’s upper peninsula, marijuana goes from fully illegal to completely legalized. Recreational pot is also legal in Canada and has been partially decriminalized in Minnesota. All around Wisconsin, cannabis is available for legal recreation and/or medical use, but Wisconsin residents must proceed with caution. Legally purchasing medical or recreational pot in another state or country does not mean the marijuana becomes legal in Wisconsin. Transporting marijuana over state or international borders is actually a federal drug offense and illegal in Wisconsin. In fact, possession of marijuana is a felony in all but limited circumstances, and Wisconsin has some of the most repressive marijuana laws in North America.

When Can Drug Evidence Be Suppressed?

December 12, 2019 | Drug Defense Lawyer

Suppression of evidence is one of the primary legal protections afforded to criminal defendants in the United States. Excluding evidence obtained in violation of law or tainted due errors on the part of law enforcement gives teeth to the Fourth Amendment’s constitutional guarantees. Without the exclusionary rule, law enforcement would have little incentive to respect your constitutional rights. Drug evidence seized due to an illegal traffic stop, pat down, or unlawful search must generally be excluded from consideration during post-indictment proceedings. The court must assume the evidence doesn’t exist, and the suppression of drug evidence often results in a dismissal of any drug-related charges against you.

The Long-Term Consequences of a Sex Crimes Conviction

October 29, 2019 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Every criminal conviction has its consequences, but few more so than a conviction for a sex crime. From restrictions on where you can live, travel, and work, sexual offenders are subject to more than just fines and incarceration. If you’re facing allegations of a federal or state sex crime, it’s critical to understand the long-term consequences of a conviction before accepting a plea bargain or proceeding to trial. Sex offender status can affect every aspect of your life long after your court-imposed sentence has come to an end. The only way to avoid the long-term consequences of a sex crimes conviction is to avoid the conviction itself. Whether this means zealously defending your rights at trial, appealing an adverse judgment, or applying for an expungement, the experienced Outagamie, Brown, Winnebago, Calumet, and Waupaca County sex crimes defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff stand with you. Schedule you free, confidential criminal defense … Continued

Pretrial Release in Wisconsin

September 12, 2019 | Legal Advice

In our role as Appleton criminal defense attorneys, individuals regularly contact us with issues related to pretrial release – specifically cash bail and bond conditions. While these terms are often used interchangeably by lawyers, judges, and others in the criminal justice system, technically, bond refers to the conditions of pretrial release, and bail refers to a monetary condition of bond (money you put up to get out of jail). Once you have attended all court appearances and your case is disposed of, you should get any bail you posted back. The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution states that “excessive bail shall not be required.” In addition, when you have been arrested and are awaiting trial, Wisconsin law allows you to be released under “reasonable conditions.” These conditions are designed to: Assure your appearance in court Protect members of the community from serious bodily harm Prevent the intimidation of … Continued

Is Marijuana Possession Legal in Wisconsin?

July 22, 2019 | Drug Defense Lawyer

Since the sale and possession of recreational marijuana became legal in Colorado in 2014, the attitude toward cannabis use and legalization has largely shifted across the United States. People in many states have seen cannabis-related propositions on ballots, and state legislatures have voted on many proposals involving medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, hemp, and the decriminalization of marijuana possession. With so many changes, it can be difficult to know the law and the potential consequences of marijuana possession.

Author Archives: Michael Turner