Discharge from Probation Didn’t Count as Successful Completion of Sentence for Expungement Purposes

October 22, 2021 | Court Hearings

Although momentum seems to be on the side of criminal justice reform and allowing for broader abilities to expunge criminal records, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals did not exactly see it this way in a recent case. The court would not allow expungement of a defendant’s criminal record when he was discharged from probation. In order to be fully eligible for possible expungement, defendants need to complete their sentence in full, no matter the circumstances. To ensure your best chances of expunging your criminal record, make sure to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

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How Social Media Can Affect a Pending Criminal Case

September 9, 2021 | Constitution

If you have been accused of a crime and have a case pending, you might be wondering if your social media accounts and photos can be used against you. They can, in certain circumstances. Knowing what law enforcement can and cannot use against you can help inform you on what to review and whether to keep your social media accounts up at all. Whether your private accounts require a warrant to observe could mean the difference between evidence adverse to your case or such evidence not being allowed into consideration.

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First Police Reform Bill since Death of George Floyd Passes in Wisconsin Senate

July 20, 2021 | Court Hearings

The first police reform bill since the death of George Floyd in May of 2020 passes in the Wisconsin Senate and the attorneys of Hogan Eickhoff are going to break everything down for you. According to the AP, the measures approved by the Senate create new police programs and requirements that are intended to address the outcry that continues to emanate from Floyd’s tragic death. The bills in question, which some believe don’t go far enough in the right direction, head next to the state Assembly to await their fate. If you find yourself on the wrong side of a criminal charge, you need the professional legal counsel of an experienced Wisconsin criminal defense attorney in your corner.

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Does Taking a Plea Deal Result in a Conviction on Your Record?

June 8, 2021 | Criminal Convictions

In some cases, the best legal outcome in your case means that you enter into a deal with the prosecutor for lesser charges or a reduced sentence. For some defendants, it is the best way to put the matter behind them and move on with their life. It’s important to understand that in some cases, a plea bargain may still result in a criminal conviction on your record. One of your major considerations going forward is how the plea deal will impact your future. With that in mind, a frequent question we are asked is whether a plea deal will stay on your record.

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What Is the Difference Between a Guilty Plea and a No-Contest Plea?

April 22, 2021 | Court Hearings

Many people simply assume that a no-contest plea is the same exact thing as a guilty plea. While the two have a similar effect in a criminal case, there are some key differences. Before deciding what plea to enter in a case, it is crucial to consult with a criminal defense lawyer to understand the ramifications of each course of action. An Appleton criminal defense attorney could provide you with the legal advice that you need.

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Drug Possession Defenses

March 10, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Under Wisconsin criminal laws, drug possession is a serious charge which can lead to serious penalties. If convicted, you could face several years in prison, steep fines, the loss of certain rights such as voting, as well as damage to your reputation, and the inability to hold particular jobs or licenses. Simply put, a conviction on drug possession charges has the potential to ruin your life.

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Legal Tune Up App Helps Wisconsinites Identify Past Eviction, Criminal Records & Request Removal

January 28, 2021 | Criminal Convictions

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony in the state of Wisconsin? Criminal convictions can have long-term consequences for you, even after you have served your sentence or otherwise paid your fines and costs. Even afterward, the conviction remains on your record, perhaps for the rest of your life. Any interaction that you have had with the criminal system is potentially visible to the public. Certainly, this includes potential employers. Even though Wisconsin law prohibits some types of discrimination against job seekers with criminal convictions, there are still many consequences as a result of prior legal issues that can cloud your future. They could include:

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Be Aware of Increased DUI Enforcement During the Holidays

December 7, 2020 | DUI

The holiday season is when many drivers tend to let down their guard when they get behind the wheel. Whether they are celebrating at home or are out at small gatherings, Americans double their drinking during the holidays. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Americans are 69% more likely to drink too much than they would at other times of the year. Our team at Hogan Eickhoff would like to warn you about the dangers and ramifications of drinking and driving.

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Preliminary Hearings in Wisconsin

October 27, 2020 | Court Hearings

If you have been charged with a felony offense, you have a legal right to a preliminary hearing in your case. In felony cases, a preliminary hearing is the court appearance that follows the initial appearance hearing. In misdemeanor criminal cases, there is no preliminary hearing. Preliminary hearings are also known as preliminary examinations, probable cause hearings, or simply as ‘prelims.’ As the individual who is accused of committing a criminal offense, you do not have a right to testify at a preliminary hearing. In other words, you cannot take the witness stand and talk about your version of events. However, your lawyer has the right cross-examine any witnesses, including police officers and others, whom the prosecuting attorney calls as a witness. The court will then make a determination about whether probable cause exists to charge you with the felony offense. If you are facing a felony criminal charge, it … Continued

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How an Attorney Can Help Minimize the Collateral Consequences of a Conviction

September 10, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Many people who have been convicted of a crime mistakenly believe they can resume their normal lives after “doing their time.” However, many people find that the collateral consequences of criminal conviction significantly outweigh the direct penalties of the crime. For example, the inability to find stable employment and housing often leads to financial strain, and convicted offenders seldom qualify for public assistance, loan deferral programs, or private financing. These factors frequently keep people from pursuing educational opportunities, moving out of a challenging home environment, starting a new career, or otherwise moving forward with their lives.

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