How Prior Convictions Can Affect Current Criminal Cases

February 10, 2026 | Court Hearings

The facts of a criminal case in the eyes of a judge or prosecutor can become worse based on what you may have been convicted of in the past. In some cases, a statute could have a specific enhanced penalty for those who are repeat offenders. In other cases, a prosecutor may seek a more stringent sentence (or the judge could impose one) based on your criminal history. Whether you are facing first-offense charges or a repeat offense case, an Appleton criminal defense attorney at Hogan Eickhoff can work to protect your legal rights and seek the best possible outcome in your case.Some Criminal Offenses Automatically Have Repeat Offender EnhancementsNumerous criminal statutes in Wisconsin provide for enhanced charges based on repeat offenses. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) is one particularly common example. The type of charges that you will face, and the penalty if you are convicted, become more … Continued

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Defending Against Weapons Charges in Wisconsin

January 20, 2026 | Court Hearings

Even if you have been charged with weapons violations in Wisconsin, a conviction is not a foregone conclusion. You still have multiple legal options available to you. It may be possible to successfully defend against these charges, but you must act now to secure a criminal defense lawyer and begin work on your case. Once you have an attorney, they can review the circumstances of your case to help determine whether you have any valid defenses to the charges against you.The experienced Appleton criminal defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff can provide you with common-sense and hard-hitting legal representation when you are facing weapons charges in Wisconsin. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin building a strong defense tailored to the specifics of your case.Common Weapons Charges in WIWisconsin law imposes serious penalties for weapons offenses, with charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances. Common weapons … Continued

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Challenging Intent in Criminal Cases in Wisconsin

January 9, 2026 | Criminal Convictions

If you’re facing criminal charges in Wisconsin, understanding the role of intent can make the difference between conviction and acquittal. Many felony charges and serious criminal offenses require prosecutors to prove you intended to commit the crime, not just that you committed the act itself. Even when evidence shows you performed certain actions, the case against you can fail if prosecutors cannot demonstrate you had the requisite intent. At Hogan Eickhoff, our experienced Appleton criminal defense lawyers know how to challenge intent evidence and build strong defenses for our clients. Contact us today if you have been arrested or charged with a crime.What Is Criminal Intent in Wisconsin Law?Criminal intent, also known as “mens rea” or state of mind, refers to your mental state when committing an alleged criminal act. Wisconsin criminal law recognizes that not all harmful actions deserve criminal punishment unless the person acting had a culpable mental … Continued

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How Prior Convictions Can Affect Current Criminal Cases

September 9, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

Any type of criminal charge in Wisconsin is serious, and it could result in potential penalties if you are convicted. The stakes are already high enough, but they can become higher if you have already been convicted of a prior offense. Therefore, if you have prior convictions and you have been charged with a crime again, it is even more vital that you hire a criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff to represent you in the legal process. There is a greater possibility that you could be facing prison time and other tough consequences in the event of a conviction. There are numerous instances in the overall criminal justice process where prior convictions may come into play. From the decision about how to charge you to the sentence you may receive if you are convicted, things may be different for you in the overall process.

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Understanding OWI/DUI Penalties and Defense Strategies in Wisconsin

August 26, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

If you have been charged with OWI in Wisconsin, you may be facing serious penalties besides the loss of your driving privileges. You may be facing jail time, and the penalties may escalate if it was not your first offense, or if there are aggravating factors. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that you would be convicted of the crime or receive the maximum possible sentence. You should hire an OWI attorney from Hogan Eickhoff to represent you in your criminal case. They could review your case to determine whether there are any possible defenses, or they may work with the prosecutor to obtain the best possible legal result.

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Computer Crime Defense: Understanding Cybercrime Laws in Wisconsin

August 12, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

The growing use of computers also means that law enforcement is intently focused on catching and prosecuting crimes involving these devices. If you have been charged with computer crimes, either on a state or federal level, you are likely facing substantial penalties that could involve jail time. These cases are extremely complex, and they may involve cutting-edge areas of the law, making it even more crucial that you have early involvement of a criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff.

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How a Criminal Record Can Impact Employment and Housing Opportunities

June 24, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

Criminal defense attorneys will tell you that there are consequences of a criminal conviction, beyond the time that you may serve in prison. Not only reputational effects from a conviction, but it can also lead to other collateral impacts on your life. You may find that you have difficulty finding a job or housing due to a criminal record. These are all factors that you need to consider when you have been charged with a crime and are deciding whether to plead guilty or fight the charges against you. Although these impacts may not be determinative of the choice that you ultimately make, they are certainly things that you would need to consider in consultation with your criminal defense attorney after you have hired them. Below, we will explore these ideas further and discuss how a dedicated criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff can help you if you face criminal … Continued

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What to Do if You’re Accused of Shoplifting in Wisconsin

May 13, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

Shoplifting in Wisconsin can be a far more serious charge than you think. You could end up with a permanent criminal record and the possibility of a jail sentence. You may not even know at the time that you are arrested whether you will be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. The only thing that is certain is that you need the help of a criminal defense attorney, no matter the severity of the charge that you are facing. A criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff can help you navigate the legal system and work to obtain the best possible result for you.

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How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help with Domestic Violence Charges in Wisconsin?

October 24, 2023 | Court Hearings

There are high stakes involved when you are facing any type of domestic violence charges in Wisconsin. If you are convicted, there will be immediate impacts. You cannot and should not face the legal system alone. Otherwise, you may be subject to a rush to judgment, and you can do damage to your own case. You should always contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are arrested or you learn that you are being investigated.

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Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Get Charges Dropped in Wisconsin?

October 10, 2023 | Court Hearings

Most criminal cases do not end up at trial. Either the charges are dropped, or the defendant reaches a plea agreement with the prosecutor. Your criminal defense attorney may look for a way to get the charges dropped if it is at all possible. In some cases, the charges are dropped when you successfully fight and stand up for your legal rights. In other cases, the charges may be dropped as part of a deal with the prosecutor.

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