What Is Police Misconduct and What Can You Do About It?

June 24, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

While the police are here to enforce the laws, they are not above them. Their powers are not unlimited, and they can be held responsible if they break laws themselves. If you have experienced police misconduct, you have a number of options to hold both the officer and police department responsible. It could change the result of your criminal case or even give you the right to file a lawsuit yourself. For this reason, if you believe the police have violated your rights, you should discuss your situation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can.

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Are No-Knock Warrants Legal in Wisconsin?

May 3, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

No-knock warrants have been in the news recently in the wake of several high-profile cases. These warrants are controversial at best and can be downright dangerous for both the police executing them and the people in the homes. Police may enter the home with their guns drawn and startle the people inside. Many people wonder whether they are legal here in Wisconsin; for now, these warrants are legal. That said, many observers hope that law enforcement use them sparingly, given the dangers.

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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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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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Wisconsin Marijuana Legalization: The Potential Impacts on Criminal Laws

March 22, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Have you heard the news regarding the possible legalization of marijuana in Wisconsin? Our team of drug lawyers is on the pulse. On February 7, 2021, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced he wants the state to legalize marijuana. His new biennial budget proposal includes regulating and taxing the currently illicit substance just like it does alcohol. Wisconsin would be following the path of 15 other states that have already legalized recreational marijuana use. The inaugural year of legal cannabis in Illinois saw almost $1 billion in sales, which generated $100 million in state tax revenue. That figure doesn’t include tax revenue earned for other municipalities like counties and cities.

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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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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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Defending Against Disorderly Conduct Charges After Wisconsin Protests

September 23, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

The First Amendment guarantees your right to peaceably assemble and express yourself by engaging in lawful protests. Neither the federal government nor the state may unduly restrict this aspect of free speech. As such, Wisconsin courts closely scrutinize criminal laws limiting your rights to protest. Even otherwise lawful criminal statutes might be unlawfully applied to your case.

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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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Should I Get a Lawyer for Misdemeanor Charges?

June 23, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Unlike certain traffic infractions, misdemeanor convictions appear on your criminal record. Misdemeanors often carry serious consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and probation. Just because felony convictions bear more substantial collateral penalties does not mean defendants should forgo their right to an Appleton misdemeanor defense lawyer.

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