How Criminal Convictions Can Be Particularly Damaging for Students

November 9, 2020 | Criminal Convictions

After high school, many young adults spend time exploring the world and figuring out who they are. This means that some mistakes will be made. Unfortunately, for young adults who are enrolled in a trade school, community college, or university, these mistakes can have consequences that last for years. Students who have criminal convictions might have to deal with a school disciplinary board and might have trouble obtaining a professional license, which could completely bar them from a chosen career. This is why it is so important for students to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer for any criminal charges – even those that seem minor. The sooner an attorney gets involved, the better options he or she will have for resolving your case. The investment of attorney’s fees now can protect your future career plans for years to come.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Defenses to Allegations of Domestic Violence

July 29, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Family disputes often trigger emotional responses. A single outburst against a loved one might have serious criminal and domestic consequences in Wisconsin. Further, offenders convicted of domestic violence often struggle to find work and take active roles in their children’s lives. Do not let family abuse allegations change the course of your life. Contact the experienced criminal defense and family law attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff immediately for a free consultation.

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Should You Talk to the Police without a Lawyer Present?

April 21, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminology and police psychology are mandatory courses for most Outagamie County detectives. Appleton criminal investigators count on suspects believing that hiring an attorney or refusing to speak with police officers will indicate their guilt but that openly speaking with officers will ease suspicion. Truthfully, if you’ve been asked to “come down to the station” or otherwise submit to police questioning, the police already suspect you of a crime. Nothing you say or do will prove your innocence at this stage of the investigation, but speaking with police officers can certainly prove your guilt. For this reason, you should always have a lawyer present when you’re questioned by the police.

Read More

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.

Read More