Plea Bargains

Tips for Managing Finances After An Arrest

November 10, 2022 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested presents challenges and numerous areas of your life. Besides your mental health and reputation, an arrest could challenge your finances. You will need to have money to pay for legal defense, so you must manage your finances during this time, as difficult as it may seem. You Cannot Spend as if Nothing Is Happening There are no two ways around the fact that you will need to cut back your spending until your case is resolved. If your case involves potential jail time, your family will need to survive while you are in prison. You will also need money to pay for your legal defense. You simply cannot continue to spend like you were before the arrest because a criminal defense costs money. You should inventory your expenses to figure out what you can eliminate or reduce. Ideally, you should reduce your expenditures to the bare minimum possible … Continued

Read More
Don't Agree To Be Interviewed By The State Prosecutor Without Your Attorney Present

Five Mistakes People Make After an Arrest

October 5, 2022 | Arraignment

Being arrested and charged with a crime already puts you in enough legal jeopardy. There are things that you can do that can actually make your own legal situation worse. Nearly all of these mistakes are made by people who do not have an experienced criminal defense attorney. The longer you go without legal representation, the more likely you are to make an error that can handicap your criminal defense. What follows are common mistakes that defendants make that may increase the chances of being convicted or can lead to stiffer penalties when they are sentenced. You should retain counsel immediately to avoid making them. Speaking to Law Enforcement (Especially Without an Attorney Present) Some people may think that they can just give their side of the story to law enforcement and talk their way out of trouble. Talking is perhaps the worst thing that you can do after you … Continued

Read More
Appleton Criminal Defense Attorney

Why Would Someone Take a Plea If They Are Innocent?

August 26, 2022 | Criminal Defense Attorney

A large majority of criminal defendants will plead guilty before they ever reach a trial. Not every single defendant who pleads guilty actually committed the crime with which they are charged. There are many reasons why someone who is innocent feels compelled to take a plea deal.

Read More
Plea Deal Attorney

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.

Read More
Appleton Criminal Defense Lawyer

How a Criminal Record Can Affect Your Professional Life

May 19, 2021 | Criminal Convictions

While Wisconsin has some limits on how employers can use criminal records in making hiring decisions, there are still many ways that it could affect your ability to get a job. The state tries to protect people with a criminal history, enabling them to get a fresh start in life. However, there are limits to what an employer is required to ignore when they run a background check. This could impact how your criminal case proceeds.

Read More
Legal Advice from the Attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff on Guilty and No-Contest Pleas

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.

Read More
Person Talking to the State Prosecutor Under Advice of Their Criminal Defense Attorney

Tips for Talking to the State Prosecutor

February 25, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Talking to the prosecutor can be a make-or-break moment for your case. The chances are that you and your criminal defense attorney have concluded that there is some benefit to be had from a face-to-face meeting where you submit to questions. Given the critical importance of this interview, you must not prepare extensively. You must also be very disciplined during the interview itself, considering the stakes. Here are some things to consider before you sit down for an interview with the prosecutor.

Read More
Don't Agree To Be Interviewed By The State Prosecutor Without Your Attorney Present

The Pros and Cons of Agreeing to Be Interviewed by the State

February 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Also known as the “queen for a day” arrangement, an interview with law enforcement as part of the criminal justice process is a critically important part of your case. Many defendants are understandably afraid to talk to the same law enforcement personnel who may be trying to put them in prison. When their criminal defense lawyer raises the topic with them, they may have reservations. However, there are reasons why an interview with law enforcement can help your case. Here are the pros and cons of agreeing to be interviewed by law enforcement.

Read More
Court Appearances in the State of Wisconsin

Initial Court Appearances in Wisconsin

October 13, 2020 | Court Hearings

If you have been charged with committing a crime in the State of Wisconsin, your first court appearance will be an initial appearance hearing. In some courts, this initial proceeding is referred to as an arraignment proceeding.

Read More
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

Read More