Sentencing Archives » Hogan Eickhoff

What is Clemency in Wisconsin, and How Can it Help Me?

May 25, 2026 | Criminal Convictions

If you or a loved one is serving a sentence that feels unjust, excessively harsh, or no longer reflects the circumstances of your case, clemency may offer a path forward. Clemency is a formal act of mercy granted by a government authority, allowing sentences to be reduced, suspended, or erased entirely. It exists outside the traditional appeals process and can provide relief when the courts cannot. It helps your application when you have an experienced Appleton criminal defense lawyer at Hogan Eickhoff guiding you. Clemency is a direct and special relief that you can only obtain directly from the Governor of Wisconsin. Clemency describes leniency that the Governor may give to you or an incarcerated loved one. It is an umbrella category that encompasses relief that can either reduce a jail sentence or eliminate the conviction altogether. The following are forms of relief that you can receive through the clemency … Continued

What Does the Wisconsin Governor Consider in a Commutation Request?

May 11, 2026 | Criminal Convictions

When you are seeking commutation, whether it is on behalf of yourself or a loved one, the application will be considered by the Governor. Before the decision reaches the Governor’s desk, it will be reviewed by a board, which will provide a recommendation. The board and the Governor will consider a number of factors before reaching a decision on the application. A criminal defense lawyer at Hogan Eickhoff can help highlight factors that are in your favor on your petition. Since there is no legal right to commutation, the decision made by the Governor is highly discretionary. They can make their decision for any number of reasons. Not only will the Governor consider certain facts about you and your situation, but they may also consider certain political factors, and that is within their right. At the same time, the Governor may also consider the public interest in your case. You … Continued

New Executive Orders Institute a Commutation Process in Wisconsin

April 25, 2026 | Criminal Convictions

Governor Evers recently signed two Executive Orders relating to commutations of sentences. Executive Order 287 creates an advisory board to evaluate requests for these actions. Executive Order 288 creates a process to evaluate commutations for life sentences imposed for crimes that the defendant committed as a juvenile. These Executive Orders are intended to reform Wisconsin’s criminal justice system and to restore a process that has not been utilized in the state for 25 years. As such, it is essential that you understand the forms of relief available to you and the differences between them, which you can learn by speaking with a criminal defense lawyer at Hogan Eickhoff. Executive Order 287 Signed by Governor Tony Evers on April 3, 2026, Executive Order 287 restores Wisconsin’s commutation process for the first time in over 25 years. A commutation reduces a prison sentence and differs from a pardon, which only restores certain … Continued

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.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Criminal Defense Cases

January 14, 2025 | Court Hearings

You may think of witnesses in any type of case as testifying about what they heard and saw. Witnesses can be called by the prosecution or defense in an attempt to prove a case. However, witnesses can be helpful to both sides in other contexts as they either try to prove their case or keep the prosecutor from establishing a criminal defendant’s guilt. Both sides may use expert witnesses to assist in their case. These witnesses do not testify about facts; instead, they give their opinions about evidence so the jury may better understand it. Let’s discuss how a criminal defense lawyer from Hogan Eikhoff may work with expert witnesses in your case.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Appleton, WI

The Criminal Justice Process in Wisconsin: From Arrest to Trial

July 16, 2024 | Arraignment

It is crucial that you know what you expect when you find yourself in the criminal justice process in Wisconsin. Your case will have a number of steps that can play out over time. For each of these steps, it is vital that you have legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who can vigorously defend you from the charges against you. The attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff deliver results for our clients, and we can put our experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.

The Role of Mitigating Factors in Wisconsin Criminal Cases

November 7, 2023 | Court Hearings

If you have been convicted of a crime in Wisconsin, it is far from the end of the legal story in your case. The law gives the judge the discretion to impose a sentence in your case. There is a wide range of potential that could range from probation to the maximum possible period of incarceration under the law. The judge may consider a number of factors before they reach their decision. Two defendants could receive entirely different sentences based on their own personal situations, both in life and surrounding the crime that was committed. One key concern in any sentencing proceedings is mitigating factors.