When it comes to defending yourself against criminal charges, it can feel like the law is stacked against you, and a recent news story does little to dispel this notion. If you are facing a criminal charge, you need to bring the strongest defense possible, and to do so, you need an experienced Wisconsin criminal defense attorney in your corner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony in the state of Wisconsin? Criminal convictions can have long-term consequences for you, even after you have served your sentence or otherwise paid your fines and costs. Even afterward, the conviction remains on your record, perhaps for the rest of your life. Any interaction that you have had with the criminal system is potentially visible to the public. Certainly, this includes potential employers. Even though Wisconsin law prohibits some types of discrimination against job seekers with criminal convictions, there are still many consequences as a result of prior legal issues that can cloud your future. They could include:
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.
Any interaction with a law enforcement officer can be a terrifying event. Especially in today’s heated political climate, interactions can escalate quickly, and verbal or physical violence can ensue. It is important to know what to say and do to stay safe in these interactions. It is also important to understand your constitutional rights. If you do not understand and enforce these rights, the police could ignore them. They are allowed to ask you to waive your rights, to use various tactics to convince you to talk about the allegations, or even outright lie to you. By knowing what your rights are and how to enforce them safely, you can ensure that you stay safe and protect your constitutional rights after any arrest. Make sure you hire a criminal defense attorney right away if you’ve been arrested for any type of criminal charges.