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Minimizing The Consequences of Convictions

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.

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.

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.

What to Look for in an Appleton Criminal Defense Attorney

March 9, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

No one wants to schedule a meeting with a criminal defense lawyer. Having to defend against criminal charges is not something people look forward to. On top of worrying about the potential penalties of a conviction, including the impact it will have on your personal and professional life, you now have to worry about retaining and paying a criminal defense lawyer. While the talented and experienced attorneys at the Appleton public defender’s office are available for those who can’t afford a lawyer, their caseload leaves little room to prepare a compressive and personalized defense to your charges. Further, the public defender’s office is not obligated to assist you beyond the first appeal and generally does not provide post-conviction assistance.

What is Domestic Violence in Wisconsin?

February 27, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Most matters involving family relationships such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and domestic violence are handled at a state level, and each of the 50 states has different ways of defining domestic violence and laws governing domestic violence prosecutions and penalties. The same actions may be punishable as a felony in Wisconsin, a misdemeanor in Minnesota, and completely legal in Ohio. Understanding how Wisconsin defines domestic abuse and violence is essential for both avoiding domestic violence charges and defending against domestic abuse claims in Appleton and the surrounding areas.

What Kinds of Offenses Are Considered White Collar Crimes?

February 11, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

The term “white collar” doesn’t actually appear in the Wisconsin Criminal Code. It’s a colloquialism used to describe certain financial and regulatory crimes typically committed by those working in a professional environment, or people required to wear a “white-collared” shirt to the office. Despite the slang, both federal and state law enforcement agencies have dedicated white collar prosecutors and investigators in Wisconsin. These teams include forensic accountants and are often well funded due to the fines typically collected in white-collar cases. This may mean trouble for white-collar defendants in Wisconsin.

Should You Take a Plea Deal?

January 9, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

The United States Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that between 90 and 95% of all criminal convictions result from guilty pleas rather than jury verdicts. The statistics are even higher for felony-level charges with studies indicating nearly 95% of state and 97% of federal felony convictions result from guilty pleas.

What to Look for When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

November 26, 2019 | Criminal Defense Attorney

At Hogan Eickhoff, we want you to know The United States and Wisconsin Constitutions guarantee an attorney to those accused of a criminal offense. For those who cannot afford an attorney, one must be provided free of charge. This typically means assigning alleged offenders a criminal defense attorney from the public defender’s office, which is a good option for people who simply cannot afford to hire a private attorney.

Why Law Enforcement Can Lie to You: the “Reid Technique”

October 16, 2019 | Criminal Defense Attorney

The “legal” lie. It’s counterintuitive, isn’t it? But that’s exactly what Wisconsin law enforcement officials are permitted to do when interviewing and interrogating criminal suspects. Psychological manipulation is commonplace during criminal investigations, and individuals without an attorney often fall for these law enforcement traps. The Reid Technique is a system of interrogation that is intended to induce criminal suspects to admit to crimes, and many law enforcement agencies around the world use it. It often involves the interviewer lying to the suspect in order to gain trust or influence them to believe that confession is his or her best option. Fortunately, when you have an experienced attorney present during an interview, the manipulation of the Reid Technique can be mitigated, ensuring that your legal rights are protected. Both the United States Constitution and Wisconsin Constitution guarantee criminal suspects the right to have an attorney present during police questioning. However, this … Continued

In Wisconsin, Traffic Stops Can Turn Into Expansive Investigations

August 29, 2019 | Criminal Defense Attorney

At Hogan Eickhoff, we know that traffic stops are the most common form of police contact in the United States, and law enforcement often uses traffic stops as an opportunity to determine whether a driver is impaired, carrying contraband, or involved in some other illegal activity. The 4th Amendment to the, however, prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and limits how and when officers can stop people and search them, their belongings, and their homes.