criminal defense lawyer wisconsin Archives

How Prior Convictions Can Affect Current Criminal Cases

February 10, 2026 | Court Hearings

The facts of a criminal case in the eyes of a judge or prosecutor can become worse based on what you may have been convicted of in the past. In some cases, a statute could have a specific enhanced penalty for those who are repeat offenders. In other cases, a prosecutor may seek a more stringent sentence (or the judge could impose one) based on your criminal history. Whether you are facing first-offense charges or a repeat offense case, an Appleton criminal defense attorney at Hogan Eickhoff can work to protect your legal rights and seek the best possible outcome in your case.Some Criminal Offenses Automatically Have Repeat Offender EnhancementsNumerous criminal statutes in Wisconsin provide for enhanced charges based on repeat offenses. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) is one particularly common example. The type of charges that you will face, and the penalty if you are convicted, become more … Continued

Defendant at Initial Appearance, near Appleton, WI

Defending Against Weapons Charges in Wisconsin

January 20, 2026 | Court Hearings

Even if you have been charged with weapons violations in Wisconsin, a conviction is not a foregone conclusion. You still have multiple legal options available to you. It may be possible to successfully defend against these charges, but you must act now to secure a criminal defense lawyer and begin work on your case. Once you have an attorney, they can review the circumstances of your case to help determine whether you have any valid defenses to the charges against you.The experienced Appleton criminal defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff can provide you with common-sense and hard-hitting legal representation when you are facing weapons charges in Wisconsin. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin building a strong defense tailored to the specifics of your case.Common Weapons Charges in WIWisconsin law imposes serious penalties for weapons offenses, with charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances. Common weapons … Continued

Challenging Intent in Criminal Cases in Wisconsin

January 9, 2026 | Criminal Convictions

If you’re facing criminal charges in Wisconsin, understanding the role of intent can make the difference between conviction and acquittal. Many felony charges and serious criminal offenses require prosecutors to prove you intended to commit the crime, not just that you committed the act itself. Even when evidence shows you performed certain actions, the case against you can fail if prosecutors cannot demonstrate you had the requisite intent. At Hogan Eickhoff, our experienced Appleton criminal defense lawyers know how to challenge intent evidence and build strong defenses for our clients. Contact us today if you have been arrested or charged with a crime.What Is Criminal Intent in Wisconsin Law?Criminal intent, also known as “mens rea” or state of mind, refers to your mental state when committing an alleged criminal act. Wisconsin criminal law recognizes that not all harmful actions deserve criminal punishment unless the person acting had a culpable mental … Continued

Understanding Wisconsin’s Castle Doctrine and Home Defense Laws

December 15, 2025 | Criminal Defense Attorney

You have certain rights to act in self-defense in Wisconsin if you believe that you are in danger. This right is even more pronounced when you are in your own home. The Castle Doctrine allows you to go even further in defending yourself and your property than you otherwise would be if you were out in public. If you have been charged with a crime even when you acted in self-defense, you need immediate legal help from an Appleton criminal defense attorney at Hogan Eickhoff.

Defending Against White Collar Criminal Charges: Fraud & Embezzlement

November 25, 2025 | Criminal Defense Attorney

White collar criminal charges, such as fraud and embezzlement, carry serious consequences that can devastate your professional reputation, financial stability, and personal freedom. Unlike violent crimes, white collar offenses often involve complex financial transactions, lengthy investigations, and mountains of documentation that require sophisticated legal defense strategies. If you’re facing fraud or embezzlement charges in Wisconsin, the experienced white collar defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff understand the challenges of these cases and are prepared to fight to protect your rights and future.

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 Importance of Early Legal Representation in Criminal Cases

May 27, 2025 | Constitution

Although the criminal defense process may be lengthy, much happens immediately following your arrest. What occurs in these early moments could set the stage for the rest of the criminal defense process. If you make any key mistakes during this time, or you miss a chance to go on offense when the situation calls for it, it may be far more difficult for you to obtain the best possible legal result. Accordingly, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff early in the legal process. They can immediately go to work to protect your legal rights and begin to plot the legal strategy of your defense.

What to Do if You’re Accused of Shoplifting in Wisconsin

May 13, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

Shoplifting in Wisconsin can be a far more serious charge than you think. You could end up with a permanent criminal record and the possibility of a jail sentence. You may not even know at the time that you are arrested whether you will be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. The only thing that is certain is that you need the help of a criminal defense attorney, no matter the severity of the charge that you are facing. A criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff can help you navigate the legal system and work to obtain the best possible result for you.

Defending Against Drug Possession Charges in Wisconsin

April 29, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

The prosecutor must prove every element of a drug possession case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. If they cannot do so, they will not be able to win a conviction. You would be left with a choice about whether you want to take your case all the way to trial or attempt to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. The criminal defense lawyers at Hogan Eickhoff can help evaluate your case and learn whether you have any compelling defenses to the charges that have been filed against you.

Understanding Wisconsin’s Drug Trafficking Laws and How to Build a Defense

February 11, 2025 | Drug Defense Lawyer

Any type of drug charge in Wisconsin is a serious matter because it could lead to jail time and the potential for a lasting criminal record. There are some categories of drug crimes that can be even more severe because they are felonies with a harsh prison sentence attached. Drug trafficking is one of those crimes. If you are facing drug trafficking charges in Wisconsin, your freedom for an extended period of time is at risk. You need to contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. The criminal defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff are ready to help you.