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Criminal Defense Attorney in Appleton, WI

What are Pretrial Conferences and What Happens During Them?

February 7, 2023 | Court Hearings

There are numerous things that must be considered before trial that are far more than just “housekeeping” items. The actual trial is where your freedom is at stake, and the court system takes it extremely seriously. Criminal trials are coordinated and planned to an extent to allow both the state and you to effectively present their case. The pretrial conference is a critical milestone in your case because it both sets the ground rules for the trial and could even facilitate a resolution of your case.

What to Do if You Are Pulled Over for OWI This Holiday Season

December 20, 2022 | Criminal Defense Attorney

OWI arrests throughout Wisconsin often increase dramatically over the holiday season. People celebrate the holidays at gatherings where alcohol is served. Accordingly, police departments increase enforcement efforts during the holiday season to deter and catch drunk drivers. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are among the days when there is the highest number of OWI arrests.

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

Three Ways Prescription Drugs Can Lead to Criminal Charges

October 18, 2022 | Constitution

Prescription drugs may have multiple uses. While you may need them for a certain purpose, others may have their own needs for them, some of which may be illegal. Something that is completely legal may cross a line if it is used incorrectly or illegally distributed. You can still face criminal charges for misusing prescription drugs even after your physician had written up a legitimate prescription – in some cases, even when the need was genuine. OWI for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence It is important that you read the instructions that go along with your prescription drugs. Some may advise you that you should not operate any type of heavy machinery for a certain period of time after taking the medication. Heavy machinery, in this case, will include a car. Some prescriptions may have a similar impact on alcohol or drugs. Wisconsin OWI law is not just centered … Continued

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

How Does an Innocent Person End Up in the Court System?

September 20, 2022 | Arraignment

Many people think that the protections of the legal system are enough to keep an innocent person from being convicted of a crime. However, the mere fact that an innocent person is in the court system is a large problem in itself. They are subject to an extreme amount of pressure and stress. They must also expend large amounts of money on legal defense. Any time that someone is in the legal system, there is a risk of conviction and jail time. If you have been charged with a crime that you did not commit, you need an attorney immediately.

Why Would Someone Go to Trial If They Are Guilty?

August 9, 2022 | Criminal Defense Attorney

In criminal cases, defendants must make crucial decisions with the help of their attorney at various stages of the process. There is no more important decision that you will make than whether to go to trial. If you lose at trial, you can face a more serious jail sentence than if you accepted a plea deal. Nonetheless, it may make sense to go to trial, even if you have done some (or all) of what the prosecutor alleges. Your attorney will give you the best advice about how to proceed in your case.

Your Guide to Initial Court Appearances in Criminal Cases

July 13, 2022 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Many people are often unaware of what happens in the early stages of a criminal case. Instead, they are focused on the trial itself. However, the initial appearances may set the groundwork for a successful defense of the charges or make it clear to the prosecutor that they have their own risk in taking a case forward to the jury.

The Dangers of Speaking With Law Enforcement

June 24, 2022 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Any criminal defense attorney will advise their clients that it is never a good idea to speak to police without the presence of your lawyer. When you talk to the police on your own, bad things can and will happen. It is very rare that you can clear your name without getting yourself into further trouble.

How Bail Works in Wisconsin

June 8, 2022 | Bail

When defendants are charged with a crime, remaining at home while they await trial is not always a given. Defendants must be released pending trial, and in some cases, judges may order that they be held in custody while they are awaiting trial. The bail hearing is one of the most important moments in the early stages of the criminal justice process.