Legal Counsel Archives » Hogan Eickhoff

Will I Go to Jail for a Felony Offense?

March 24, 2026 | Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a felony in Wisconsin, imprisonment is a possibility, but not a certainty. The reality is that a felony conviction carries the possibility of prison time, but whether you will actually serve time behind bars depends on a number of factors, including the class of the felony, your criminal history, the specific circumstances of your case, and the strength of your legal defense. The criminal defense attorneys Hogan Eickhoff believe that every person facing a felony charge deserves honest answers and an aggressive advocate. Contact us right away if you have been arrested or charged for a felony offense. How Wisconsin Classifies Felonies Wisconsin divides felony offenses into nine classes, labeled A through I. The earlier the letter in the alphabet, the more serious the offense and the harsher the potential penalty. Class A felonies, which include crimes like first-degree intentional homicide, carry a maximum … Continued

How an OWI Conviction Can Affect Your Livelihood

March 10, 2026 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Most people facing an OWI charge in Wisconsin think first about the immediate consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and the possibility of jail time. Those are serious concerns, but the long-term impact on your career and financial stability can be just as devastating, and in some cases, far more lasting. A conviction follows you well beyond the courthouse, reaching into your workplace, your professional licenses, and your ability to earn a living for years to come. At Hogan Eickhoff, our criminal defense attorneys have seen firsthand how a single OWI conviction can derail careers that took years to build. We know what is at stake, and this is one of the most compelling reasons to fight your charge from the very start. Jobs That Require a Clean Driving Record If your job involves getting behind the wheel in any capacity, an OWI conviction creates an immediate problem. Employers in … Continued

Understanding Wisconsin’s Self-Incrimination Protections

February 20, 2026 | Court Hearings

As a defendant, what you say can matter greatly in your criminal case. Your own words can be used against you in court, as confessions or anything you say that implies guilt can be powerful evidence for prosecutors. This means that law enforcement wants you to speak with them, so they can gather any evidence against you. Always remember that law enforcement is not out to help you when asking questions, and self-incrimination is a huge risk when you do not have the proper representation from a criminal defense lawyer.You have rights against self-incrimination, including the right to remain silent during law enforcement questioning and the right not to serve as a witness against yourself in a criminal proceeding. If law enforcement violates these rights, your criminal defense attorney can often use it to the benefit of your defense.Call Hogan Eickhoff right after an arrest so we can exercise your … Continued

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

What Happens After a Criminal Charge: The Steps in the Legal Process

July 8, 2025 | Arraignment

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you will be facing a lengthy and difficult legal process. It is important for you to understand what you are facing and how a criminal defense attorney can help you every step of the way. They will explain both how the law works and your legal rights in the situation. A criminal defense lawyer at Hogan Eickhoff would work to protect your legal rights and seek the best possible outcome in your case. Here are the steps in the legal process after you have been charged with a crime in Wisconsin.

Self-Defense vs. Battery: Understanding the Fine Line in Wisconsin Law

March 25, 2025 | Battery and Assault Crimes

Even though you may be accused of a violent crime, there are defenses that you may use if you choose to fight the charges. There is a line between force that is justified, such as self-defense, and force that is illegal, such as battery. If you are able to prove a sufficient threat or violent action against you, it may be possible to be acquitted of criminal battery charges. The criminal defense lawyers at Hogan Eickhoff can review your case to help you determine whether there are any defenses to the charges you are facing.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Appleton, WI

Battery Charges: Self-Defense and Mitigating Circumstances

November 26, 2024 | Battery and Assault Crimes

Battery charges can be very serious. Even if you are facing misdemeanor charges, you are still facing possible jail time and a host of other impacts on your life. However, there are defenses that you may be able to use against the charges and mitigating circumstances that could lessen any potential punishment. If you have been charged with battery, the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Hogan Eickhoff can help you present the strongest possible legal defense.

Gavel and nameplate, misdemeanor, Criminal defense and legal advice in Appleton, WI

Understanding the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Wisconsin

August 27, 2024 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Misdemeanors and felonies are different in many regards, and not just in the length of the jail sentence imposed if you are convicted of the crime. Either way, you will face significant consequences and upheaval, but the effects of a felony conviction will be far greater. Whether you are charged with or plead guilty to a felony or misdemeanor depends on the facts and circumstances of your case. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney for your case can make a difference in the outcome. Reach out to the criminal defense lawyers at Hogan Eickhoff to discuss your case today and learn more about your potential legal path forward.

Criminal defense and legal advice in Appleton, WI

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Criminal Charges in Appleton

July 2, 2024 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Many defendants can handicap their own criminal defense in the early days of their case. Once you have made a critical mistake, you cannot take it back. It is on the record for law enforcement to use it against you as they wish. In addition, you can also make mistakes with other things that you can do or say away from the eyes and ears of law enforcement. Always hire an experienced criminal defense attorney at the first possible opportunity. Reach out to the lawyers at Hogan Eickhoff to discuss your case and learn about your legal rights. In the meantime, here are some mistakes to avoid making when you are in the criminal justice system.