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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Defending Against Drug Possession Charges in Wisconsin

July 22, 2025 | Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with drug possession in Wisconsin, it is a very serious matter. Not only are you facing the potential of jail time, but you may be left with an indelible criminal record that may remain with you for the rest of your life. When you hire a criminal defense attorney for your case, they will review the facts and circumstances to see if you have any applicable defenses to use to fight the charges against you. There is nothing that says that you need to plead guilty to drug possession charges. A criminal defense lawyer at Hogan Eickhoff can help you mount your strongest possible legal defense to drug possession charges. In the meantime, here are some potential defenses to drug possession charges.

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The Role of Expert Witnesses in Criminal Defense Cases

January 14, 2025 | Court Hearings

You may think of witnesses in any type of case as testifying about what they heard and saw. Witnesses can be called by the prosecution or defense in an attempt to prove a case. However, witnesses can be helpful to both sides in other contexts as they either try to prove their case or keep the prosecutor from establishing a criminal defendant’s guilt. Both sides may use expert witnesses to assist in their case. These witnesses do not testify about facts; instead, they give their opinions about evidence so the jury may better understand it. Let’s discuss how a criminal defense lawyer from Hogan Eikhoff may work with expert witnesses in your case.

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The Ins and Outs of Bail in Wisconsin

June 4, 2024 | Arraignment

In most cases, you would not have to remain on bail while you are awaiting trial on criminal charges. A large majority of defendants are released from jail in the interim. Some may be required to put up money as a condition of this release. Whether bail is set and how much you must post are crucial to your freedom while you are awaiting the resolution of your charges. The criminal defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff can represent you at this early stage of the case, where key decisions are being made.

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How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case

May 7, 2024 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Your choice of criminal defense attorney is crucial to your case. Your freedom is literally on the line, and you should leave no stone unturned in defending the charges filed against you. However, you need to decide on a criminal defense attorney relatively early in your case, perhaps even before you have been charged with a crime. You need to reach the right decision for you in a short amount of time. There are numerous things that you need to consider before you settle on the attorney who will represent you in your case. The criminal defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff are here to provide our expert services whenever you need us.

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Drug Offenses: Your Rights and Defense Strategies in Appleton, WI

February 20, 2024 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a drug crime may have a significant impact on your life in both the near and long-term. A conviction could bring both jail time and other collateral consequences that can complicate many things for you going forward. However, a conviction is by no means a certainty when you are facing criminal charges. An experienced drug criminal defense attorney, like the ones at Hogan Eickhoff, can provide you with a vigorous legal defense in the hopes of achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

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