Wisconsin Law 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

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

The Role of Witness Credibility in Criminal Cases

September 30, 2025 | Court Hearings

Criminal cases depend on the evidence. The prosecutor may have physical evidence that they are trying to use against you as the defendant, such as fingerprints and weapons. Each form of physical evidence must be authenticated through witness testimony to establish its reliability. The prosecutor will also call witnesses to testify about various observations that can be used to prove their case. This testimony, if it is reliable, could show that you are guilty of the crime that has been charged. A criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff could call credible witnesses on your behalf while working to challenge witnesses who have been called by the prosecution. As the defendant, witness testimony also plays a crucial role in your case. You are entitled to due process, which allows your side of the story to be told. You do this through testimony and physical evidence of your own. Your witnesses could … Continued

Understanding OWI/DUI Penalties and Defense Strategies in Wisconsin

August 26, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

If you have been charged with OWI in Wisconsin, you may be facing serious penalties besides the loss of your driving privileges. You may be facing jail time, and the penalties may escalate if it was not your first offense, or if there are aggravating factors. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that you would be convicted of the crime or receive the maximum possible sentence. You should hire an OWI attorney from Hogan Eickhoff to represent you in your criminal case. They could review your case to determine whether there are any possible defenses, or they may work with the prosecutor to obtain the best possible legal result.

Computer Crime Defense: Understanding Cybercrime Laws in Wisconsin

August 12, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

The growing use of computers also means that law enforcement is intently focused on catching and prosecuting crimes involving these devices. If you have been charged with computer crimes, either on a state or federal level, you are likely facing substantial penalties that could involve jail time. These cases are extremely complex, and they may involve cutting-edge areas of the law, making it even more crucial that you have early involvement of a criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff.

How a Criminal Record Can Impact Employment and Housing Opportunities

June 24, 2025 | Criminal Convictions

Criminal defense attorneys will tell you that there are consequences of a criminal conviction, beyond the time that you may serve in prison. Not only reputational effects from a conviction, but it can also lead to other collateral impacts on your life. You may find that you have difficulty finding a job or housing due to a criminal record. These are all factors that you need to consider when you have been charged with a crime and are deciding whether to plead guilty or fight the charges against you. Although these impacts may not be determinative of the choice that you ultimately make, they are certainly things that you would need to consider in consultation with your criminal defense attorney after you have hired them. Below, we will explore these ideas further and discuss how a dedicated criminal defense attorney from Hogan Eickhoff can help you if you face criminal … Continued