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.

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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.

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The Difference Between a License Suspension and Revocation in Wisconsin

December 6, 2022 | Criminal Convictions

If you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses, you may lose your right to drive for a certain period of time. There are various terms that the law uses for the loss of your ability to drive. The two most common terms are revocation and suspension of your driver’s license. Although these terms are largely the same, there are some key differences of which you should be made aware by your attorney. While you do not have full driving privileges, you will be punished far more seriously when you are caught driving with a revoked license.

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Hogan Eickhoff Voted Best Law Firm & Best Criminal Defense Law Firm

September 15, 2022 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Hogan Eickhoff was voted ‘Best Law Firm’ and ‘Best Criminal Defense Law Firm” by Best of Wisconsin Law Journal! Our team is passionate about practicing criminal law and you can always expect excellent defense, no matter the accusation. “The legal team at Hogan Eickhoff understands the workings of criminal law and the criminal justice system and use that knowledge to help get clients the results they deserve.” Read more.

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Preliminary Hearings in Wisconsin

October 27, 2020 | Court Hearings

If you have been charged with a felony offense, you have a legal right to a preliminary hearing in your case. In felony cases, a preliminary hearing is the court appearance that follows the initial appearance hearing. In misdemeanor criminal cases, there is no preliminary hearing. Preliminary hearings are also known as preliminary examinations, probable cause hearings, or simply as ‘prelims.’ As the individual who is accused of committing a criminal offense, you do not have a right to testify at a preliminary hearing. In other words, you cannot take the witness stand and talk about your version of events. However, your lawyer has the right cross-examine any witnesses, including police officers and others, whom the prosecuting attorney calls as a witness. The court will then make a determination about whether probable cause exists to charge you with the felony offense. If you are facing a felony criminal charge, it … Continued

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Should I Get a Lawyer for Misdemeanor Charges?

June 23, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

Unlike certain traffic infractions, misdemeanor convictions appear on your criminal record. Misdemeanors often carry serious consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and probation. Just because felony convictions bear more substantial collateral penalties does not mean defendants should forgo their right to an Appleton misdemeanor defense lawyer.

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Understanding the Terms & Constitutional Implications of Marsy’s Law

April 2, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

On November 30, 1983, tragedy struck the family of an accomplished young woman named Marsalee (Marsy) Ann Nicholas. Marsy was brutally stalked and murdered by an ex-boyfriend that day, and while still reeling from the pain of this loss, Marsy’s mother was shockingly confronted by Marsy’s killer on the way home from Marsy’s funeral. Marsy’s murderer had been released on bail a few days prior to Marsy’s funeral, but her family hadn’t been notified. The judicial oversights that resulted in this confrontation lead to a campaign for legal reform. Marsy’s family advocated for the enactment of state constitutional rights that would provide victims of crimes with rights equal to those afforded to the accused. These reformations became known as “Marsy’s Law,” which has been adopted in some form by 11 states. Wisconsin Set to Vote on Marsy’s Law Amendment Next Week On April 7, 2020, Wisconsin residents are scheduled to … Continued

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