wisconsin legal advice Archives

Understanding Felonies: Types, Penalties and Defense Strategies in Appleton, WI

December 19, 2023 | Criminal Defense Attorney

In Wisconsin, a felony is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment in a state prison. It is a far more serious charge than a misdemeanor, which may be punished by up to a year in county prison. Felonies involve more serious crimes. These crimes could be violent in nature or more serious versions of crimes that may otherwise be misdemeanors. For example, possession of narcotics and theft charges could rise to felonies when they exceed a certain amount of drugs or monetary value, respectively.

Misdemeanor Defense Attorney in Appleton, WI

Misdemeanors in Wisconsin: Know Your Rights and How to Defend Against Them

December 5, 2023 | Criminal Defense Attorney

As a criminal defendant in Wisconsin, your legal rights do not vary based on the severity of the charges against you. In every single case, you have legal rights. When you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you would consult a lawyer to review your case and help determine whether you should reach a plea deal or defend against the charges. It is up to law enforcement to prove the case against you, or you would be acquitted at trial.

Private Criminal Defense Attorney in Appleton, WI

Importance of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney in Wisconsin

September 19, 2023 | Court Hearings

Once you have been charged with a crime, your first major decision is whether to hire a lawyer in your case. There is no question that you should retain an attorney to represent you. Your legal rights and perhaps even your freedom are at risk. You are then faced with a choice of whether to hire a private criminal defense lawyer or a public defender. It is worth the investment to get your own private lawyer. Public defenders are simply too overloaded and under-resourced to fight as effectively as a private lawyer can.

Choosing a criminal defense attorney in Appleton, WI

How to Choose the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Wisconsin

September 5, 2023 | Criminal Defense Attorney

It goes without saying that you need to hire your own criminal defense attorney for your Wisconsin court case. You must make your decision quickly because your legal rights depend on you getting the necessary legal help. The question then becomes which attorney you should hire. You are faced with many choices, as there may be a large number of criminal defense attorneys in your area. The attorney you select must be the right attorney for you, and you must make the selection under pressure. Here are some things that you should consider when choosing a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer.

Clearing a Criminal Record in Appleton, WI

Clearing Your Criminal Record in Wisconsin

August 9, 2023 | Criminal Convictions

State law in Wisconsin lets adult criminal records be expunged or sealed only in certain circumstances. If a person was arrested for a criminal offense but never convicted of the crime, it can be possible for them to have their arrest record removed from the Wisconsin Criminal History Repository.

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

What Kinds of Offenses Are Considered White Collar Crimes?

February 11, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

The term “white collar” doesn’t actually appear in the Wisconsin Criminal Code. It’s a colloquialism used to describe certain financial and regulatory crimes typically committed by those working in a professional environment, or people required to wear a “white-collared” shirt to the office. Despite the slang, both federal and state law enforcement agencies have dedicated white collar prosecutors and investigators in Wisconsin. These teams include forensic accountants and are often well funded due to the fines typically collected in white-collar cases. This may mean trouble for white-collar defendants in Wisconsin.

Should You Take a Plea Deal?

January 9, 2020 | Criminal Defense Attorney

The United States Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that between 90 and 95% of all criminal convictions result from guilty pleas rather than jury verdicts. The statistics are even higher for felony-level charges with studies indicating nearly 95% of state and 97% of federal felony convictions result from guilty pleas.