When facing a criminal charge, your future is too important to entrust it with just anyone, and the police are not on your side. If you have been accused of a crime in Dane County or the surrounding area in Wisconsin, you need a criminal defense attorney who will take forceful action on your behalf.
Referring to self-defense, defense for criminal acts while imminent danger is present, and a review of Wisconsin’s “Castle Doctrine.”
Child Abuse including neglect, sexual assault, and child enticement
Domestic violence crimes involve several layers of charges and restraining orders
Drug offenses from minor in possession to manufacturing and trafficking charges
DUI/OWI charges and other drunk driving charges, or those related to driving without a license, reckless homicide, and routine traffic offenses
Head Trauma including Shaken Baby Syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child abuse
Homicides including deaths that result from car accidents, drug overdoses, felony murder, and intentional homicide
Human trafficking a serious offense that involves promoting individuals for labor or prostitution against their will
Misdemeanors including disorderly conduct and other minor offenses, that still impact your life
Sex crimes including sexual assault, statutory rape, child pornography and college Title IX hearings
We also represent clients in juvenile criminal defense court matters. We have in-depth knowledge of the juvenile justice system and help minors achieve the best possible results when facing criminal allegations.
Minors accused of crimes such as shoplifting, possession of a fake ID, vandalism, DWI, and minor in possession are treated differently from adults.
In more serious matters such as homicide, rape and sexual assault, however, juveniles can be tried as adults. We have the knowledge, experience and resources to handle even the most serious matters.
including sexual assault, statutory rape, child pornography and college Title IX hearings
There are many misconceptions when it comes to the criminal defense process and criminal justice in general. Our criminal defense attorneys are here to dispel those misconceptions and provide you with the knowledge that your case is in the hands of a skilled representative and officer of the law.
If you’re under investigation or were charged with a crime, you’ve probably got plenty of questions—and we’ve got the answers.
You have the right to remain silent. That means you’re not required to answer police questions without a lawyer present—and you shouldn’t. Even if you believe you can explain or clear things up, it’s easy to make statements that prosecutors later use against you.
If an officer contacts you or stops you, politely decline to discuss anything. Tell them that you want to speak with your attorney. Once you request a lawyer, questioning must stop. Even if it doesn’t, anything you say after that point can still be used in court, so it’s best not to speak at all. Let your lawyer handle law enforcement.
Finally, don’t post anything on social media. Your posts and even your private messages can be collected and used as evidence. Discuss your case only with your attorney and avoid sharing details with friends or family. Even casual comments can hurt your defense.
Generally, no—but there are exceptions. Searches generally require a warrant issued by a judge based on probable cause. Probable cause means they believe a crime occurred and that you were involved. There are exceptions, such as when you give consent, when evidence is in plain view, or during certain emergencies.
Vehicle searches have additional exceptions, especially if the officer claims to smell drugs or see other contraband. If you believe the police searched without proper authority, we can file a motion to suppress (exclude) that evidence from your case.
Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to one year in county jail, while felonies carry potential prison sentences. The classification and penalties for felonies depend on which class the crime is in. For example, a Class H felony can result in up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
However, even a minor conviction can have long-term consequences. You could lose your gun rights and have difficulty with housing, jobs, and maintaining a professional license.
Yes. There are several procedural tools your lawyer can use to challenge the charges. A motion to suppress may remove evidence obtained illegally. A motion to dismiss can argue that the complaint doesn’t meet the legal requirements or that the evidence is too weak to move forward. Skilled pretrial litigation often leads to better results without the stress of a full trial.
In some cases, yes. Expungement removes the case from the public record, but it’s not available for all crimes. Typically, your conviction must have happened when you were under 25 and carried a maximum penalty of six years or less.
If expungement isn’t an option, we may be able to help you apply for a pardon through the Governor’s Office or assist with sealing certain court records.
Probation is a sentence that lets you stay in the community under supervision instead of serving jail time. Parole, on the other hand, applies to inmates released from prison under supervision. Probation or parole violations can result in additional penalties, including revocation hearings. Having a lawyer during these hearings is important. You have the right to challenge the alleged violations and present evidence in your defense. Your attorney will help you present evidence and make a compelling argument for why you should stay out of jail.
If you have been accused of a crime, contact our criminal defense attorneys in Madison, Wisconsin at 608-237-6854 or contact us online for a free 30-minute initial consultation. Off-site, evening and weekend meetings are available by appointment.
