Criminal Attorney Columbia County
Providing an Aggressive Legal Defense When You Need It Most
Being charged with a criminal offense is one of the most frightening and overwhelming experiences anyone can have. The Wisconsin criminal justice system can be overly complex, and anyone facing a criminal charge must seek qualified legal representation immediately.
Criminal convictions can be devastating. For example, suppose you are convicted of a felony. In that case, you cannot possess or own firearms legally, hold specific professional licenses, and may be restricted to where they can live or work, depending on the offense. Even a misdemeanor conviction can make it challenging to find gainful employment, especially if it was related to drug possession.
Regardless of your criminal charges, it is in your best interest to consult a defense lawyer who will evaluate your case professionally. Contact Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC, today so we can evaluate your legal needs.
What are the Legal Advantages of Hiring a Criminal Attorney?
If you have been charged with a crime, you may be unsure what to do or where to turn for help. Regardless of the circumstances, having an attorney on your side can significantly impact the case outcome. For example, even minor traffic violations can put your license in jeopardy. When you accumulate too many points, you run the risk of your license being suspended. An attorney can work to lower the charges and help you protect your driving privileges.
When you hire an attorney, they will handle the issues involved in the case to relieve some of the stress you feel. A criminal defense attorney’s first action is thoroughly evaluating the state’s evidence to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies. Based on the evidence, your attorney can argue that the state lacks sufficient evidence to pursue charges and file a motion to dismiss the case.
An attorney will also work to develop a solid defense strategy to use as leverage when meeting with prosecutors. In many cases, a defense lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to try to reduce the charges or work out a favorable plea deal. However, if the District Attorney refuses to negotiate, a defense lawyer will take the case to court to resolve it.
What are the Legal Implications of Wisconsin Criminal Convictions?
Individuals convicted of Wisconsin criminal offenses may be ordered to pay hefty fines and court costs and, depending on the crime, may be sentenced to jail or prison. Once convicted, individuals are usually left with a permanent criminal record that can hinder their ability to realize their life goals.
Employment
Although Wisconsin state laws generally prohibit employers from discriminating against applicants based on a criminal record, there are exceptions. For example, if you were convicted of theft, an employer may have the right to deny employment if it is “substantially related” to your job duties.
Housing
Background checks are easy for landlords and rental agencies to run, so they can quickly determine if applicants have criminal records. However, most landlords are reluctant to lease to applicants with criminal records, citing concerns about safety and liability.
Other common legal implications include a negative impact on immigration status, enrollment in a higher learning institution, or the potential for further legal issues in divorce or child custody cases.
What Types of Crimes are Charged as Felonies?
Wisconsin felony charges are reserved for the most serious criminal offenses and are punishable by at least one year or longer in state prison. Some of the most common examples of felony offenses include:
- Homicide
- Sexual assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Arson
- Substantial battery
- Strangulation
- First-degree reckless endangerment
- Theft of property over $2,500
- Possession with intent to distribute specific controlled substances
Some of the most serious felonies, such as first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree sexual assault of a victim under 13 that resulted in injuries, are punishable by life imprisonment. Other less serious crimes, such as drug possession and domestic disorderly conduct, are charged as misdemeanors.
Due to the potential for lengthy prison sentences, anyone facing felony charges must have a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of the Wisconsin legal system. Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC will aggressively defend you against life-changing felony charges and fight to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney if I Have Been Charged With Drunk Driving?
Wisconsin law takes a dim view of drunk driving, and district attorneys aggressively pursue charges in the interest of public safety. Although generally, most first-time Wisconsin OWI offenses are not punishable by jail time, they do result in other penalties, including suspension of your driver’s license and fines. Although a first-time OWI is not considered a criminal offense, it will remain on your driving record permanently. Second and subsequent Wisconsin OWI offenses are considered criminal infractions, with the fourth offense typically being charged as a felony.
Drunk driving charges can have other legal and personal implications, including loss of employment and damage to your personal and professional reputation. The only way to mitigate the legal and personal implications associated with a drunk driving offense is to hire an experienced attorney.
In many drunk driving cases, a knowledgeable attorney can determine that police did not administer field sobriety or breathalyzer tests correctly or waited too long to do a blood draw, potentially skewing the results. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in cases involving criminal and traffic offenses. When we agree to take on the case, our legal team will carefully review the evidence to develop an innovative defense strategy that yields the best possible results.
Do All Criminal Cases Have to Go to Trial?
Being charged with a criminal offense can be overwhelming, aside from worrying about whether the case will go to trial. Most Wisconsin criminal cases are settled out of court through extensive negotiations between defense attorneys and prosecutors.
Prosecutors are often eager to avoid the time and expense that trials can pose. Settling a case without having to go to trial allows prosecutors to focus on more serious offenses, such as sexual assault, that often end up being decided by a jury trial.
One of the most considerable benefits of hiring an experienced defense attorney is that they know what it takes to negotiate a successful outcome for clients. In many instances, a defense attorney can identify inconsistencies in the evidence that provide leverage to argue for the dismissal of the case or a reduction in charges.
Allow our highly trained criminal defense attorneys to assess your case and determine what legal strategies may suit your needs so you can put your charges behind you. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Do Your Criminal Defense Lawyers Have the Experience It Takes to Help Me Win My Case?
When you have been accused of a crime, you want an attorney who is fearless about standing up for your rights. Our legal teams have extensive experience handling cases in the Columbia County Circuit Court and federal court.
Our years of combined experience in criminal defense and litigation have equipped us with the skills and knowledge necessary to win cases for our clients. One aspect that sets us apart from other attorneys is our proven record in the legal community for obtaining favorable outcomes for clients charged with serious offenses such as homicide, manslaughter, sexual assault, and internet sex crimes.
If you have been charged with a crime, do not delay, contact Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC today (608) 820-8926 to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia County, WI criminal defense lawyer who will determine your legal options.