Criminal Defense Attorney Janesville
Providing the Skilled Legal Representation You Need to Fight Criminal Charges
No one wants to face the legal consequences of being charged with a crime. Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, as you worry about your freedom and the future. All too often, others judge defendants guilty in the court of public opinion before they can even tell their side of the story.
Criminal Defense Attorney Janesville
Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC is a Janesville, WI, law firm dedicated to representing clients who have been accused of criminal offenses. Whether you have been charged with drug offenses or drunk driving, our criminal defense attorneys are prepared to launch a strong defense to protect your rights and freedom.
Contact our law office immediately to schedule a free consultation if you have been charged with a crime. A qualified legal team member will gladly meet with you to review your case and answer your questions.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Many individuals are unsure when they should hire a criminal defense attorney. Often, people make the critical mistake of believing their legal problems may go away without intervention. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime or believe an arrest is imminent, you must immediately hire a defense attorney.
It also makes no difference whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony; criminal charges can devastate your life and your family.
Even if you have not been arrested, you should never answer any questions the police may ask without an attorney being present. An attorney will help guide you through an interrogation and ensure you do not accidentally incriminate yourself.
If you have been arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney. Any statement you make can and will be used against you. If you make incriminating statements, you risk facing additional charges.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a criminal offense, you must hire a skilled attorney immediately so they can begin working on your case. Time is of the essence, as evidence can be challenging to obtain, and witness memories can quickly fade.
Will I Have to Go to Court if I Have Been Arrested on Drug Charges?
Due to the uptick in recent drug offenses, Wisconsin has enacted strict laws to punish offenders. If you are caught with drugs in Janesville, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The charges a defendant may face include the type and quantity of the substance and whether the individual has a prior history of drug offenses.
Misdemeanor Drug Offenses
State prosecutors are often more willing to offer plea deals in cases involving misdemeanor drug charges. If you are offered a plea deal and accept, you can avoid having to go to court to resolve your legal issues.
Common plea deals for drug charges often include reduced charges, probation, or dropping additional charges. Depending on the facts of the case, many first-time drug offenders may be allowed to participate in diversion programs that look to address and stop substance abuse.
Felony Drug Offenses
Unlike misdemeanors, felony drug offenses can result in defendants being sentenced to at least a year in prison if found guilty. If you have been charged with a felony drug offense, you must have a skilled attorney who will work with the prosecution to facilitate a plea deal.
In many cases, criminal defense attorneys can often secure favorable plea deals for those accused of felony offenses, including reduced sentences, the dismissal of more severe charges, or defendants being placed on felony probation.
Do Janesville Prosecutors Ever Reduce Felonies to Misdemeanors?
A common question many Janesville defendants ask is whether prosecutors are ever willing to reduce felonies to misdemeanors. Even though Janesville prosecutors take a hard line with felony charges, they may be willing to reduce charges to misdemeanors in specific circumstances.
For example, if the prosecution feels they lack sufficient evidence or have a weak case, they may be more inclined to reduce charges. A key benefit of hiring a criminal defense attorney is that they will thoroughly evaluate the state’s evidence and point out weaknesses when meeting with prosecutors.
A skilled defense attorney can use the lack of evidence as leverage and argue that the charges should be reduced or dismissed.
The seriousness of the offense is also considered when deciding whether a felony can be reduced. In cases involving serious criminal offenses punishable by life imprisonment or specific drug offenses, felony charges cannot be reduced to misdemeanor charges. Additionally, a judge has no legal authority to reduce any felony charge that is punishable by life imprisonment.
Can a Wisconsin Criminal Record Be Expunged?
Wisconsin law allows for the expungement of some criminal convictions. When a conviction is expunged, the official court record is sealed, and the public can no longer access it in public databases. It should be noted that although the record is sealed to the general public, law enforcement and other agencies may access the record in the name of public safety or conduct background checks.
Although juvenile convictions are expunged when the defendant turns 17 and has fulfilled the terms of their sentencing, the same is not true for adults.
In cases involving youthful offenders, where a defendant was under 25 at the time of conviction, specific misdemeanor and felony cases may be eligible for expungement if the terms of their sentence have been satisfied.
Violent felony convictions punishable by at least six years are not eligible for expungement, and individuals with previous felony convictions are also prohibited from seeking an expungement. One of the best ways to avoid worrying about a case being expunged is to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help prevent a criminal conviction from occurring.
Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC is committed to helping clients avoid the legal and social implications of criminal convictions. If you have been charged with a crime, let our experienced defense lawyers help negotiate your charges and work to obtain the best possible outcome.
Why Should I Choose Your Criminal Defense Law Firm to Represent Me?
Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC, has extensive experience helping Janesville citizens avoid criminal convictions. Our dedicated legal teams understand the nuances of Wisconsin criminal law and know what it takes to deliver results.
Our attorneys are well-qualified to handle cases in state and federal courts, enabling us to effectively advocate for our clients’ diverse needs. We have also earned a reputation in the legal community for the compassion and respect we show each client and their family.
Regardless of whether you have been accused of DUI, theft, or violent crimes, our law firm is committed to helping you obtain a positive outcome for your legal matter. Contact our Janesville, WI, law firm today by calling to schedule a free consultation so we may discuss the details of your case.