Portage Criminal Defense Lawyer

Providing the Skilled Legal Representation You Need to Fight Criminal Charges

If you face criminal charges, you must seek legal representation immediately to protect your rights and freedom. Even a misdemeanor criminal conviction can lead to profound legal and personal implications that can negatively impact your life. Criminal convictions can hamper your ability to find gainful employment, suitable housing, or hold specific professional licenses.

Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC, has skilled criminal defense lawyers who will fight to protect your freedom and reputation. Whether you have been charged with domestic violence or drunk driving, our lawyers have the experience to negotiate with prosecutors and win cases.

If you are facing criminal charges, contact our Portage, WI, criminal defense attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation so we can evaluate your case.

What Type of Cases Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Handle for Clients?

A criminal defense lawyer is qualified to handle many cases for clients who suddenly become involved in the legal system. Some of the most common cases that defense lawyers take include minor offenses such as theft, first-time DUI, drug possession, or disorderly conduct. A criminal defense attorney also handles cases that involve serious charges, such as homicide, sexual assault, or substantial battery. Additionally, defense lawyers also handle offenses that include self-defense, internet sex crimes, as well as criminal appeals.

If you are facing a legal issue, your best option is to hire a lawyer to build a solid criminal defense to help you fight the charges. Our law office is dedicated to helping clients fight criminal charges so they can get on with their lives. Contact us today to learn more about our legal services and how we can help.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Charged With a Crime?

If you have been charged with a crime, you may not be sure what to do first to protect yourself. Wisconsin criminal law can be challenging to navigate without legal training and is best handled by a well-qualified attorney.

If you have been arrested, you must exercise your right to remain silent. For example, in cases that involve child abuse, sexual assault, or murder, police officers may try to tell you that if you just give your side of the story, you may be able to go home. However, law enforcement authorities have the right to use misleading tactics to try and gain confessions.

You must never agree to speak with the police unless your attorney is present. A defense lawyer can provide legal guidance on avoiding incriminating yourself and ensure you do not make statements that could lead to more charges.

Although challenging, you should always abide by your attorney’s advice. For example, if you have been charged with domestic violence, you should not try to contact the victim or others who may have witnessed the incident. Failing to comply with your attorney’s advice can make it more complicated for them to aggressively defend your case and reduce your chances of a favorable outcome.

What is the Difference Between a Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses?

Many defendants unfamiliar with the Wisconsin criminal justice system are unsure about the differences between felony and misdemeanor offenses. Under state law, felony offenses are considered more serious than misdemeanors and are punishable by a sentence of at least one year in state prison. Crimes such as murder, robbery, sexual assault, and drug trafficking are charged as felony offenses. The most serious criminal offenses are Class A felonies, which are punishable by life imprisonment, such as in first-degree intentional homicide.

Conversely, misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses but, depending on the circumstances, may result in a jail sentence. Offenses such as disorderly conduct, theft of property, and some drunk driving charges are charged as misdemeanors. In many instances, a misdemeanor may result in a defendant being placed in a diversion program, such as in shoplifting cases. Diversion or probation programs help individuals avoid jail time and help to facilitate behavioral changes.

Sometimes, a well-trained criminal defense lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor.

Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, you must obtain legal representation immediately before crucial evidence disappears and witnesses become challenging to locate. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will work diligently to help you obtain the best possible result for your case.

Why is it Important to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney to Represent Me?

If you have been charged with a crime, you probably have many concerns, including how it will affect your job, family, and freedom. Criminal charges can also impact family law issues, including divorce and child custody.

Due to the legal complexities of handling criminal offenses and the Wisconsin legal system, hiring a defense attorney is the best way to protect your freedom and reputation. One of the essential services that a criminal defense attorney provides to clients is that they conduct an independent investigation to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the state’s case. Based on the evidence, your attorney can identify inconsistencies in witness testimony and scrutinize forensic evidence.

A criminal defense attorney will also file motions asking the evidence to be excluded or the charges to be dismissed. Defense attorneys have in-depth experience negotiating for clients, and depending on the charges, they may be able to argue that you should be given probation or allowed to participate in a diversion program.

Suppose the District Attorney is unwilling to drop or reduce the charges or offer a favorable plea deal. In that case, a defense attorney is prepared to take the case to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the matter. During the legal process, your attorney will also keep you informed and explain the next steps so there are no surprises along the way.

What Makes Your Law Firm the Best Choice to Defend Me Against Criminal Charges?

Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC is a Portage, WI law office passionately committed to helping clients charged with criminal offenses. Our legal team represents clients from all walks of life and knows what it takes to get the results they have come to expect.

We realize the stress of dealing with the criminal justice system on you and your family. If we agree to take your case, we will treat you with the respect and integrity you deserve. Our criminal defense lawyers have a proven reputation in the legal community and are well-known for being able to obtain favorable results for clients. We strive to inform our clients so you will be aware of any changes or progress in the case.

Although we aim to have criminal charges dismissed, we have often been able to reduce clients’ charges through plea deals without the need to go to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are fearless about standing up to tough prosecutors.

Contact our Portage, WI, criminal defense attorneys today at (608) 820-8926 to schedule a free initial consultation. We will evaluate your case professionally and craft a custom legal strategy based on the evidence to give you the best possible result.