Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Rock County
Helping Clients Preserve Their Rights, Freedom, and Reputation
Just as with sexual assault or drunk driving charges, domestic violence allegations can have a devastating effect on your life. A conviction can negatively impact your ability to hold some professional licenses, including those in the medical field, security, or law enforcement. In addition, a domestic violence-related offense can lead to complications if you are involved in a family law case, such as child custody or a divorce.
If you are facing a criminal charge for domestic abuse, your best option is to hire a skilled domestic violence defense attorney who will act as your legal advocate. Only a skilled attorney can professionally evaluate the evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor to have the charges dismissed or reduced.
For more information, contact our Rock County, WI attorneys at Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC to schedule a free consultation. A qualified legal team member will gladly review your case and determine the options that best suit your needs.
What are the Legal Benefits of Hiring a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
If you are facing a domestic violence charge, you need an attorney who will help you navigate the legal complexities of the Wisconsin criminal justice system. A domestic violence lawyer will guide you through the legal process involved with court procedures and what to expect as your case progresses.
Your attorney will closely examine the state’s evidence to pinpoint weaknesses in the case. Often, accusers make false allegations that can be disproven through video evidence and witness testimony. An attorney will also review the accuser’s account of events and identify inconsistencies or conflicting statements.
Depending on the facts involved in the case, a domestic violence lawyer may be able to file motions asking that evidence be excluded because your rights were violated. In other instances, they can argue that the case lacks the necessary legal elements to proceed and request that it be dismissed. Other options include negotiating with the prosecutor to lower the charges or asking that you be placed on probation.
If the prosecutor is unwilling to budge, a well-qualified defense attorney will take the case to trial to try and win a not guilty verdict. When you hire our Rock County, WI, domestic violence lawyers, we will work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your legal needs.
When Can a Person Be Charged With a Felony Domestic Violence Offense?
Under Wisconsin state law, the highest battery level is categorized as a Class E felony. A person may be charged with felony domestic violence if they intentionally inflict substantial or great bodily harm on a family member or a qualifying individual, such as a current or former roommate. Some examples of actions that can result in other felony charges include substantial battery, sexual assault, or strangulation.
Individuals who are convicted of a Class E felony domestic violence risk being sentenced to up to 15 years in state prison and being ordered to pay a $50,000 fine. Other legal implications include being labeled a convicted felon and losing your right to vote, purchasing, owning, and possessing firearms, or being able to qualify for benefits.
Our attorneys understand the importance of developing effective defense strategies that yield optimal outcomes. If you have been charged with felony domestic abuse, contact our Janesville, WI, domestic violence lawyers immediately so we can get started on your case.
What are the Penalties for Domestic Abuse Convictions?
Although a misdemeanor offense is not considered as serious as a felony, any criminal conviction can negatively impact your life. Anyone who is dealing with domestic violence charges needs an attorney who will provide aggressive legal representation to avoid a criminal sentence.
Misdemeanor Convictions
Penalties for misdemeanor domestic violence include:
- Disorderly conduct: Up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine
- Battery: Up to nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine
Felony Convictions
Other than a Class E felony that can result in defendants being sentenced to 15 years in prison and a substantial fine, other penalties include:
Battery or stalking: If the battery charges are upgraded to a Class I felony, a defendant could be sentenced to up to three and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine
Suffocation or strangulation: Class H felonies punishable by up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine
The best way to avoid the harsh penalties of a domestic violence conviction is to hire an attorney who will help you achieve your legal goals. Our attorneys have comprehensive experience helping clients avoid life-changing convictions. Contact us today to learn more about our legal services.
Do Wisconsin Prosecutors Ever Drop Domestic Violence Charges?
Wisconsin prosecutors are often willing to drop domestic violence charges if they feel they lack sufficient evidence to win the case. In many instances, inaccuracies in witness statements often lead a prosecutor not to pursue charges. In other cases, studies show that police officers do not always arrest the right person, and defense attorneys can review bodycam footage that casts doubt on who was the aggressor.
The state may also be unwilling to proceed with the case if the alleged victim does not cooperate. Although the state can still move forward with charges even if an accuser does not wish to press charges, a prosecutor may feel their case is weak without the victim’s participation. Another reason the state may dismiss charges is that the defense has presented a compelling case that the defendant was acting in self-defense because they felt they were in imminent danger.
One key benefit of hiring a criminal defense attorney is their comprehensive experience evaluating evidence, so they can create innovative defense strategies that will help you avoid a trial.
Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC, works hard to protect our clients’ interests and will fight to help you receive the fair treatment you deserve.
What Makes Your Criminal Defense Attorney the Best Choice to Defend Me Against Domestic Violence Charges?
Suppose you have been arrested and charged with a domestic violence-related offense. In that case, you must have a highly trained attorney to help you navigate the legal process successfully. Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC, is a Janesville, WI law office dedicated to representing clients charged with domestic violence-related offenses. Our attorneys have a proven track record working to obtain the best possible result for our clients’ legal needs.
Over the years, our attorneys have represented clients in misdemeanor and felony domestic violence cases to protect their rights and freedom. Our criminal defense lawyers fight to ensure their clients are treated fairly and do not have to worry about the legal implications of criminal convictions.
When you come to us for help, we will conduct an independent investigation, review the evidence, interview witnesses, and work closely with the prosecutor to resolve your legal matters in your favor. Our attorneys and legal team treat each client with the respect and integrity they deserve.
Contact our Janesville, Wisconsin, domestic violence lawyers today at (608) 820-8926 to schedule a free consultation. During this consultation, we will determine the most effective legal strategies tailored to your needs.