Criminal Defense Lawyer in Belleville, WI

Have you been arrested in Belleville? If so, you need experienced legal advocacy to help you protect your rights, reputation, and future. Contact Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. today for a free initial case evaluation with a criminal defense lawyer serving Belleville, Green County. We are ready to stand up on your behalf and fight hard for the fair outcome you deserve.

Why Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney from Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.?

A criminal conviction can have devastating consequences on your life and well-being. Here are a few reasons that clients in Belleville and across Wisconsin have trusted the legal team at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. to represent them at crucial moments in their lives:

Our attorneys have considerable courtroom experience, having handled thousands of cases and spent nearly every day in Wisconsin courtrooms. We represent clients facing state and federal charges.
We have devoted ourselves to gaining advanced knowledge of case law, rules of evidence, and procedural rules. At the same time, we have honed our written and oral advocacy skills to provide clients with top-quality legal representation. Our success record reflects our commitment to achieving optimal results for our clients.
As a boutique law firm, we provide clients with clear, consistent communication and dedicated support to help them navigate the challenges of facing criminal prosecution.
Our firm has a network of high-quality investigators, scientific experts, and sentencing consultants to help us build comprehensive legal strategies for our clients.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Belleville, WI

At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights and reputation when facing charges in Belleville for criminal offenses such as:

Bail jumping
Battery/aggravated battery
Criminal damage to property
Child abuse
Disorderly conduct
Domestic violence
Drug crimes, including drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, and prescription drug offenses
Drug-induced homicide
DUI/OWI, including OWI homicide
Federal crimes, such as interstate/international drug trafficking, white-collar crimes (e.g., money laundering, identity theft, bank fraud, counterfeiting), interstate kidnapping, or violent offenses against federal officials or employees
Homicide, including murder, felony murder, manslaughter, and reckless homicide
Human trafficking
Juvenile crimes, such as battery, drug offenses, vandalism, sex offenses, auto theft, robbery, and weapons offenses
Misdemeanor crimes, such as petty theft, simple drug possession, or lewd and lascivious conduct
Sex crimes, such as rape, sexual assault, statutory rape, indecent exposure, and possession/distribution of child pornography
Stalking
Theft crimes, such as larceny, robbery, and shoplifting
Title XI and student disciplinary proceedings
Traffic violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, driving on a suspended or revoked license, driving without insurance, or hit-and-run
Violent felonies, such as battery, kidnapping, burglary, arson, and weapons offenses

Potential Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Belleville

In Wisconsin, a conviction can result in a range of serious consequences. Most immediately, convictions result in sentences, which can include penalties such as incarceration, fines, and restitution (an obligation to reimburse victims for financial losses caused by the defendant’s crime). The specific penalties depend on the grading of an offense and the court’s evaluation of various factors, such as a defendant’s criminal history, the nature of the crime, the defendant’s remorse or cooperation with law enforcement, and the need to protect the public and uphold respect for the law.

Criminal penalties under Wisconsin Law include, in descending order of severity:

Class A felony: Life imprisonment
Class B felony: Up to 60 years in prison
Class C felony: Up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both imprisonment and a fine
Class D felony: Up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both imprisonment and a fine
Class E felony: Up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both imprisonment and a fine
Class F felony: Up to 12 years and six months in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both imprisonment and a fine
Class G felony: Up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both imprisonment and a fine
Class H felony: Up to six years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both imprisonment and a fine
Class I felony: Up to three years and six months in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both imprisonment and a fine
Class A misdemeanor: Up to nine months in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both incarceration and a fine
Class B misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both incarceration and a fine
Class C misdemeanor: Up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both incarceration and a fine

In many cases, sentences for similar crimes under federal law carry harsher penalties than under state law, especially for drug or violent crimes.

These sentences are not the only potential consequence of conviction. For example, a conviction for a felony offense or a domestic violence crime (both felony and misdemeanor) can result in the loss of firearm rights. A conviction for a sex offense requires a defendant to register as a sex offender following release from incarceration. Some convictions can also disqualify a person from specific licenses or government benefits.

Ultimately, a conviction will result in a criminal record that can impose a significant social and professional stigma. A record makes it more challenging to secure employment, housing, or educational opportunities. Given the potential consequences of a criminal conviction in Belleville, you can best protect your rights, freedom, and future by working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer from

Common Defenses to Criminal Charges

A defendant facing criminal charges in Belleville may have various defenses they can pursue to seek a dismissal, acquittal, or reduced charges. Common defense strategies include:

Lack of required criminal intent
Mistaken identity
Alibi
Consent
Self-defense/defense of others
Lack of possession of contraband
Unreliable forensic evidence
Unlawfully obtained evidence or statements

How Can an Attorney Help You Face Criminal Prosecution in Green County, WI?

A criminal defense attorney from Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. can help you defend your freedom and future against by:

Conducting an independent investigation of your charges to obtain all available evidence in your case, including evidence that police and prosecutions might not look for
Reviewing the facts of your case to evaluate potential legal strategies that can help you secure a favorable resolution
Explaining your charges and the possible outcomes of your case so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed at each step
Challenging the prosecution’s case at every opportunity, including seeking to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence or to dismiss your charges for lack of sufficient evidence to bring you to trial
Vigorously pursuing the best possible outcome to your case, whether that involves securing a dismissal or reduction of your charges, negotiating a plea deal, or advocating your innocence at trial to fight the prosecution’s allegations

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Charges

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Belleville, you need fearless, confident defense attorneys in your corner. Contact Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., for a free, confidential consultation, and let us be the champion you need at this difficult moment.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Belleville, WI