Jefferson Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Jefferson and Jefferson County

Criminal charges put your freedoms and future at risk. If you are facing a criminal charge in Jefferson, Wisconsin, you need an attorney who is unafraid to stand up and defend your rights. The attorneys at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., will use our considerable legal resources to defend you against the charges and achieve a satisfactory resolution.

When your liberty and reputation are on the line, you should never scrimp on your criminal defense attorneys. We have an established track record of protecting the rights of the accused and have secured numerous case dismissals and charge reductions. We are intimately familiar with Wisconsin’s justice system and have working professional relationships with prosecutors, court personnel, and the judges who will preside over your case. We won’t let the state violate your rights and will exhaust every available legal avenue to defend you.

Contact our team online or call us today at (608) 237-6854 to speak to a criminal defense attorney serving Jefferson in Jefferson County.

Criminal Cases We Manage

Our legal knowledge spans the range of federal and state criminal law. We have experience defending against both misdemeanor and felony charges in Wisconsin, including:

Assault & battery
Homicide
Sex crimes
Drug offenses
Human trafficking
Weapons offenses
OWI/DUI charges
Domestic violence
Theft
Traffic violations
Affirmative defense

No matter the nature of the criminal charge, you have a right to a defense attorney who will protect your interests. We will work hard on your behalf to ensure that justice is served.

What Happens When You Are Charged with a Crime in Wisconsin?

Most of our clients have never been charged with a crime before, so they are unfamiliar with what comes next. The exact steps depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has helpful flowcharts that show the exact procedures for processing misdemeanor and felony charges.

Misdemeanors

You will first go to an initial hearing where you can enter a not guilty plea to the charges, and the judge will set bail.
If you plead not guilty, you will move to the pre-trial hearing.
During pre-trial, you can negotiate a plea deal to prevent the case from going to trial.
If no deal occurs, the case then moves to trial. Both sides present evidence and witnesses to a jury, which renders a verdict.
Following the trial, sentencing will take place.

Felonies

Felony charges also start with an initial appearance where the judge sets bail/bond.
Next is a preliminary hearing in which the judge examines the evidence to determine whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial.
The following step is the arraignment, where the defendant may enter a not guilty plea.
If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case moves to the pre-trial phase and then trial.

If you believe the legal system reached a guilty verdict in error, you can appeal the decision, and a higher court will decide whether to schedule a new trial or overturn the verdict.

A majority of cases end before going to trial, either by a plea agreement or case dismissal. Sometimes, making a deal out of court is the best option for your circumstances. A criminal defense attorney from Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., can assess your situation to determine which legal path is most beneficial.

The Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

A criminal conviction can have drastic, immediate, and long-term consequences. Convictions can carry heavy fines, and a felony conviction usually involves a prison sentence. Aside from fines and jail time, a criminal conviction can affect your ability to secure housing in the future. Moreover, a criminal conviction can destroy your social reputation with family and friends.

Wisconsin Statutes 111.321 generally prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants based on prior criminal convictions. However, Section 111.335(3)(a)1 outlines a crucial exception that allows employers to discriminate in hiring when the applicant has convictions that substantially relate to the required job duties and activities.

For example, an employer refusing to hire someone with a DUI conviction for a delivery job is likely not discrimination because a DUI conviction substantially relates to the main job activity of driving. Similarly, someone with a conviction for endangering a minor would likely not be able to get a job working with children.

In other words, a criminal conviction won’t prohibit you from getting a job, but it can make it substantially more complicated. A criminal defense attorney can defend you from the charges and mitigate the negative consequences of a conviction.

Will Hiring an Attorney Imply I Am Guilty?

If you have been charged with a crime you didn’t commit, you might think you can simply explain the situation to the authorities to resolve the issue. After all, why would you need a criminal defense attorney if you are innocent? Some might think hiring a defense attorney is a tacit admission of guilt.

However, this is not true. The criminal justice system is imperfect, and people are sometimes arrested for crimes they did not commit. Moreover, police may violate your rights, and prosecutors can mishandle evidence. Hiring a defense attorney does not imply guilt and is an important safeguard against imperfections in the justice system.

A criminal defense attorney serving Jefferson will provide sound legal advice and ensure that the prosecution respects your rights and follows the appropriate processes during investigations and trials. They can also negotiate with the prosecution to secure reduced charges. You are constitutionally entitled to effective legal counsel when charged with a crime, and not taking advantage of that right can result in a conviction and severe criminal penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Jefferson County, WI

The following FAQs address common concerns we hear from people facing criminal charges throughout Jefferson County. Contact our law firm to discuss your specific concerns today.

What should I do after an arrest?

You should exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer, especially before answering questions. Law enforcement officers may ask for your version of events, but anything you say can be used against you later. You don’t have to explain yourself or justify your actions. In fact, it’s better if you trust the lawyers at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. to step in early and protect your rights.

Can charges be reduced or dismissed in Jefferson County?

Often, yes. This always depends on the specific case and facts involved. Many charges can be reduced, amended, or dismissed based on weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or plea negotiations. We frequently file motions challenging Constitutional violations or unreliable evidence. This can lead to courts suppressing key evidence—and, ideally, reduce or eliminate the charges.

How does bail and bond work?

After the police arrest you, a judge decides whether to release you on bail and sets your conditions of release. Conditions may include:

Cash bond
Signature bond
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Alcohol testing or treatment requirements

Violating bond conditions can result in revocation and new charges. We review all bond terms carefully. Our attorneys fight for reasonable release conditions whenever possible.

Do you need a lawyer for misdemeanor charges?

You’re not required to have a lawyer (even for a felony), but it’s wise to hire one. Even misdemeanor convictions can lead to jail time and other harsh long-term consequences. If you’re convicted, that can affect everything from whether you can get housing and a job to your immigration status. A defense attorney protects your rights and works toward the best possible resolution.

Can charges be expunged from your record in Wisconsin?

Some cases qualify for expungement, which removes the conviction from public court records. However, Wisconsin’s expungement rules are extremely strict. Your personal eligibility depends on your age at the time of the crime and how the charge is classified. It also depends on successfully completing your sentence. If you’re eligible, expungement can help limit the long-term consequences tied to convictions and especially background checks.

What’s the difference between probation and parole?

Probation is supervision instead of jail or prison time, while parole involves early release from prison under supervision. Both come with strict rules. Violating these rules can lead to revocation and further incarceration.

Will my case go to trial in Jefferson? What should I expect if it does?

Maybe, depending on your specific case and whether we can get the charges reduced or dismissed. You have the right to a jury trial in criminal cases, even if a trial isn’t necessarily the best option for you.

A criminal trial in Jefferson County typically includes:

Jury selection
Opening statements
Witness testimony
Cross-examination
Presenting physical and digital evidence
Legal (closing) arguments
Jury deliberation
Sentencing, if convicted

Our lawyers will help you understand whether trial is the best option for your case, or if we think we can get a better outcome through plea negotiations, motion practice, or another option.

What happens if I violate bond or probation?

Violating conditions can lead to arrest and revocation hearings. If the court believes you violated your conditions, they may assign additional penalties. Our attorneys can address alleged violations and fight for alternatives to prison or jail time.

Can criminal charges affect my professional licenses or employment?

Yes. Certain convictions can trigger disciplinary actions, including license suspensions or job termination. Early legal guidance from our law firm can help protect both your legal case and professional standing.

Contact Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., Today for a Consultation

Few things are as stressful as facing a criminal charge, but help is available, and you don’t have to manage alone. Our attorneys have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of justice and have experience working with the most serious cases in the criminal system. We believe in the unbiased and fair nature of the law and will work tirelessly to uphold those ideals when defending our clients.

If you would like to discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney serving Jefferson, contact Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., online or call (608) 237-6854.

From the North:

Take I-39 S/I-90 S toward Madison. Exit onto WI-113 S/Northport Dr and continue toward downtown. Turn left onto E Washington Ave. Turn right onto N Pinckney St, then left onto E Mifflin St. The destination will be on your left.

From the South:

Take US-14 N or US-151 N toward Madison. Merge onto WI-30 W and continue onto E Washington Ave toward downtown. Turn left onto N Pinckney St, then left onto E Mifflin St. The destination will be on your left.

From the East:

Take I-94 W toward Madison. Merge onto WI-30 W, then continue onto E Washington Ave toward downtown. Turn left onto N Pinckney St, then left onto E Mifflin St. The destination will be on your left.

From the West:

Take US-12 E/US-14 E toward Madison. Continue on University Ave into downtown. Turn right onto N Pinckney St, then right onto E Mifflin St. The destination will be on your left.