Serious felony charges come with equally serious consequences. Both law enforcement and prosecutors have strict procedures they must follow, and what happens early in the process often affects everything that happens next.
Serious felony cases don’t look the same from one to the next. Some involve prior convictions or serious injury. Some cases involve complex investigations, while others might have complicated forensic evidence and conflicting testimony. Certain serious felonies are federal matters, prosecuted outside the state court system. Different statutes and evidentiary rules govern each category, and each requires a defense grounded in the specific facts and legal standards involved.
Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., is a boutique litigation and trial law firm based in Madison, WI. Criminal defense is a central part of the firm’s work. Our lawyers are known for careful preparation when handling cases that require especially close attention to the law and the evidence. The attorneys at our law firm work directly with you to determine what happened and how the state or federal government is building its case, so we can tell you what options are realistically available under Wisconsin law.
Our law firm can work with you to address what is happening in your case in a direct, practical way. Contact us today to talk to an experienced felony defense lawyer in Madison, WI, and find out how we can help.
Wisconsin separates criminal offenses into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors generally carry lower potential penalties, while felonies involve more serious accusations and significantly higher sentencing exposure, including prison time.
Felonies in Wisconsin are further divided into classes, which range from Class A through Class I. Class A felonies carry the most severe penalties under state law. Class I felonies are still significant, but fall on the lower end of the felony sentencing range. As the classification increases, so does the potential prison exposure and long-term legal consequences tied to a conviction.
The prosecutor’s office makes charging decisions, but the original charge you see at the beginning of a case can change as the state reviews additional evidence or reassesses its legal theories. Charges might be added, reduced, or in some cases dismissed entirely, often depending on the quality of your attorneys. Our law firm can help you understand your charges and what to expect as your case develops.
Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., represents people facing felony charges in Madison and throughout Dane County. Our lawyers can help you understand what evidence the state or federal government is relying on and how we can challenge the charges.
The prosecution often must prove specific mental states and circumstances in order to support a conviction. When a dangerous weapon or firearm is involved, sentencing exposure can increase significantly through penalty enhancers.
Self-defense is a key issue in many violent felony cases. Wisconsin allows the use of force under certain conditions, which can be a strong defense. Our law firm can explain which defenses are available and likely to get the best results.
Some cases stay in state court, while others involve federal charges. Where your case goes likely depends on whether you’re accused of taking drugs over state lines or when the quantity was particularly high.
Search-and-seizure issues can make or break these cases. Police conduct during searches, warrants, and traffic stops affects whether prosecutors can use that evidence. Lab testing and chain of custody are also important when the state relies on chemical analysis. The lawyers at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., look closely at how police collected their evidence and whether their methods hold up under the Fourth Amendment.
Most OWI cases start as misdemeanors, but they can quickly become felony charges depending on prior convictions or whether you injured someone. Felony OWI cases often involve situations like:
These cases also frequently result in long-term license revocation and ignition interlock requirements, so a strong defense is the key to maintaining your freedom and ability to drive.
A lot of OWI cases turn on chemical testing, like blood draws and breath tests. Those results can sometimes be challenged depending on how law enforcement got their evidence and whether they followed the proper procedures.
Sex crimes are broken into different degrees, depending on the facts and legal elements involved. The degree of the charge affects everything, from how the case is charged to the potential sentencing exposure.
These cases often involve reviewing communications, timelines, and complicated forensic evidence. Protective orders are also common during these proceedings. They can affect who you can contact and where you can live, which affects your day-to-day movement while the case is pending.
A conviction can also lead to long-term registration requirements under Wisconsin’s sex offender registry law, so working with our experienced attorneys is the best way to protect your rights and limit the potential consequences.
Some cases don’t originate or stay in state court. When federal law applies, the case moves into federal court, which has its own strict procedures and harsh sentencing structure. Common federal charges include:
Federal cases often involve multiple agencies working together over time. You may not realize that you’re under investigation until you’re indicted. In many cases, the federal government works for months or years before they file charges. Our law firm regularly represents clients in federal cases throughout Wisconsin.
Not every felony case starts that way. Some begin as misdemeanors and become more serious based on prior history or how the facts develop. That often happens in situations involving new evidence or enhancements for prior convictions or using weapons.
Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., works with people at all stages of this process, including Madison, WI, cases that begin as lower-level charges but have the potential to move into felony territory. While it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side for every charge, it’s especially key when your charges escalate to felonies.
When you’re dealing with a felony case, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones we receive:
If you’re charged with a serious felony in Madison, WI, contact Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., to get the experienced legal help you need.
