Are you facing criminal charges in Mineral Point, Iowa County? A criminal conviction can rob you of your freedoms and destroy your professional and social reputation. Even a minor misdemeanor crime can stay on your record for many years, potentially causing employment and housing issues.
The criminal defense attorneys at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., are prepared to support you. Our team serving Mineral Point can protect you from the charges and work to achieve the best possible outcome, whether it’s a charge reduction or case dismissal. We are dedicated to serving justice and are confident in our ability to provide an effective defense.
Contact us today to speak to a criminal defense attorney serving Mineral Point, Iowa County.
The attorneys at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., have a reputation as fierce defenders of the accused. We have an established track record as successful trial attorneys and have won dismissals and acquittals in serious cases, including assault and OWIs.
We have received numerous professional recognitions for our work in criminal defense law and pride ourselves on our meticulous approach to investigations. We are comfortable working with investigators and forensic experts to build the strongest possible case. When we are on the job, you can rest easy knowing you are in the hands of a qualified and competent professional.
We understand that being arrested for a crime is a scary and disorienting experience. Many of our clients have never interacted with the criminal system and are unsure of what to expect. We can provide the legal and moral support you need to navigate life’s difficult circumstances.
In many instances, we have been able to resolve cases before they go to trial. Regardless of your situation, we can help you understand your rights and options for legal defense.
We are a full-scale criminal defense firm, experienced in managing a wide range of criminal cases. No matter the nature of your charges, you deserve an attorney who will use every advantage and strategy to protect your rights.
Like most other states, Wisconsin divides crimes into two classes based on severity: misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanor Crimes in Wisconsin
Misdemeanors are the lower category of charges and include crimes not punishable by jail time in a state prison. Generally speaking, misdemeanor crimes carry a penalty of less than one year in prison. Wisconsin divides misdemeanors into three classes, from least to most severe:
If a misdemeanor crime does not have a specific statutory classification, it carries the same punishments as a Class C misdemeanor. If the offender was under the age of 25, they can apply to expunge a misdemeanor conviction once they complete their sentence.
Felony Crimes in Wisconsin
Felonies in Wisconsin include crimes with a prison sentence of over one year. Unlike misdemeanor crimes, prison sentences for felony crimes are served in state prisons, not county jails. The maximum penalties for the nine classes of felonies are:
Aggravating factors can elevate misdemeanor charges into felony crimes. For example, violent misdemeanors against seniors can result in felony charges. Only Class I and H felonies are eligible for expungement.
No two criminal cases are alike, so each one requires an individualized approach. That being said, there are general defense strategies that have a track record of success in criminal trials.
The most straightforward criminal defense strategy is arguing that the evidence is insufficient to convict. Criminal convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. So, an attorney can argue that the prosecution’s case doesn’t meet the applicable threshold.
Police and prosecutors must follow very specific procedures when investigating and prosecuting crimes. Violating these procedures can infringe on your rights and may be grounds for a case dismissal. For instance, if the police violated your rights in an illegal search and seizure, an attorney could file a motion to suppress any evidence they gathered.
The state has a limited time to pursue charges for specific crimes. For instance, there is a general three-year time limit for prosecuting misdemeanors. As such, one possible defense is arguing that the time limit imposed by the crime’s statute of limitations has expired.
An affirmative defense is a legal strategy in which the accused introduces new facts that mitigate or shield them from criminal liability. For example, claiming self-defense is a possible defense against assault or manslaughter charges. Acting under duress or coercion is another type of affirmative defense that can reduce criminal liability.
A plea deal is an agreement where the prosecution agrees to bring lower charges in return for a guilty plea. Depending on the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, a plea bargain may be the best strategy to mitigate the consequences of a criminal charge.
A criminal conviction can have extraordinarily negative consequences for your life, so it’s important to take charges seriously.
The criminal defense attorneys from Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., can protect your constitutional right to a fair trial and defend you against the accusations of the state. We have been a stable fixture in the Wisconsin legal community for years and are ready to stand by your side and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact our offices online or call us today to discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney serving Mineral Point, Iowa County.
