Criminal charges can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether the charge seems minor or serious, the consequences can follow you for years. The damage to your reputation may even start long before there’s any resolution in court.
The criminal justice system can be confusing and unforgiving, especially if you’ve never dealt with it before. The good news is that a charge is not a conviction. A strong defense strategy can make a significant difference in your case outcome.
Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. defends people in cases ranging from OWI and drug offenses to homicide and sexual assault. No matter the charge, we focus on smart strategy, thorough preparation, and protecting your rights at each stage of the process.
If you’ve been charged in Nekoosa or elsewhere in Juneau County, don’t wait. Contact Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. now to talk with a criminal defense attorney serving Nekoosa.
Every case starts with reviewing the facts and hearing your side of the story. The first step in your defense is a detailed review of what actually happened, not just what’s in the police report. That means gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and identifying mistakes or assumptions in the state’s version of events. Right away, our attorneys look for legal issues that can make or break a case: Was the search legal? Did the police follow the rules? Is the evidence reliable?
Thanks to years of experience, we know that thorough preparation leads to the best results. Our team will conduct targeted research and use pretrial motions to challenge improper evidence or weak charges. In many cases, we file motions to suppress evidence. If the facts don’t support criminal charges, we’ll ask the court to dismiss the case outright. These tools can narrow the issues, weaken the prosecution’s case, or end it entirely.
Even when plea discussions are on the table, we’ll still treat your case like it’s going to trial. That mindset gives us significant leverage. Our goal is to keep your options open and put pressure on the state to offer something better—otherwise, they’ll have to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The experienced attorneys at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. handle cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex felonies, including the following.
Sex-related charges carry serious legal and personal consequences. We defend clients accused of crimes like sexual assault, possession of child pornography, and statutory offenses involving age and consent. Many of these cases come down to credibility and context.
In campus settings, students may face Title IX proceedings with limited due process protections. These hearings can lead to suspension or expulsion, even without criminal charges. Our firm can help you navigate both the criminal court system and school disciplinary actions to protect your rights and future.
Homicide cases demand a precise, informed defense. We represent clients charged with intentional homicide, felony murder, manslaughter, and related crimes. The stakes are high—but so is the burden of proof. Wisconsin juries receive specific instructions about intent, causation, and how to consider contributing factors. Our attorneys use forensic evidence, expert testimony, and legal nuance to raise reasonable doubt and challenge prosecutorial overreach.
Operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges can lead to fines, license suspension, ignition interlock, or jail time, especially if you have prior convictions. In more serious cases, like OWI causing injury or reckless homicide with a vehicle, the penalties are steep. Our approach includes reviewing police procedures, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results for errors that can lead to dismissal or reduction.
Wisconsin drug laws are broad and often harsh. We handle a variety of charges involving controlled substances, from simple possession to manufacturing or trafficking. These cases often hinge on search and seizure issues, lab analysis, and the amount or packaging. We also explore diversion options and treatment programs that may be available in Juneau County courts, especially for first-time or nonviolent offenders.
Violent offenses like battery, armed robbery, and assault with a weapon often come with sentencing enhancers. Domestic abuse enhancers and firearm-related charges can affect both sentencing and your right to possess firearms in the future. We evaluate whether the state can prove intent, causation, or the use of a dangerous weapon. In some cases, we assert self-defense or other affirmative defenses.
Domestic violence cases often involve overlapping legal issues. You could face criminal prosecution for battery or disorderly conduct while served with a temporary restraining order. We help you defend against both. Injunctions for domestic abuse and harassment can impact where you live, whether you see your children, and whether you’re allowed to possess firearms. We work to contain the fallout and challenge the state’s narrative at each stage.
Many people underestimate the impact of a misdemeanor. Charges like disorderly conduct, trespassing, and resisting arrest may seem minor. However, they can still lead to jail time and a permanent criminal record. We work to resolve these charges through dismissal, diversion, or reduced pleas whenever possible.
Stalking and harassment charges often rely on a pattern of communication, surveillance, or threats. These cases require careful analysis of the timing, context, and intent. We look for gaps in the alleged pattern or reasons to challenge the accuser’s interpretation of events. Because these charges can trigger restraining orders, your defense strategy covers both criminal and civil consequences.
Human trafficking charges are among the most serious in the state. These cases often involve complex facts, multiple jurisdictions, and coercion or exploitation allegations. We handle each charge with discretion and diligence. Defending against trafficking charges requires an in-depth understanding of both the law and the broader social context—especially when immigration, employment, or addiction issues are part of the case.
Not sure what you’re charged with, or whether we can defend your case? Then contact us today for a consultation.
Whether you’ve been arrested, asked to “come in for a quick chat,” or received a subpoena, you need to treat criminal charges seriously. Police and investigators aren’t reaching out to clear things up—they’re gathering evidence. Anything you say can be used against you later.
Involving a criminal defense attorney early on can change the course of your case. A lawyer can communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, help you avoid self-incrimination, and sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.
Here’s what to do:
If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a crime in Nekoosa, help is available. Contact Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. to learn more about your legal options and how we can fight for you.
