If you’re charged with a crime in Sauk County, your freedom hangs in the balance. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. are ready to help.
Our firm believes that effective criminal defense requires more than just legal acumen. It also demands strategic thinking and strong local knowledge. Our attorneys have tried cases before the same judges you’ll face, negotiated with the same prosecutors, and understand how local law enforcement builds their investigations.
Your next steps will have a significant effect on your future. Let our team leverage our years of Sauk County courtroom experience for your defense. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney serving Sauk City, and find out how we can help protect your rights.
No two criminal cases are the same. Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. represents Sauk City clients across a wide range of charges, from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies:
Including sexual assault, statutory rape, possession or distribution of child pornography, and defense in college Title IX investigations.
Charges such as intentional homicide, felony murder, and charges related to deaths caused by drug overdoses or vehicle crashes.
Crimes including battery, manslaughter, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
We handle domestic violence-related cases, which often involve overlapping criminal charges and restraining orders.
Drug charges range from simple possession and paraphernalia charges to manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking.
Representation for first-offense OWI, repeat drunk driving charges, driving without a valid license, reckless driving, and vehicular homicide.
Including disorderly conduct, trespassing, and bail jumping—offenses that may seem minor but can have long-term consequences.
Serious, complex charges involving accusations of labor or sex trafficking under state or federal law.
Cases involving contested facts and strong emotional dynamics.
Including self-defense, defense of others, and the use of Wisconsin’s “Castle Doctrine” to justify certain actions in the face of imminent danger.
Our defense approach is rooted in thorough preparation and a commitment to protecting our clients’ rights. No matter the charge, our team takes each case seriously. Everyone deserves their day in court, which is why we build personalized defense strategies and push back against the prosecutors’ assumptions.
Effective criminal defense begins long before a case reaches the courtroom. From the moment you contact our firm, we start building a defense tailored to your specific charges and circumstances. First, we review police reports and look for procedural errors or constitutional violations that may benefit your case.
We don’t rely solely on the version of events presented by law enforcement or prosecutors. Our team works with seasoned investigators and forensic consultants to challenge the evidence and uncover the full story. Whether that involves analyzing body camera footage, cross-examining witnesses, or reconstructing a scene, every detail matters.
Throughout the process, we explain your options clearly so that you understand the risks and opportunities at each stage. Finally, we prepare every case as if we’re taking it to trial. This readiness allows us to negotiate from a position of strength—and it means we’re fully equipped to defend your rights in front of a jury.
Criminal defense is about strategy and persistence. Call us today for a consultation and find out how we can put our approach to work for you.
Being arrested is often a frightening experience, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the legal system. Whether the arrest happens in Sauk City or elsewhere in Sauk County, following these steps can help protect your legal rights:
Even if you believe the arrest is unfair or mistaken, physically resisting can lead to additional charges. Remain as calm and non-confrontational as possible.
You are not required to explain yourself, your actions, or your whereabouts. While it’s tempting to try to clear things up, you could say something that inadvertently harms your case. Politely decline to answer questions until you have spoken with an attorney.
Say clearly and directly, “I want to speak with a lawyer.” Once you invoke this right, law enforcement must stop questioning you. Do not waive this protection, even if law enforcement doesn’t stop the interrogation.
Don’t talk about your case until it has been resolved. Friends, family members, and cellmates are not protected by attorney-client privilege. Jailhouse phone calls—except to your lawyer—are recorded. Above all, stay off social media. Anything you say or post may be used against you later in court.
If law enforcement asks for permission to search your vehicle, home, or phone, you have the right to refuse. Unless they have a warrant, you are not required to allow the search.
Try to remember or write down what happened leading up to the arrest. Important details may include names, badge numbers, time of day, and witnesses present.
The earlier Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. is involved, the more we can do to protect your rights and fight for a fair outcome. Call us as soon as possible.
Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. moves quickly to assert your rights and challenge weak evidence. If you or someone you care about has been arrested, contact us right away.
When most people think about the penalties for a criminal conviction, they focus on jail time, fines, or probation. For many people, however, the most lasting damage comes from collateral consequences. There is a wide range of non-criminal penalties that can follow you long after your court case is resolved. Even misdemeanors can affect your life for decades to come.
For example, certain felony and misdemeanor convictions can result in permanently losing your right to possess a firearm. You won’t be able to vote until you’ve completed your entire sentence. Convictions can also limit your employment opportunities, including the loss of professional licenses. This can be devastating for people working in fields like healthcare, education, and law.
Convictions can also affect housing—landlords often deny rental applications based on criminal background checks. For non-citizens, even a misdemeanor conviction may result in deportation, denial of re-entry, or ineligibility for permanent residency or citizenship.
Finally, criminal convictions can carry serious consequences in family court, especially when child custody or visitation is at stake. Even after you’ve completed your sentence, a conviction can permanently affect your personal relationships and social standing.
The attorneys at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. recognize that the consequences of a conviction go far beyond fines or incarceration. That’s why we focus on building strong, trial-ready defenses to minimize the long-term impact on your future.
Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony charge or you’re simply under investigation, you need experienced legal counsel in your corner as early as possible.
Don’t wait for the prosecution to shape the narrative. Put Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. in your corner today and let us fight for your best possible outcome.
Contact our team today to learn how our criminal defense lawyers serve Sauk City.
