Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Appleton, WI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Appleton, Wisconsin?

  The non-emergency line of the Appleton Police Department is 920-832-5500.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Appleton, Wisconsin?

  To obtain a copy of an Appleton police report, call the Records Department of the Police Department at 920-832-5500 during regular business hours, Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• What should you do if police in Appleton want to search your car or home without a warrant?

  Without probable cause or a warrant, the police in Appleton cannot legally search your car or home. If they insist on searching your property without a warrant, refuse to give them permission and contact a criminal defense attorney. If the police conduct a search anyway, do not resist but also do not give consent. Your lawyer can file a legal challenge to the illegal search.

• What happens if you refuse to take an OWI chemical test in Appleton?

  You need to take swift action to keep your license and driving privileges if you refused a breath or blood test in Appleton. Within 10 days of your refusal of the chemical test, you must request a court hearing. If you have multiple prior refusals and do not request a hearing, you will lose your license for a year or longer.

• Is it considered domestic violence in Appleton to fight with your partner?

  Fighting with your partner in Appleton is not necessarily considered to be domestic violence unless a physical altercation takes place, despite the fact that domestic violence can seem very similar to a fight between two people. Theoretically, domestic violence can be defined as any act of violence, illness, injury, pain, or sexual assault committed against a current or former intimate partner, cohabitant, or parent of one's children.

• Will your employer learn about the drug crime you committed in Appleton?

  If your record has not been sealed or expunged, your employer may learn about the drug crime you committed in Appleton if it appears in a background check. If your employer has strict misdemeanor and felony policies, your charges could cost you your job. If you're asked about your criminal record in an interview or on an application, it's best to be honest about it.

• Can you clear your criminal record in Appleton?

  Expungement, or the sealing away of a conviction, is an option available to some people in Appleton. You must petition the court that heard your case in order to have an offense expunged from your record. If granted, having your criminal record sealed means it will no longer be accessible to the public, which can help you get a job, find a place to live, and keep a good name in the eyes of the general public.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.