Trade Secrets Lawyer in Milwaukee

Trade Secrets Lawyer in Milwaukee

If you’ve been charged with theft of trade secrets, you probably don’t know what to do next. You may face expensive fines and even prison time. You know that a conviction can cause serious and irreparable damage to your reputation, which can adversely affect your personal relationships and professional opportunities. If you have been charged with this crime, you need the help of an attorney who can fight for and protect your legal rights and freedoms.  

Theft of trade secrets is a Federal criminal offense that is taken seriously by the courts. Theft of trade secrets is also a crime under Wisconsin state law. Trade secrets are any piece of information that gives a business an advantage over its competitors. Examples of trade secrets include processes, formulas, designs, patterns, and ingredients.

If you or a loved one has been charged with theft of trade secrets, it is important to speak to a Milwaukee criminal defense attorney from Hart Powell, S.C. as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable attorneys can provide the legal help you need. Contact us today at (414) 271-9595 to discuss the facts of your case with a legal professional. 

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    Why You Need a Milwaukee Theft of Trade Secrets Defense Attorney

    Many companies protect their trade secrets by requiring employees to sign contracts in which the employee agrees not to reveal such information. If you have signed such a contract and have violated that agreement by revealing information that you promised to keep secret, you may be subject to federal criminal penalties.

    You also may face state prosecution under a version of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. One’s future may be irrevocably changed by a criminal charge and certainly by a criminal conviction. A charge or conviction of theft of trade secrets affects not only your personal relationships, including those with your family but also your professional reputation and future employment.  In addition, if convicted of theft of trade secrets, you may face significant fines and even incarceration.

    A skillful defense attorney can help lessen the impact on your future that a charge of theft of trade secrets can make. You may be intimidated and confused by the criminal justice system because you do not know the law or the legal process. Having experienced, knowledgeable and competent representation can protect your rights and make things easier for you.

    A lawyer who represents you can speak for you.  They can speak to law enforcement, the prosecution, and even the judge, on your behalf. Good representation prevents you from accidentally incriminating yourself. It also prevents you from agreeing to something, such as a plea deal, that is not in your best interest. 

    Do not speak to anyone about your case, and do not post anything on social media regarding your case until you have a chance to discuss your case with an attorney. An attorney can help protect the rights which the United States Constitution guarantees you. An experienced theft of trade secrets defense attorney can significantly improve the outcome of your case. 

    Why Should I Choose Hart Powell, S.C. to Represent Me?

    Trade Secrets Lawyer in MilwaukeeHaving the experienced Wisconsin defense lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. represent you will provide you with guidance through the legal system and protect your rights. We will use our knowledge and experience of federal and state criminal law to either prove your innocence or secure the best possible outcome for you. We have been providing criminal defense representation to the people of Wisconsin for over 30 years. 

    The attorneys of Hart Powell, S.C. believe every person is innocent until they are proven guilty. We treat each of our clients with respect and dignity. Over the years, we have helped thousands of people accused of crimes either get the charges dropped in their entirety or get a significant reduction of the charges. In some cases, our relationships with prosecutors enable us to craft alternative penalties such as probation or community service.

    Once Hart Powell, S.C. begins representing you, we will start by investigating the facts surrounding the charge of theft of trade secrets. This information discovered during the investigation may be used to either refute the charges or significantly reduce the charges. Any delay on your part in securing representation only hurts you. The more time passes after you are charged, the more likely it is that some documentation or witnesses will not be available. Don’t wait. Call the experienced attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595 as soon as possible. 

    We have represented clients throughout the United States even though Hart Powell, S.C. is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our attorneys have been ranked as SuperLawyers and have a 10.0 AVVO Superb Rating.  Although we have represented celebrities and other wealthy individuals, most of our clients are regular, everyday working people. We believe that everyone is entitled to an excellent defense, and we are here for you.

    Penalties for Theft of Trade Secrets

     A trade secret gives an owner a competitive advantage in the marketplace. An owner protects a trade secret to prevent its dissemination to the public or competitors. Owners look for ways to prevent theft or unlawful acquisition. This may include asking employees to sign non-disclosure agreements.

    A person can be charged with theft of trade secrets under both state law and federal law. If convicted of this charge, you may face:

    For a Wisconsin charge:

    • Up to 3.5 years in state prison
    • Fines up to $10,000

    For a federal charge:

    • Jail time – up to ten years
    • Fines – not more than the greater of $5,000,000 or three times the value of the trade secret for corporations and up to $500,000 for individuals
    • Injunction

    The experienced defense attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. have successfully represented hundreds of clients that have been charged with a crime. We have helped them to fight their criminal charges and the accompanying harsh penalties, and we are ready to do the same for you.

    Contact Us

    The Milwaukee theft of trade secrets defense attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. can provide the skillful legal representation you deserve. Call us today at (414) 271-9595 for a free consultation with a legal professional and experience the relief of letting a results-driven lawyer take on your case.

     

    Written by Michael Hart & Craig Powell

    Last Updated : January 17, 2024