Milwaukee Criminal Defense Blog

April 1, 2023
Why You Should Hire a Private Attorney Instead of a Public Defender

You should never defend yourself against criminal charges without legal representation. But even when you know you need a lawyer, you still need to choose between hiring a criminal defense attorney and working with a public defender. Before you make your decision, you should understand the differences between them and the advantages and disadvantages of […]

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March 15, 2023
How Is Good Behavior Measured in Prison

Good behavior in a Wisconsin state or federal prison means following the penal system’s rules and regulations. Any disciplinary action or formal rule violation will interfere with a prisoner’s attempts to secure an early release based on good behavior. When applicable, the law gives credit for good behavior to any inmate that adheres to all […]

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February 1, 2023
Pros and Cons of a No Contest Plea

When charged with a criminal offense, you might be overwhelmed by figuring out what to do. You have several options, including entering a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A no-contest plea, also known as a nolo contendere plea, is one in which the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment as […]

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January 1, 2023
What Happens After Arraignment?

If you were charged with a crime in Milwaukee, one of the first steps in the process would be an arraignment. This is the formal process during which the accused is formally advised of the charges against them and is given an opportunity to enter a plea. After arraignment, the next steps in your criminal […]

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December 1, 2022
What Happens at an Arraignment?

Your first appearance before the judge in a criminal defense case is called an arraignment. As a defendant, you have a constitutional right to hear the charges the state has filed against you, and the arraignment serves this purpose. Because this court appearance usually happens shortly after the arrest, you will probably feel overwhelmed. Knowing […]

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November 1, 2022
How to Get Your License Back After an Indefinite Suspension

Having your driver’s license suspended indefinitely is more than an inconvenience. Not having a valid driver’s license can make consistently getting to work challenging, hurting your financial stability. You may miss doctor’s appointments or vital family milestones. Without a driver’s license, your world can be turned upside down while you look for time-consuming and costly […]

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October 1, 2022
What Happens When Charges Are Dropped or Dismissed?

A prosecutor can drop or dismiss a criminal charge for many reasons. Sometimes they do it voluntarily, but often you need a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney to advocate to have your charges removed in this way. When your charge is dropped, it could reappear later if more evidence comes to light. If your charge is […]

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September 1, 2022
Can You Sue if Your Miranda Rights Are Not Read to You?

No. You can’t pursue legal action against a police officer simply for not reading your Miranda Rights to you during an arrest. A new Supreme Court ruling protects law enforcement from civil lawsuits filed by criminal defendants in this situation. However, this ruling does not prevent you from using an officer’s failure to read your […]

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August 1, 2022
The Difference Between Drug Trafficking and Possession

Being arrested for any drug-related offense is a shock. Your life can instantly come grinding to a halt, and you may be worried about what will happen next. This is understandable because your rights, your reputation, and your freedom are all on the line. Each year, about a quarter of all arrests in America are […]

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July 1, 2022
Can a School Fight Be Prosecuted?

This past May, a 12-year-old in Kenosha was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly being involved in a school fight at her middle school. According to a CNN account, the girl was captured on video fighting another girl. An off-duty police officer attempted to break up the altercation. The story gets more complicated, as the […]

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Written by Michael Hart & Craig Powell

Last Updated : November 3, 2022