Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Mequon

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Mequon

Were you arrested for a criminal offense in Mequon? Do you face state or federal charges and need an experienced defense team to represent you? If so, contact Hart Powell, S.C. immediately. We can review your case and advise you about your available legal options.

A criminal charge can lead to a range of consequences that affect every aspect of your life. You could serve a prison sentence if convicted of the crime. Even if the charges get dropped, the arrest can haunt you and impact your ability to find a job or place to live.

Hart Powell, S.C. knows how stressful facing a trial and possible conviction can be. You can depend on us to create a defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case. We will provide aggressive representation and fight to get the charges against you dropped or reduced.

Call Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595 for your confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Mequon, WI.

Table Of Contents

    Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?

    You don’t have to hire a criminal defense lawyer, but you should. The complicated nature of preparing a defense is challenging for unrepresented defendants. Many don’t understand state laws or the appropriate strategies they can use against various charges.

    At Hart Powell, S.C., we know how to build a solid defense for our clients and improve the chance of a favorable outcome. When you hire us, we can handle multiple aspects of the legal proceedings, such as:

    • Obtaining relevant evidence to cause reasonable doubt among the jurors
    • Protecting your rights after your arrest
    • Defending you in an appeal of a wrongful conviction
    • Negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor if a guilty verdict seems likely
    • Participating in jury selection for an upcoming trial
    • Arguing for a reduced sentence due to mitigating factors
    • Preparing strong opening and closing statements about the case
    • Locating witnesses that can testify in court on your behalf

    Hart Powell, S.C. will be your advocate and fight for your freedom and future.

    Why Hire Hart Powell, S.C.?

    Menomonee Falls Criminal Defense LawyersThe Mequon criminal defense lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. have defended clients since 1993. We have a reputation for extensive experience and skill in criminal law. Our achievements have earned recognition from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and The National Trial Lawyers, to name just a few. We also hold an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo.

    We take a team approach to every case we handle. One attorney might take the lead, but others participate in problem-solving and brainstorming to resolve issues and create a plan to achieve the client’s goals. Our track record of success proves the benefits of our methods. Hart Powell, S.C. will work hard to try to clear your name so you can get your life back on track.

    Criminal Cases We Take

    At Hart Powell, S.C., we take on various criminal cases at the state and federal levels.

    State charges we handle include:

    • Domestic Violence Offenses – Domestic violence is also referred to as domestic abuse. According to state law, domestic abuse is the intentional impairment of physical condition or intentional infliction of physical injury, physical pain, or illness by an adult family or household member against another adult family or household member, an adult caregiver against an adult under their care, an adult against their former adult spouse, an adult against another adult they had or have a dating relationship with, or an adult against another adult they share a child with.
    • Sex Crimes – A sex crime is any type of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, possession of child pornography, prostitution, and solicitation of a minor.
    • Drug Crimes – Drug offenses can range from possession of a small amount of marijuana to trafficking a controlled substance, such as cocaine or heroin.
    • Burglary/Theft – Burglary and theft are serious offenses that could lead to a significant prison sentence and expensive fines, depending on the circumstances involved.
    • DUI/OWI – In Wisconsin, it is illegal for anyone over 21 years old to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance or any other drug, with a blood/breath alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 percent, while under the influence of an intoxicant, or with a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in their blood.
    • Murder and Homicide Charges – Various types of charges, from vehicular homicide to felony murder, come with severe penalties.
    • Armed Robbery – Armed robbery differs from robbery because it involves threatening the use of or using a dangerous weapon, pepper spray, or the like, or any article fashioned in or used to cause the victim to reasonably believe the weapon or device is dangerous.
    • Parole and Probation Revocations – The court could revoke probation or parole following a violation of the issued conditions. Defending against revocation requires a solid defense strategy.
    • Fraud – Wisconsin prosecutes a range of fraud charges, such as forgery, falsifying information to obtain insurance benefits, and writing bad checks.

    Federal charges we handle include:

    • Drug Trafficking and Conspiracies – Multiple types of trafficking and conspiracy charges exist at the federal level. Sentencing depends on the type and quantity of the drug involved in the crime.
    • Gun Crimes – Federal gun charges include selling illegal firearms, using a gun in a violent crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
    • Internet Sex Crimes – The federal court prosecutes sex crimes involving the use of a computer, smartphone, or another electronic device. Common offenses include sharing prohibited digital images of a sexual nature, possessing and distributing child pornography, and traveling to meet a minor to engage in a sexual act.
    • Trademark and Copyright Infringement – Trademarks and copyrights are types of intellectual property. Defending against an infringement charge requires thorough knowledge and understanding of federal laws.
    • Mail and Bank Fraud – Federal mail fraud is devising or intending to devise a scheme to defraud and using the mail to attempt to execute or execute the scheme. Federal bank fraud is using an artifice or scheme to defraud a federally insured or charted financial institution or to obtain the institution’s credits, monies, securities, funds, or other property.
    • Perjury and Obstruction of Justice – Perjury occurs when a person makes a false material statement while under oath. It becomes a federal crime when someone provides falsely sworn documents or untrue testimony related to an administrative agency or federal court. Intentionally interfering with or impeding a government investigation or prosecution is obstruction of justice.
    • RICO Conspiracies – The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a law that establishes penal prohibitions and provides remedies and enhanced sanctions for dealing with unlawful activities in organized crime. It covers federal offenses, such as drug trafficking, wire fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement.
    • Pre-Indictment Investigations – Obtaining legal representation after being indicted with a crime is crucial to protect a defendant’s rights and prevent the successful use of intimidation tactics during the investigation.
    • Trade Secrets – Criminal activity involving trade secrets is a white-collar crime. Even attempting to commit an offense can lead to federal prosecution.
    • Healthcare and Medicare Fraud – Federal healthcare fraud is willfully and knowingly executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud a healthcare benefit program, such as Medicare. A common offense is making false representations or submitting false claims to obtain reimbursement or payment from a federal healthcare program.

    Sentences for Crimes in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin categorizes criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies. Sentencing depends on the type of crime and whether it’s considered a misdemeanor or felony offense.

    Sentencing guidelines for crimes prosecuted at the state level include:

    • Class C misdemeanor – No more than a $500 fine, a maximum of 30 days in jail, or both
    • Class B misdemeanor – A maximum of a $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both
    • Class A misdemeanor – Up to a $10,000 fine, no more than nine months in jail, or both
    • Class I felony – Up to three years and six months in prison, no more than a $10,000 fine, or both
    • Class H felony – A maximum of six years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both
    • Class G felony – Up to ten years in prison, a fine up to $25,000, or both
    • Class F felony – No more than 12 years and six months in prison, a maximum of a $25,000 fine, or both
    • Class E felony – A maximum of imprisonment for 15 years, a fine not to exceed $50,000, or both
    • Class D felony – Up to 25 years in prison, no more than a $100,000 fine, or both
    • Class C felony – A maximum of a 40-year prison term, up to a $100,000 fine, or both
    • Class B felony – Up to 60 years imprisonment
    • Class A felony – Life in prison

    Sentencing guidelines for federal crimes depend on multiple factors, such as:

    • Type and severity of the offense
    • Recency and extent of past criminal activity
    • Specific offense characteristics
    • Factors involved that can decrease or increase the offense level
    • Mitigating or aggravating circumstances

    Contact Us

    You have rights even after an arrest. Hart Powell, S.C. will protect your rights and try to achieve the best possible result while defending you. Our criminal defense lawyers in Mequon, WI, will stay by your side until the end to protect your reputation, family, and future.

    Call Hart Powell, S.C. today at (414) 271-9595 for your confidential consultation if you face federal or state criminal charges.

    Written by Michael Hart & Craig Powell

    Last Updated : January 18, 2024