When you face serious criminal charges, the decisions you make in the first hours can matter. A felony conviction can affect your career, your family, and your future. Hart Powell, S.C. has defended people facing criminal charges since 1993 and represents clients in felony matters in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin.
Why Choose Hart Powell, S.C. for Your Felony Defense
You may want a defense team with substantial trial experience when you are facing felony charges. Hart Powell, S.C. states that its attorneys have tried over 300 felony cases and that the firm has handled criminal defense matters for decades. Michael F. Hart is described on the firm site as the managing partner and a Wisconsin Super Lawyer, and the site states that Craig Powell has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers and has a 10.0 Avvo rating.
The firm states that it handles negotiation, trial, and appeal work, and that its attorneys are admitted in state, federal, and appellate courts. The website lists the Milwaukee office phone number as (414) 271-9595. Because the source page does not clearly confirm 24/7 availability, that claim was removed.
Understanding Felony Charges in Wisconsin
A felony is a serious criminal offense. Wisconsin law divides felonies into nine classes, from Class A through Class I, with Class A being the most serious and Class I the least serious. Felony convictions can carry significant penalties, including imprisonment, fines, restitution, and a criminal record that may affect employment, housing, firearm rights, and other aspects of daily life.
Because the consequences can be substantial, early legal representation can be important. A defense attorney may evaluate the evidence, identify constitutional or procedural issues, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you throughout the court process.
Types of Felony Charges We Handle
Hart Powell, S.C. represents clients in a wide range of felony matters. The firm’s website lists state and federal criminal defense practice areas that include homicide and murder charges, drug crimes and drug trafficking, fraud, gun crimes, sex crimes, internet sex crimes, armed robbery, theft and burglary, probation and parole revocations, and other serious offenses.
Because the source page supports broad criminal defense work rather than the exact phrasing in the draft, this section stays tied to the practice areas actually listed on the site. That keeps the language accurate and aligned with the firm’s published services.
Your Felony Defense Strategy
Every felony case depends on its own facts, charges, and evidence. Hart Powell, S.C. describes a team approach in which attorneys review case issues together, analyze the prosecution’s evidence, and identify legal and factual defenses. The firm’s published results also show matters involving motions to suppress, cross-examination of witnesses, dismissal efforts, jury trials, and post-conviction work.
That means an accurate description is that the firm may review police reports, statements, physical evidence, and discovery materials; assess whether law enforcement complied with constitutional requirements; and determine whether negotiation, motion practice, trial, or appeal is the right path in a given case. Outcome claims remain qualified because results depend on the facts and law of each case.
The Felony Defense Process in Milwaukee County
After an arrest, a defendant will usually appear before the court for an initial appearance, where conditions of release or bail may be addressed. In felony cases, a preliminary hearing generally follows, and the prosecution must show probable cause. If the court finds probable cause, the case typically proceeds on an information after bind over. Grand juries are not the ordinary path in Wisconsin felony practice and are uncommon by comparison.
Pretrial motions can address issues such as suppression of statements, suppression of physical evidence, or dismissal arguments. Some felony cases resolve through negotiated pleas, while others proceed to trial, sentencing, post-conviction motions, or appeal. This description is more accurate than suggesting grand jury practice is a normal part of Wisconsin felony procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Defense
What should I do if I’m arrested for a felony?
Remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions, consent to searches, or sign documents without legal advice. The firm’s website advises people to speak with an attorney before making official statements. Contact Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595.
How much does felony defense cost?
The source page supports contacting the firm for an initial consultation, but it does not provide detailed fee structure language for every felony matter. A compliant version is: Hart Powell, S.C. can discuss fees and representation terms during your consultation.
Can a felony charge be dismissed?
In some cases, yes. The firm’s published results include dismissals based on illegal searches, proof issues, and other case-specific problems. Whether dismissal is possible depends on the facts, the evidence, and the applicable law.
What’s the difference between a felony and misdemeanor?
Felonies are more serious offenses and Wisconsin classifies them separately from misdemeanors. The firm site discusses both serious felonies and misdemeanors, while Wisconsin felony classifications run from Class A to Class I. In general, felony penalties are more severe and can involve longer incarceration and broader collateral consequences.
Will I go to trial or can we negotiate a plea?
Either may be possible, depending on your case. The firm’s site notes that many cases resolve outside of trial, and it also highlights trial work and not-guilty results in certain matters. A defense lawyer can evaluate the evidence and explain the risks and benefits of available options.
How does a criminal record affect my future?
A felony record can affect employment, housing, licensing, firearm rights, and other opportunities. The source page also discusses expungement in limited Wisconsin circumstances, but eligibility is narrow and depends on the offense, age, and statutory requirements. Not every felony conviction is eligible for expungement.
Contact Hart Powell, S.C. for Felony Defense Representation
You do not have to address felony charges without counsel. Hart Powell, S.C. offers criminal defense representation for people facing serious charges in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Call (414) 271-9595 to discuss your situation and learn more about your options.