Understanding Violent Crime Charges in Wisconsin

Whether you or a loved one are facing charges involving violence, the stakes can be high.  It can be overwhelming figuring out what to do next. 

Under Wisconsin law, violent crimes are those that involve physical force or the threat of it. These charges can be anything from misdemeanors to Class A felonies, and each comes with its own set of harsh penalties, including potential imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. 

If you're convicted of a violent crime, you could not only time in jail or probation but also suffer a loss of employment, damaged family relationships, and barriers to housing or education. It's important to find a criminal defense lawyer in Wisconsin with specific experience in violent crime cases to understand your story and begin building a defense for you from day one.  With the right defense strategy, you have an opportunity to have your story told and improve the outcome of your case.

Battery

In Wisconsin, Battery charges can cover a range of conduct.  Simple Battery involves intentionally causing harm to another person without their consent.  Aggravated and Substantial Battery require more significant actual harm and penalties can also be increased for the amount of harm which was intended.  If a weapon is involved, penalties can be increased even more.  

Even a simple Battery can result in jail time, probation and a permanent assaultive criminal record.  Aggravated and Substantial Battery convictions can result in prison time and  felony convictions that can ruin your future prospects and limit your civil rights.  In these cases it is essential to be represented by an experienced attorney who gets to know your story, can effectively challenge witness credibility and evidence and use the law to craft the best defense available for you.

Strangulation and Suffocation

In recent years, Wisconsin has seen a significant increase in the number of Stangulation and Suffocation cases being charged.  This is due in part to standard forms used by law enforcement which ask questions designed to elicit information regarding elements of stangulation or suffocation.  While some cases involve physical evidence, many rely on the alleged victim's statements in response to these standardized forms.

Both Strangulation and Suffocation are felony offenses and carry significant possible penalties due to the risk of death or serious injury if someone's airway becomes blocked.  An attorney who has experience with these cases understands how law enforcment uses policies and procedures to build these cases and can challenge evidence and witness credibility accordingly.  

Reckless Homicide Charges

Reckless Homicide is among the more serious violent crimes in Wisconsin.  Wisconsin's definition of criminal recklessness can be somewhat confusing.  It requires an unreasonable and substantial risk of great bodily harm or death to another person and an awareness of that risk.  With some charges, it requires an utter disregard for human life.  The penalties for Reckless Homicide are less than for an intentional homicide but are still substantial.  

When criminal charges involve elements that are complex, it is important to find a criminal defense attorney who has experience with these types of cases and can effectively analyze your situation to build the best plan for your defense.  Especially when something like criminal recklessness is involved, it's important that your attorney get to know every detail of your case as your awareness and intentions will be critical to the state's abiilty to prove their case.

Robbery and Armed Robbery

Robbery is defined as intentionally taking of property of another person by the use or threat of force.  If a weapon is involved it becomes Armed Robbery and the penalties are increased.  Both Robbery and Armed Robbery are considered assaultive offenses and not only carry significant penalties but can also affect your employment and living situations.  

If you are your loved one are facing charges of Robbery or Armed Robbery you can benefit from having an experienced attorney who will look at every detail of your case and challenge every assumption.  

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault cases can be complex and the penalties unforgiving.  While sexual assault cases sometimes involve forensic evidence, they just as frequently rely on the testimony of one person and whether that person is credible can have life altering consequences.  Just the stigma of having been charged with a sexual assault can have significant impacts on your life.

If you're facing sexual assault charges, you need an experienced attorney who has handled these types of cases before and is not hesitant to dive into issues of credibility as well as thoroughly address any forensic evidence.  If there is forensic evidence involved, your attorney must have experience challenging this kind of evidence whether it is DNA , photographs or testimony from examining nurses.  The best attorneys have experience challenging the credibility of witnesses and all physical evidence to make sure your story is heard and understood.

Other Violent Crimes - Kidnapping, Stalking and False Imprisonment

Like Strangulation and Suffocation, Kidnapping, Stalking and False Imprisonment can often be seen in cases involving domestic incidents.  The parties involved are often surprised that they can be charged with something so serious.  All are felonies with significant penalties which can cause long term issues for you if you are convicted.  An experienced attorney will listen to you to understand your story and the dynamics behind it to begin building a defense for you right away.  An experienced attorney will carefully look at every required element of these offenses in building your defense.  

Being charged with a violent crime in Wisconsin can be a life-defining event. The state will be prepared to offer a range of evidence potentially including not only police reports, but eyewitnesses, surveillance footage, and expert witnesses. Your best protection is an experienced criminal defense attorney, one who knows the court system, understands prosecutor tactics, and fights for you every step of the way.

Good legal counsel listens to you, investigates thoroughly, negotiates with the state, and when needed, litigates the matter at trial. Early intervention is helpful and gives you the best chance of building a strong defense. Especially for individuals who are encountering the legal system for the first time, an experienced criminal defense attorney can be the key to avoiding a felony conviction and protecting your freedom.

When you hire a criminal defense attorney in Wisconsin, the work starts immediately. Your attorney will meet with you to understand not only your story but your goals as well.  Your attorney will work to stabilize the immediate situation, protect your freedom and begin building your defense.  Your attorney will not only review the discovery provided by the state but they will also collect other evidence, interview witnesses, review surveillance, and coordinate with experts as needed. Every piece of evidence will be collected and scrutinized.

A seasoned criminal defense attorney will consult closely with you to evaluate whether a plea deal is the right choice for you or if it’s more advantageous to take your case to trial. It is important to have a criminal defense lawyer with enough specialized experience to give you expert opinions on how every option might serve your interests. The best criminal defense attorney uses every legal tool available to protect you from conviction but also works with you to find whatever resolution best fits your needs.

If you're arrested or charged with any kind of criminal charge, do not speak to law enforcement. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney but these protections are only meaningful if you invoke them.  It is as simple as declining to answer questions and telling law enforcement that you wish to have an attorney.

As soon as you are able, begin your search for an attorney who you think best understands you and your situation.  The sooner you connect with an attorney, the sooner they can intervene to work on your behalf, protecting your liberty as well as your rights.  An experienced attorney will be there every step of the way to ensure you’re informed at every stage of the journey.

When selecting a criminal defense lawyer, look for proven experience, local knowledge, and a track record of success with violent crime charges in Wisconsin. 

Nelson Defense Group approaches every case with urgency and expertise. Criminal charges can have devastating consequences to your life and well being.  We step in immediately to build the best defense possible and work to protect your freedom. As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Wisconsin, we build defense strategies tailored to your case. Our team of attorneys provides elite defense representation across a wide range of criminal charges, from violent crimes, OWI, drug offenses, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, domestic abuse, juvenile defense, post-conviction relief, and appeals.

Our headquarters are in Hudson, Wisconsin and we have represented individuals in courts in nearly every county in Wisconsin.  At Nelson Defense Group, we rely on our experience and expertise to deliver real results. If you've been charged with a crime, contact us today. We'll work to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.