Facing criminal charges is one of the most serious situations you'll encounter. The decisions made in the first 24 hours can determine the outcome of your entire case.
Request a Free ConsultationCriminal charges in Wisconsin carry consequences that extend far beyond fines or probation: employment, housing, professional licenses, and family relationships can all hang in the balance from a single case file. Prosecutors in Milwaukee County and surrounding jurisdictions have significant resources; the government begins assembling evidence and witness statements quickly — often before you have had a meaningful opportunity to protect yourself. That is why Mitnick & Draper treats every investigation and charge as urgent until we understand exactly what the state can prove and how it obtained its evidence.
Our criminal defense practice is built for clients who need partner-level attention from day one. We represent adults and juveniles facing allegations ranging from disorderly conduct and misdemeanor theft to serious felonies, weapons offenses, domestic-violence-related charges, and white collar investigations. Whether detectives have only asked you questions, charges have been filed, or you are preparing for trial, we map a strategy to your goals: dismissal when possible, reduction when negotiation serves you better than risk, and trial when the government cannot meet its burden.
We scrutinize every traffic stop, search, seizure, and custodial statement for constitutional violations. We review discovery for gaps, inconsistencies, and unreliable forensic conclusions. We prepare suppression motions and pretrial motions with the same discipline we bring to jury selection and closing argument — because in Wisconsin, as in most jurisdictions, many cases are effectively decided long before opening statements. When trial is the right path, we do not hesitate; when a structured plea or alternative sentencing better protects your future, we advise you honestly and negotiate from a position of strength.
If you or someone you care about is under investigation or has been arrested, delay only works in the prosecution's favor. Contact us for a confidential consultation so we can begin protecting your rights immediately.
We review every detail of your arrest, the evidence against you, and any procedural violations within 24 hours.
Most cases are won or lost before they reach a courtroom. We file suppression motions, challenge evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors from a position of strength.
If a favorable plea isn't available we take your case to trial fully prepared and without hesitation.
Do not speak to police without an attorney present. Politely invoke your right to remain silent and your right to counsel. Do not consent to searches. Call an attorney as soon as you are permitted to make a phone call. The statements you make in the hours immediately following an arrest are often the most damaging evidence in a criminal case.
In Wisconsin misdemeanors are offenses punishable by up to 9 months in jail and fines up to $10,000. Felonies are more serious offenses divided into classes A through I, with Class A felonies carrying potential life sentences. The classification of your charge significantly affects the potential penalties, your rights during the legal process, and the long-term impact on your record.
Wisconsin allows expungement of certain criminal records under specific conditions. Generally you must have been under 25 at the time of the offense, the offense must be eligible for expungement, and you must have successfully completed your sentence. An attorney can review your record and determine whether you qualify and how to file.
The timeline varies significantly based on the severity of the charge, court schedules, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases are often resolved in 3 to 6 months. Felony cases can take 6 months to over a year. Cases that go to trial take longer than those resolved through plea agreements.
An arraignment is your first formal court appearance where the charges against you are read and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In most cases we advise entering a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve your options and give us time to fully review the evidence before making any decisions about how to proceed.
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Based on your situation there's no immediate emergency — but getting ahead of this early gives you the best outcome. Schedule a free confidential consultation below.