Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-language answers about our practice areas and how we work with clients in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. This information is general, not legal advice for your specific situation.
Request a Free ConsultationCriminal defense
Questions about investigations, charges, and court process in Wisconsin. See our criminal defense practice page for more detail.
As early as possible. If police want a statement, if you are a target of an investigation, or if you have been arrested or charged, having counsel first helps protect your rights and avoid irreversible mistakes.
Felonies carry more than one year of potential incarceration in most classes and broader collateral consequences. Misdemeanors are still serious but typically involve shorter jail exposure. Your charging document and statute section control the classification.
Often yes. Cases resolve through motions, charge amendments, diversion, or negotiated pleas when that aligns with your goals. We prepare every file as if trial were likely so you are not pressured into a weak deal.
Discovery is the exchange of evidence between the defense and prosecution, including police reports, witness lists, recordings, and expert materials. Deadlines and scope follow court rules and orders in your county.
It can. Many employers and licensing boards run background checks. The impact depends on the offense, your industry, and reporting rules. We discuss collateral consequences when evaluating options.
DUI & OWI
Operating while intoxicated law in Wisconsin. More on DUI & OWI defense.
Operating is broader than driving. It can include being in physical control of a vehicle - such as sitting in the driver seat with keys accessible - if facts show you intended to operate or could readily do so while impaired.
You generally have a short deadline - commonly ten days from notice - to request an administrative hearing on your license separate from the criminal case. Missing it can mean automatic suspension.
Yes. OWI is typically tied to impairment or prohibited alcohol or drug concentration, not only alcohol. Valid prescriptions do not automatically defeat a charge if impairment is alleged.
If eligible after certain offenses, an occupational license lets you drive for limited purposes - such as work or treatment - during a revocation period, subject to court and DOT rules and any IID obligation.
Roadside agility tests are often voluntary, but refusal or performance can still influence probable cause. Implied consent rules mainly govern chemical tests after a lawful arrest. We review the full record before advising on defenses.
Drug charges
Possession, delivery, and related prosecutions. See drug charge defense.
Treatment court is a supervised program emphasizing treatment and compliance. Successful completion can mean reduced exposure or dismissal in some jurisdictions for qualified participants.
In some situations, yes. Federal prosecutors may pick up large distribution or interstate dimensions while state courts handle other aspects. Early counsel helps coordinate strategy across both systems.
Statutes sort controlled substances into schedules; weight and conduct alleged - simple possession versus intent to deliver - drive the offense level and penalty range.
The state must prove knowing possession or control. Joint access, lack of dominion, or ambiguous ownership can be defenses we explore in motion practice or trial.
Yes. Broken chain of custody, mislabeled evidence, or flawed lab procedures can undermine reliability. We request underlying data and may consult experts when science is contested.
Family law
Divorce, custody, support, and protection orders. Visit family law.
Courts cannot finalize a divorce until at least 120 days after service or filing, depending on circumstances under statute. Complex cases often take longer to resolve finances or custody.
Many counties encourage or order mediation before hearings on placement disputes unless an exception applies. Mediation can reduce cost and conflict when both parties engage in good faith.
Support generally follows guidelines based on income, placement schedules, and the number of children. Deviations require statutory findings; we verify income inputs and special expenses.
Violating a restraining order can mean new criminal charges or contempt. Keep a copy of the order and document contacts; call law enforcement if terms are breached.
Either parent may seek modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances - such as income, placement, or needs - following statutory tests and sometimes a required time threshold.
Our firm
Consultations, communication, and fees. Meet our team on the attorneys page.
Yes. Conversations in consultation are protected by attorney-client privilege when you are seeking legal advice, subject to limited exceptions we explain at intake.
Bring any court paperwork, bond conditions, citations, photos, messages, prior orders, and a timeline of key events. For family cases, recent financial statements and proposed schedules help.
We regularly handle matters in surrounding counties and statewide when the case fits our practice. Venue rules still control where certain actions must be filed.
We set expectations at intake for hearing dates, discovery milestones, and communication channels. You should know the next steps and who to contact for urgent issues.
Fees depend on case type and complexity - flat, hourly, or phased arrangements may apply. We discuss scope, anticipated costs, and billing in writing before you decide to hire us.