Criminal Defense in Green Bay, WI
What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Green Bay, Wisconsin attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind.
By performing their investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time, and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Green Bay, WI is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Wisconsin criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time, and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel.
As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence, and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Green Bay criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Green Bay professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Green Bay, WI who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers who are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Green Bay you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.
Probation
Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times when a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Wisconsin laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will allow you to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.
Probation allows individuals to avoid jail time, but it often comes with strict conditions that mirror certain aspects of incarceration. These conditions may include attending rehabilitation programs, adhering to a curfew, and undergoing regular drug testing to demonstrate compliance with the court’s expectations.
In , , probation may also involve financial obligations such as paying restitution, court costs, fines, and other associated fees. The duration of probation can vary significantly, depending on the nature of the offense and the individual’s prior criminal history.
Probationers convicted of misdemeanors in Green Bay serve at least 6 months, but no longer than 2 years under current Wisconsin law. For felonies, the minimum period of supervision is 1 year, and this could extend up to 3 years or for the term of the original sentence.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
The Department of Corrections establishes the rules and conditions during your first meeting. The court can also assign obligations you must meet or suffer further legal complications. While the details can vary, probationers in Green Bay should have the following expectations:
- Paying supervision fees, restitution, and other fines
- Refraining from further association with criminal activity
- Attending regularly scheduled meetings with state officials
- Staying within state boundaries at all times unless permitted to travel
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Green Bay, Wisconsin criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
Parole
Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet. In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.
Parole is a term to refers to the period that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole.
Parolees in Green Bay may need to attend meetings at the probation office located in the State of Wisconsin District Office Building. Failure to appear or follow any responsibility of parole can lead to your arrest, incarceration, and additional criminal charges. While on parole, you’re not in prison, but your freedoms are limited. For instance, authorities may be able to search your home or work without a warrant. Especially if there are any suspicions of a violation of your parole.
If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Green Bay, WI criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Green Bay, Wisconsin Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Green Bay criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Green Bay, WI criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Wisconsin state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
If you would like to know more about other areas of law in Green Bay, WI, then we’ve also got you covered!
