Criminal Defense in Madison, WI
What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Madison, 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 Madison, 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 Madison criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Madison 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 Madison, 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 Madison 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.
While probation allows you to avoid jail, it often comes with strict conditions similar to those imposed during incarceration. These may include participation in rehabilitation programs, adhering to a curfew, and undergoing regular drug testing.
In Madison, Wisconsin, you might also be responsible for paying restitution, court costs, fines, and other fees. The duration of probation can vary significantly, influenced by the nature of the offense and your prior record.
Wisconsin law has established two different sets of minimum probation sentences based on the severity of the crime. If convicted of a misdemeanor, you can serve 6 months to 2 years. Felonies carry at least 1 year and can extend as far as 3 years. The final decision rests with a judge, but they cannot exceed the maximums or fail to assign the minimums.
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.
Part of remaining in compliance is you need to pass random drug tests for substances like opiates or methamphetamine. Probationers in Madison can expect this testing from the state or a private company like Badger Testing Services. In addition to staying clean, you can have a laundry list of expectations to follow to the letter. Some of the commitments required to keep away from prison include:
- Paying supervision fees
- Maintaining steady employment
- Going to rehab for drug or alcohol addiction
- Avoiding any association with criminal behavior
- Attending regular meetings with a probation officer
A probation officer generally oversees your probation, tracking your compliance and progress while submitting regular reports to the court. Failure to meet probation terms is likely to reach the judge’s attention, which could result in probation revocation and possible jail time. A skilled criminal defense attorney in Madison, Wisconsin can assist if you’re facing probation violations.
Parole
Instead of reporting to a probation officer, parole requires you to check in with a parole officer who will outline the specific conditions you must follow. In addition to those conditions, the parole officer tracks your progress and submits regular reports to both the court and the parole board.
Parole refers to the period following your release from incarceration. Like probation, it typically comes with a range of conditions and requirements that must be followed throughout your parole.
As stated by the Department of Corrections, a parole agent or the court system can establish prohibitions on your behavior as a parolee. Beyond the standard expectations, Madison locals may have to take part in programs as well. These can include community reintegration, vocational training, and counseling. As an example, if you are convicted of an OWI, counseling and rehabilitation might be obligations to follow. This privilege of supervised release also comes with obligatory fees, fines, and other restitution.
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 Madison, WI criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Madison, Wisconsin Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Madison criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case.
Do not go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Madison, 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 Madison, WI, we’ve also got you covered!
