Baraboo Criminal Defense Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

In a criminal matter, your future and freedom are at stake. The justice system can be hard to navigate, and a wrong move at any stage in your case can adversely impact the result. A criminal defense lawyer can provide guidance through the process, explain your charge, discuss possible outcomes, and highlight available legal avenues to pursue an optimal result. By shedding light on some of the unknowns, they can ease some of your worries and make your situation less overwhelming.

Although you have been charged with a crime, you still have rights. Unfortunately, not many criminal defendants are aware of all their legal protections. Above all else, a criminal defense lawyer protects the rights of the accused and facilitates a fair justice process. They can seek remedies for miscarriages of the law and attack illegal or improper government actions. 

For example, if the police conducted an unlawful search and seizure, a criminal defense lawyer may file a motion to suppress the evidence obtained. If the court grants the motion, the evidence may be inadmissible, and the prosecutor’s case may be weakened. This might not lead to a case dismissal, but it could make it harder for the prosecutor to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

At West & Dunn, we vigorously defend our clients and safeguard their constitutional protections.

Cases We Handle

When choosing an attorney, hiring someone with experience tackling cases like yours is crucial. That way, you can be confident they understand the particulars of the justice system as it pertains to your matter and can establish reasonable expectations.

Our criminal defense lawyers in Baraboo provide representation for an array of charges, including the following:

• Felonies: Wisconsin has nine classes of felonies. The penalties range from a maximum of three and a half years in prison (for the lowest class) to life imprisonment (for the highest class). Examples of felonies include, but are not limited to, first-degree intentional homicide, aggravated battery, burglary, sexual assault, and stalking.
• Drug possession: This charge is levied when someone has control of a drug, including a prescription medication without a valid prescription. Whether the offense is a misdemeanor or felony depends on the type of drug. For example, possession of a Schedule I or II narcotic substance is a Class I felony, whereas possession of other drugs generally is a misdemeanor.
• OWI/DUI: A person can be charged with operating while intoxicated (commonly referred to as driving under the influence) when they are impaired by an intoxicant or controlled substance or have a prohibited blood alcohol concentration. Depending on whether the defendant has a previous OWI conviction, the penalties can include a fine, incarceration, and/or driver’s license revocation. 

Our Baraboo criminal defense attorneys can deliver the legal representation needed to fight even the most severe charges.