Criminal Defense Lawyers in Waunakee, WI

Whether you have been accused of a felony crime, drug possession, an OWI/DUI, or another offense in Waunakee, the consequences of a conviction are serious. Potential penalties include confinement, fines, driver’s license suspension, counseling/treatment, and other sanctions.

But remember, you are innocent unless proven guilty, and you can fight your charge to seek to avoid or minimize the punishments. Various defenses, such as self-defense, can be raised to challenge criminal allegations. An attorney can evaluate your case to identify possible courses of action.

West & Dunn is a premier law firm providing high-quality legal representation to clients facing charges under state or federal statutes. Our Waunakee criminal defense lawyers recognize the various emotions those accused may be going through. That is why we deliver compassionate counsel, getting to know the people we serve and understanding their goals.

We will get a complete picture of the incident by listening to your side of the story and analyzing the evidence. From there, our team can develop a comprehensive legal strategy to pursue a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Contact us today at 608-490-9449 or visit our online form.

Fighting Felony Charges

Generally, in Wisconsin, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are the more serious of the two, carrying stiff penalties.

Wisconsin divides felonies into nine classes, penalized as follows:

• Class A: Life imprisonment
• Class B: No more than 60 years’ imprisonment
• Class C:  No more than 40 years’ and/or no more than $100,000 in fines
• Class D: No more than 25 years’ imprisonment and/or no more than $100,000 in fines
• Class E: No more than 15 years’ imprisonment and/or no more than $50,000 in fines
• Class F: No more than 12 years’ imprisonment and/or no more than $25,000 in fines
• Class G: No more than 10 years’ imprisonment and/or no more than $25,000 in fines
• Class H: No more than 6 years’ imprisonment and/or no more than $10,000 in fines
• Class I: No more than 3 ½ years’ imprisonment and/or no more than $10,000 in fines

In comparison, the highest classification of misdemeanors (Class A) is punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 9 months.

Various offenses can be charged as felonies. Examples include:

• Battery causing substantial bodily harm through an act intended to cause bodily harm (Class I)
• False imprisonment (Class H)
• Intimidating a witness (Class G)
• Burglary (Class F)
• First-degree sexual assault (Class B)

At West & Dunn, we stand up for and protect our client’s rights, regardless of their charges. We get to know the person behind the allegations to develop an individualized defense strategy.

Please contact us at to learn about your defense options.

Accused of Drug Possession?

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to possess a controlled substance unless the individual has a valid prescription for it. The penalties for drug possession vary depending on the type of drug and the number of previous violations.

For instance, possessing a Schedule I or II narcotic drug or methamphetamine is a Class I felony. In contrast, possession of other drugs is a misdemeanor.

The defenses that may be mounted in a drug possession case depend on the facts. For example, the defendant could argue that they did not know that a controlled substance was on or near them. Or investigators might have conducted an unlawful search and seizure, causing the evidence they collected to be suppressed.

Whatever your situation, our criminal defense lawyers in Waunakee want to hear your side of the story.

Speak with us about your case. Call 608-490-9449 or arrange an appointment by contacting us online.

Defending Against DUI in Wisconsin

A person could be charged with driving under the influence if they operated a vehicle while their blood alcohol concentration was 0.08% or higher. They may also face allegations if they drove while their ability to drive a car safely was impaired because they consumed alcohol and/or a controlled substance.

DUIs come with a range of penalties. First-time violators may be subject to:

• Fines
• Driver’s license revocation
• Drug and alcohol treatment

The punishments can increase for each subsequent offense.

At West & Dunn, we have extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and leverage our insights to deliver the legal counsel our clients need. We leave no stone unturned as we pursue legal avenues to seek optimal results. Our experience helping clients with OWI charges and drunk driving cases in the Waunakee area allows us to provide tailored defense strategies that address the specific circumstances of each case.

We understand that facing misdemeanor charges or more serious criminal cases related to drunk driving can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team works closely with you to explain the legal process, potential consequences, and your rights under Wisconsin law. Whether you are dealing with first-time offenses or repeat charges, we are committed to protecting your interests and fighting for the best possible outcome.

In addition to DUI defense, our practice law includes handling drug charges and other criminal law matters that may arise alongside OWI charges. We are familiar with the local prosecutors and courts in Dane County, including Madison and West Bend, which helps us navigate the system efficiently. Our law offices serving Waunakee and surrounding communities offer comprehensive legal services that extend beyond criminal defense, including related practice areas such as family law and bankruptcy when needed.

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Waunakee means hiring an attorney with the experience, knowledge, and trial skills necessary to make a difference. We encourage potential clients to take advantage of our free consultations to discuss their criminal defense needs and understand the benefits of having a skilled advocate on their side.

Your case deserves the attention of a trusted partner who will stand by you through every step of the legal process—from initial charges through trial or appeal, if necessary. Contact West & Dunn today to learn more about how we can assist you with your criminal defense needs in the Waunakee area and beyond.

Self-Defense Is Not a Crime

A person might find themselves in a situation where they reasonably believe that they or another individual is in imminent danger of serious harm by someone else. Looking to protect themselves or others, they might display a firearm or other weapon.

Unfortunately, even though these individuals are only trying to prevent injury from befalling them or another, they end up facing criminal charges. We are members of the Critical Response Team for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association and fight to protect our clients’ rights. Our Waunakee criminal defense attorneys defend those who have acted in self-defense.

Self-defense is a fundamental legal principle that allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others from harm. However, the application of this principle can be complex, and not all claims of self-defense are automatically accepted by the courts. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys carefully evaluate the circumstances surrounding each case, including the reasonableness of the perceived threat and the proportionality of the response.

We understand that those who act in self-defense often face not only criminal charges but also social and emotional challenges. Our team is committed to providing compassionate legal counsel while aggressively defending your rights. We work closely with you to build a strong defense, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge any improper actions by law enforcement or the prosecution.

If you have been charged after an incident involving self-defense, it is crucial to have knowledgeable legal representation that understands Wisconsin criminal defense issues and the local courts in Waunakee, WI. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the legal process and strive for the best possible outcome.

To schedule a Consultation with a member of our team, please contact us at 608-490-9449 today.