Criminal Defense FAQ
Answering Your Criminal Defense Questions
Facing criminal charges brings many questions. How will you protect your rights? Will you go to jail? What does this mean for your future?
At Martinez & Ruby, LLP, our experienced attorneys have been there before. We know what it takes to succeed in Wisconsin criminal courts. Continue reading for answers to some of the most common questions we receive from prospective clients.
Will a conviction stay on my record?
Most misdemeanor and felony convictions will stay on your record. The consequences of having a criminal record can stay with you long after you have paid your fines and served your time. The only way to avoid a conviction is to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting for your rights and protecting your interests. If you do get convicted, the only way to remove a conviction from your record is if a skilled appellate attorney successfully helps get your conviction overturned.
Do I really need an attorney for my case?
You are not legally required to have a professional attorney representing you. You can choose to represent yourself or request the services of a public defender. However, even some attorneys struggle to grasp the nuances and intricacies of criminal defense. You cannot afford to have an inexperienced attorney learning on the job with your future hanging in the balance.
Can I just pay the fines and move on after an OWI?
You can move on, but it will be on foot. Paying the fines and failing to contest your case is as good as an admission of guilt. The administrative penalties include the loss of your driver’s license, hampering your ability to get to work, run errands and get your kids to school on time. It also exposes you to even harsher criminal and administrative penalties in the future since any subsequent OWI will not be your first. The only way to avoid these consequences is to have a strong defense from the start.
What does a domestic violence charge mean for me?
If you have kids, you may not be able to see them due to being barred from entering the family home. If you are a sportsman or otherwise enjoy exercising your second amendment rights, you can kiss your firearms goodbye if you are convicted of committing domestic violence. If the accusations come in the midst of a divorce or family law squabble, you will now have a harder time coming out on top. The best way to avoid these consequences is to have a tenacious defense lawyer looking out for you. If you have been accused of domestic violence, your first call should be to an attorney.
Can I bring legal marijuana to Wisconsin?
The decision of our neighbors to the south to legalize marijuana does nothing to change our state’s laws. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether you purchased it in Illinois, Colorado, California, Washington or any other state where it is legal. It is still illegal to possess marijuana in Wisconsin and a drug conviction can lead to penalties such as jail time, fines and probation.
Do You Have More Questions?
We have answers. Call 608-975-3913 for a free case evaluation. From our office in Baraboo, we represent defendants throughout Wisconsin.