Why Do I Need A Criminal Defense Attorney?

Quite simply, your freedom is at stake. The importance of legal counsel to the accused is so great it is specifically required by the Constitution. You cannot be expected to protect yourself from the immense power of the Government on your own. If you are facing charges for any crime, whether a serious felony or simple misdemeanor, State or Federal, having a lawyer is necessary to weather the legal battle ahead. A knowledgeable attorney who has spent years representing clients and providing the best defense possible is the only way of ensuring a smooth future ahead.

Hart Powell, S.C. is widely recognized as one of the top names in criminal defense, behind decades of courtroom experience. We understand the anxiety and uncertainty that follows an arrest. Facing charges can destroy a reputation and livelihood that you spent your life building. Our firm is dedicated to defending you and what you have built. The process to freedom is tough, but it can be assisted with experienced legal representation. Over the decades we’ve had the honor of protecting good people who have stared down unjust charges, and we can help you.

Why Should I Choose Hart Powell, S.C. to Represent Me?

The Hart Powell Team Approach

Since 1993, the Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. have been committed to the zealous defense of the accused. Our team of outstanding attorneys speaks for itself:

Michael F. Hart the firm’s Managing Partner, has practiced law for over 30 years and is an experienced and trusted advocate with an unmistakable and impressive presence in the courtroom who has been recognized as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer every year since its inception. He was a former appointee to the Bradley Center of Sports and Entertainment Corporation by the former Governor of Wisconsin, Jim Doyle.

Craig Powell began his legal career when he joined the firm in 2005 and has been a named partner since 2011. He is devoted to making sure the accused have their rights respected and upheld. He has been repeatedly recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and both Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazines, as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, and has been rated a 10.0 “Superb” by AVVO. He has been involved in the defense and trial of numerous high-profile cases, and is an accomplished appellate litigator as well.

Geoff Misfeldt joined the firm in 2010. He brings a sharp eye for spotting legal issues and a tenacity in their pursuit. He is not afraid to challenge unconstitutional laws and has argued numerous cases of injustice across Wisconsin. Having won favorable results in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and prepared petitions to the United States Supreme Court, Misfeldt is dedicated to upholding the law.

Daniel Sanders joined the firm in 2013 after nearly 20 years as a decorated Assistant United States Attorney. He has extensive experience in complex criminal procedures and has worked extensively on a variety of cases from immigration fraud to drug conspiracy and money laundering. Sanders is licensed to practice at the Wisconsin State level and Federal District Courts.

Each of the lawyers on our legal team brings added experience and skill dedicated to ensuring your rights are protected. They will aggressively represent you and make sure that your arrest doesn’t define you. When a client hires Hart Powell, S.C., the client is getting the invaluable benefit of the collective approach. While one of the Hart Powell, S.C. attorneys may take the lead on any given case, each of the lawyers is involved in brainstorming and problem-solving a case’s issues, a process that drives the firm towards achieving the client’s goals. Years of results speak to the success of this approach on behalf of our clients. Contact a professional defense attorney at Hart Powell, S.C. to get started clearing your name and fighting your charges today.

Milwaukee Criminal Defense Practice Areas

The Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. have the experience to defend our clients against any charges they are facing. We are well equipped to defend our clients in federal and state courts as well as appellate court appeals.

Federal Charges We Handle:

State Charges We Handle:

Armed Robbery: A potential felony conviction carries fines, and years in prison.

Domestic Violence Offenses: Domestic violence accusations can ruin reputations, careers, and families.

Drug Crimes: An attorney is the only way to combat jail sentences and debilitating fees of a drug charge.

DUI/OWI: A DUI conviction can destroy any potential career options and affect your reputation.

Fraud: Fraud is so harshly punished even intending to commit fraud can land someone in jail.

Homicide and Murder Charges: Homicide and murder charges are complex and near impossible to combat alone.

Probation and Parole Revocations: Probation and parole requirements are complicated and a fair trial is crucial to combat any probation or parole revocation.

Theft/Burglary: Theft related charges could cost thousands of dollars in fines and up to 20 years in prison.

Sex Crimes: Damaging to one’s reputation and family, a sex crime accusation cannot be taken lightly.

If you have been charged with any variety of federal or state crimes, you need an experienced attorney representing you. Remember, speaking with any law enforcement or federal agents can only build a stronger case against you. Make sure you speak with an attorney before making any official statements.

Does It Make Me Look Guilty to Hire An Attorney Immediately Following an Accusation?

Hiring an attorney after being charged with a criminal accusation is vital. You want to make sure you are getting sound legal advice from the beginning of the process. Taking an accusation lightly most often leads to excessive fines or even prison. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will start building a case against you the moment you are charged. Any statement made after the initial charge is built into the case against you. Having an attorney with you from the beginning can make sure you case stays valid, and your rights are upheld.

Wisconsin Criminal Law

The Wisconsin court system sees a lot of cases each year. In 2016 alone, there were 852,828 cases opened across the state. Of these, there are 122,949 pending a result. These stats were taken from the Wisconsin Court’s public website caseload statistics. As many trials can take up to two or three years to pan out, prosecutors use this to their advantage. Federal agents and law enforcement wait for their suspects to let their guard down before, sometimes illegally, seizing evidence. Hiring an attorney can ensure that your rights and freedom are constantly their priority so you can focus on clearing your name.

It is no mystery that the trial process is difficult. In fact, there is a statistical map of Wisconsin created by the Measures of Justice showcasing the counties of Wisconsin by a percentage of how many felony charges were actually resolved by trial at court. The largest was Grant County, WI, with 5.67% percent of felony charges going all the way to trial. This may surprise many of us who grew up watching shows like Law and Order, which dramatized the criminal justice system. In reality, a lot of cases are settled out of court or just seen before a judge without a jury. Knowing which legal path your charges will be taking is crucial to ensuring that your rights are upheld. Having an experienced attorney help guide your case is the only way to be informed on the changing landscape of justice.

Contact a Milwaukee Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Every citizen has rights that need to be upheld. It’s in the constitution, and it’s our firm’s standard. When you hire an attorney from Hart Powell, S.C., you are making sure that you are getting the full fairness of the law. We fight for the best deal possible for you. Don’t let your charges dictate your life. Let us worry about your presence in the court of law so you can focus on your family and reputation. Call us today at (414) 271-9595, and we can begin the process of winning back your livelihood.

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