Criminal Defense Attorney Madison, WI

Wisconsin takes a tough stance on crime. When you’ve been arrested for or charged with a crime, it can feel like the entire world is out to get you. How do you protect yourself and fight the charges against you in the most effective way possible? You need caring and reliable legal help from a defense attorney who is willing to work hard for you. Embrace your right to a dedicated defense and contact the Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC, for help. Our legal team knows how to manage criminal charges in Madison and other areas of Wisconsin, including Rock County, Columbia County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Iowa County, Green County, and Dodge County. We understand Wisconsin criminal law and have the skills and experience to offer strategic criminal defense plans designed to achieve the most favorable result possible for the circumstances of your case. If you are worried about how a criminal conviction will reshape your life, contact our criminal defense team today and book a confidential legal consultation. We are ready to fight for you and protect your rights.

Do You Need a Wisconsin Criminal Defense Attorney?

Many people facing Wisconsin criminal charges wonder whether they need legal representation. The answer is yes. You cannot talk or negotiate your way out of this situation. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is the only way to protect yourself. From the moment of your arrest, law enforcement and prosecutors are working to build a case against you. The only way to combat their tactics is to approach them with a strategic and personalized defense plan. A seasoned criminal defense attorney has the skills and resources to craft a compelling defense strategy that addresses your case’s unique facts and circumstances. They can advocate for you and protect your legal rights at a time when it can feel like no one is willing to listen or be on your side. At Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC, you can count on responsive and reliable criminal defense representation that addresses all facets of your situation. We take a detailed and focused approach to managing your case. We won’t back down, even in challenging situations.

What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for You?

A criminal defense attorney is your ally. They will advocate for you and ensure that your legal rights are protected as you move through the Wisconsin criminal justice system. However, an experienced criminal defense lawyer provides more than legal representation. They can support, guide, and advise you and your family during this challenging time

At Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with proactive and passionate legal support. We take a comprehensive approach to creating your defense plan. We are ready to:

Provide you with legal assistance
Support you legally and emotionally
Protect your legal rights
Build a comprehensive defense strategy
Investigate your situation and gather crucial evidence
Represent you in court
Help mitigate any sentence you might receive
Seek appeal and post-conviction relief if necessary

An experienced criminal defense lawyer will provide legal advice based on the specific details of your situation and defend you from start to finish of your case to achieve the best possible outcome. At Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC, we focus on:

Wisconsin Criminal Penalties

Wisconsin divides crimes into specific classifications and categories. Misdemeanor charges vary from Class A Misdemeanors to Unclassified Misdemeanors. Felony offenses range from a Class A felony, the most significant, down to a Class I felony. Penalties vary drastically depending on the classification of the crime and the mitigating circumstances involved. The potential penalties for Wisconsin misdemeanor and felony convictions include:

Misdemeanor Offenses:

Class A Misdemeanor:

Fines up to $10,000
Imprisonment up to 9 months

Class B Misdemeanor:

Fines up to $1,000
Imprisonment up to 90 days

Class C Misdemeanor:

Fines up to $500
Imprisonment up to 30 days

Unclassified Misdemeanors

Penalties vary

Felony Offenses:

Class A Felony:

Mandatory life in prison

Class B Felony:

Up to 60 years in prison

Class C Felony:

Fines up to $100,000
Up to 40 years in prison

Class D Felony:

Fines up to $100,000
Up to 25 years in prison

Class E Felony:

Fines up to $50,000
Up to 15 years in prison

Class F Felony:

Fines up to $25,000
Up to 12 years and 6 months in prison

Class G Felony:

Fines up to $25,000
Up to 10 years in prison

Class H Felony:

Fines up to $10,000
Up to 6 years in prison

Class I Felony:

Fines up to $10,000
Up to 3 years and 6 months in prison

Class A felonies are the more severe and carry the harshest penalty under Wisconsin law. Examples of Class A felony offenses include first-degree murder and treason. Class I felonies are not nearly as severe and include substantial battery, theft of property worth 2,500-5000 dollars, and stalking.

Understanding Wisconsin’s Felony Sentencing Guidelines

Wisconsin has a unique system for determining a convicted individual’s overall punishment. A judge has broad discretion to penalize an individual with fines, prison time, or both. However, Wisconsin law also imposes sentencing enhancements for specific offenders, especially those who commit repeat violations or violent felonies. A judge can extend an individual’s maximum sentence by a set amount of time when an enhancement applies. Unique sentencing enhancements can apply to cases involving repeat domestic abuse offenses, hate crimes, crimes involving weapons, and violent crimes that occur in school zones.

In specific cases, there are also mandatory minimum prison terms. Child sex offenses, repeat sex crimes, and repeat firearm offenses can draw mandatory minimum prison sentences and may prohibit an individual from getting probation.

Sentencing felony convictions can get extremely complicated and confusing. In addition to prison time and fines, people may also face consequences such as a suspended driver’s license, loss of professional license, and registration as a sex offender. The consequences of a criminal conviction can affect your life after prison, making it more challenging to secure housing and employment, ineligibility to seek financial aid or educational opportunities, and financial instability as you pay significant fines and court fees. Felony penalties can cause financial distress and have long-lasting repercussions in your life.

Tips for Protecting Your Rights if You Are Arrested in Wisconsin

Facing criminal charges in Wisconsin is frightening. You may not be thinking clearly about your situation and what your next steps should be. After you’ve been arrested, follow these steps:

Do not speak with law enforcement — You have the right to remain silent. Take advantage of that right, and never speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
Do not consent to searches without a warrant.
Contact an attorney immediately – Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Avoid social media – Do not talk about your situation on social media platforms or make posts asking for legal advice.
Do not contact those involved — Even if you believe the entire situation is a misunderstanding, refrain from contacting any parties involved.

Contact a Wisconsin Criminal Defense Attorney Now

From legal representation for felonies to defense for misdemeanors, the legal team at Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC, has you covered. We are ready to vigorously defend you and help you emerge from this situation with the most favorable outcome possible.

Contact our Wisconsin criminal defense team today and request a confidential case review.

Practice Areas

Contact

Address

122 W. Washington Ave., Suite 600 Madison, WI 53703

Phone

(608) 572-7052