Appleton WI Criminal Defense Lawyer
A simple misunderstanding or a lapse in judgment can end up in criminal charges. Whether you were going through self-checkout and forgot to scan an item or more serious criminal charges like sexual harassment, you need to understand what you’re up against.
When you’re facing criminal charges and your freedom is on the line, you need an experienced criminal defense law firm that understands Wisconsin law and will fight for your rights.
Nathan J. Dineen Attorney At Law, is a criminal defense attorney who understands how emotionally challenging the process is and is committed to seeing you get a favorable outcome.
Criminal Defense Attorney in Appleton WI
Criminal cases can be complex, with life-altering consequences if not handled properly. From navigating Wisconsin’s legal statutes to negotiating with prosecutors and keeping strict court deadlines, a skilled attorney provides the guidance and representation necessary to protect your rights.
Attorney Nathan J. Dineen has extensive experience in defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including misdemeanors and felonies. He understands that every case is unique, requiring a tailored approach to ensure a favorable outcome.
Whether you’re dealing with first-time charges or repeat offenses, Attorney Nathan J. Dineen is committed to building a strong criminal defense on your behalf. Some criminal cases he handles include:
Appleton OWI Offense
DUI offense is among the most common criminal charges in Wisconsin. You’re charged with an OWI offense when you’re caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
These OWI laws apply to both commercial and personal vehicle operators, with stricter BAC limits for commercial drivers and underage individuals.
Penalties for an OWI conviction increase in severity with repeat offenses. However, the first OWI is treated as a civil offense, and only the second and subsequent offenses are criminal. The penalties for these are as follows:
- Second Offense: This is treated as a misdemeanor offense with charges, including 5 days to 6 months in jail, fines of $350–$1,100, and 12 to 18 months of license revocation.
- Third Offenses: It’s also treated as a misdemeanor but with slightly higher penalties. For instance, the jail time ranges between 45 days and 1 year, while the fines are between $600 and $2,000, and license revocation for 2–3 years.
- Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Offense: These are considered class H felony offenses and have a fine between $600 and $10,000 and a jail sentence of 6 months to 6 years.
- Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Offense: These are class G felonies and are punishable with a $25,000 fine and a mandatory jail term of between 3 and 10 years.
Additional factors, like causing injury or property damage while impaired, can elevate charges to felony status.
Nathan J. Dineen understands the nuances of OWI laws and will review your case to identify flaws in the prosecution’s evidence, such as inaccuracies in breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. His goal is to minimize penalties or achieve case dismissal whenever possible.
Appleton Robbery Charges
Robbery in Appleton is defined as taking property from another person through force, intimidation, or threats. Unlike theft, robbery includes the element of violence or coercion and is treated as a class E felony, which attracts jail time of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $50,000.
In the case of armed robbery, which involves the use or threat of a weapon, it’s a class C felony with even harsher penalties (up to 40 years in prison and $100,000 in fines).
Violent Crimes in Appleton WI
Violent crimes encompass a wide range of offenses, including assault, battery, domestic violence, and homicide. These charges are prosecuted aggressively in Wisconsin. For instance, sexual assault can result in a jail term of up to 5 years, while aggravated battery earns you a $50,000 fine and a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Attorney Nathan J. Dineen understands the complexity of violent crime cases and the stigma they carry. As such, he investigates every detail, from witness testimony to forensic evidence, to build a strong defense.
Arson Charges in Appleton WI
Whether intentional or through reckless behavior, arson can result in significant property damage and jeopardize public safety. Because of this, it’s harshly penalized in Wisconsin.
The penalties for arson in Appleton vary based on the severity of the act, the type of property involved, and whether anyone was injured. Common penalties include:
- Class H Felony: If the arson was intended to defraud the insurer, it’s considered a class H felony that is punishable with up to 10 years in prison.
- Class I Felony: Setting fire to an unoccupied building or land could lead to a class I felony, resulting in up to 3.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Appleton Gun Crime
Gun crime in Appleton raises significant concerns about public safety and the well-being of its residents. The crime includes a variety of criminal activities like illegal possession of firearms, shootings, and armed robberies. Possession of a gun is treated as a felony that’s punishable with 10 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.
However, if you use a firearm, the mandatory minimum penalties depend on the category of felony you’re charged with. For class A to class G felonies, the penalty is a minimum of five years in jail. For a class H felony, you get at least three years, and for a class I felony, the consequences are at least 18 months.
Illegal Drug Trade in Appleton WI
Illegal drug trade refers to the production, distribution, sale, and trafficking of substances prohibited by law, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and certain unregulated prescription drugs.
Penalties for getting involved in the illegal drug trade vary widely depending on the jurisdiction, the type and quantity of drugs involved, and the specific role you play in the trade.
Generally, for small-scale trafficking, the penalty is up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and for a large-scale trade operation, the penalties hike up to 15 years in jail.
Partner with a Professional Criminal Defense Attorney – Nathan J. Dineen
When you’re facing criminal charges, the thought of losing your freedom can be overwhelming. Nathan J. Dineen understands the emotional burden involved and is supportive in helping you stay sane throughout the process. He’ll also work hard to protect your rights and get you a reduced sentence or the case dismissed.
You shouldn’t go through the turmoil alone – get professional legal representation for legal advice and ease the burden.