Manitowoc WI Criminal Defense Lawyer
Getting accused of a crime isn’t a small matter. Your freedom and reputation are on the line. Because of the potential consequences you’re facing, you should get legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney – one who cares about getting the best possible outcome.
Nathan J. Dineen Attorney At Law, has years of experience and operates from the premise of innocent until proven guilty. He fights hard to ensure you’re treated fairly at every step of the case.
Criminal Defense Attorney in Manitowoc WI
Unfortunately, navigating the criminal justice process without proper guidance is overwhelming. The legal process is filled with tight deadlines, a lot of paperwork, and legal procedures that you need to adhere to.
It’s impossible to do it all alone, and you need a professional and skilled criminal defense attorney to advocate for your rights and ensure your side of the story is heard.
Nathan J. Dineen offers personalized defense strategies for each case. Whether you’re dealing with misdemeanor or felony charges, he’ll build a solid case for you. The criminal defense process includes a thorough examination of your case, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and negotiating plea bargains if the situation calls for it.
Manitowoc DUI/OWI Offense
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is one of the most common criminal offenses in Manitowoc County. You’ll be charged with DUI in Wisconsin if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.08% or if your ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol.
For drivers under 21, Wisconsin enforces a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable BAC can result in DUI charges.
Second and subsequent OWI penalties in Manitowoc include:
- Second Offense: Misdemeanor charges, including 5 days to 6 months in jail, fines of $350–$1,100, and 12–18 months license revocation.
- Third Offense: Misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of 45 days to 1 year in jail, fines between $600–$2,000, and license revocation for 2–3 years.
- Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Offense: These are categorized as Class H felonies and attract a fine between $600 and $10,000 and a jail term of 6 months to 6 years.
- Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Offense: They are Class G felonies and attract a $25,000 fine and a jail term of between 3 and 10 years.
Aggravating factors such as having a BAC above 0.15%, prior convictions, or causing injury can lead to harsher penalties, including longer jail time and mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation.
If you’re facing OWI or drunk driving charges, contact a professional criminal defense attorney like Nathan J. Dineen.
Manitowoc Robbery Charges
- Up to 15 years in prison.
- Fines up to $50,000.
Violent Crimes in Manitowoc WI
Violent crimes include serious offenses such as sexual assault, aggravated battery, and homicide. These charges carry severe consequences, including long-term imprisonment and a permanent criminal record.
Some of the penalties you’ll face upon conviction include:
- Sexual Assault: Depending on the degree, penalties range from 5 years to life imprisonment.
- Aggravated Battery: Up to 15 years in prison and fines of $50,000 for causing substantial bodily harm.
Manitowoc Misdemeanor Charges
While misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they still carry serious penalties that can impact your life. Common misdemeanors in Manitowoc include disorderly conduct, petty theft, and first OWI offense.
Penalties for misdemeanors in Wisconsin include:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 9 months in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in prison and fines of $1,000.
- Class C Misdemeanor: Up to 30 days in jail and fines of $500.
Felony Criminal Defense Attorney in Manitowoc WI
Felonies are the most severe criminal offenses, including charges like homicide, drug crimes, and armed robbery. These crimes carry substantial penalties and vary based on classification and include long-term imprisonment, loss of voting rights, and a damaged criminal record.
Wisconsin felony classifications include:
- Class C Felony: Up to 40 years in prison and fines of $100,000.
- Class I Felony: Up to 3.5 years in jail and fines of $10,000.
Theft Crimes in Manitowoc WI
Theft crimes in Manitowoc involve unlawfully taking another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. These offenses can range from shoplifting to large-scale fraud, and the consequences vary depending on the value of the property stolen.
Some of the penalties you risk with a theft charge include:
- Under $2,500: A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and fines of $10,000.
- $2,500–$5,000: A Class I felony, with up to 3.5 years in prison and fines of $10,000.
- Over $10,000: A Class G felony, carrying up to 10 years in prison and fines of $25,000.
Shoplifting Charges in Manitowoc WI
Shoplifting is a form of retail theft that may involve concealing merchandise or altering price tags. Penalties are determined based on the value of the stolen items.
The shoplifting penalties include:
- Between $100 and $2,500: A Class A misdemeanor with up to 9 months in jail and fines of $10,000.
- $2,500 to $5,000: A Class I felony, carrying more severe penalties, including up to 3.5 years in prison.
- $5,000 to $10,000: This is considered a Class H felony. Although the fine remains unchanged from the previous class, the maximum jail time increases to 6 years.
Property Crimes in Manitowoc WI
Property crimes include offenses such as vandalism, trespassing, and burglary. These crimes lead to financial loss and carry heavy penalties.
Some property crimes and their respective penalties include:
- Vandalism: Classified as a misdemeanor unless the damage exceeds $2,500, which escalates to a felony with up to 3.5 years in prison.
- Burglary: A Class F felony, punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison and fines of $25,000.
- Trespassing: Typically a misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 90 days in jail and fines of $1,000.
Manitowoc Arson Charges
Arson is categorized as a property crime and involves intentionally setting fire to a structure, building, or land. This crime is often charged as a felony in Wisconsin.
Generally, arson to property besides a building attracts lower penalties. For instance, putting a building on fire, whether occupied or not, is a Class I felony, punishable by up to 3.5 years in prison and fines of $10,000. If the intent was to defraud the insurance company, it’s treated as a Class H felony, and the jail term increases to six years.
Assault Crimes in Manitowoc WI
Assault crimes cover offenses ranging from simple battery to aggravated assault. These charges can vary significantly based on the severity of harm caused and the circumstances of the incident.
Upon conviction, you may be penalized as follows:
- Simple Battery: A misdemeanor, with up to 9 months in jail and fines of $10,000.
- Aggravated Battery: A Class E felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines of $50,000.
Homicide Charges in Manitowoc WI
Homicide is one of the most severe criminal offenses, encompassing murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide. Each charge carries life-altering penalties.
For instance, a first-degree intentional homicide is treated as a Class A felony, punishable by life imprisonment. On the other hand, vehicular homicide penalties range from 25 years in prison for reckless driving to 40 years for DUI-related fatalities.
Manitowoc Gun Crime
Illegal Drug Trade in Manitowoc WI
Manitowoc Charges for Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession charges arise when an individual is found with illegal drugs for personal use. Penalties depend on the type and quantity of the substance. If you’re caught in possession of marijuana, you are charged with a misdemeanor for your first offense, which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
Hard drugs, including heroin and cocaine, are treated as felonies and carry penalties of up to 3.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Stalking Charges in Manitowoc WI
- Confronting another person
- Trying to contact the other person’s co-workers or employers.
- Entering into the property of the other person
- Contacting the individual by email, phone, or any other platform
- Delivering an object to their property
Criminal Mischief in Manitowoc WI
Criminal mischief involves damaging or defacing another’s property without consent. Offenses that fall under this crime include drawing graffiti on someone’s property, destruction of property, or tampering with utilities.
If the damage is under $2,500, it’s a misdemeanor, carrying up to 9 months in jail. And if the damage is over $2,500, it’s a felony, carrying up to 3.5 years in prison.
Get Professional Criminal Defense at Nathan J. Dineen, Attorney At Law
Attorney Nathan J. Dineen understands that every criminal defense case is unique. From violent crimes to misdemeanors and OWI offenses, we are dedicated to protecting your legal rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Criminal charges are serious, and you should treat them as such by having a professional and experienced attorney like Nathan J. Dineen by your side.