Category: Criminal procedure

The difference between misdemeanor and felony bail jumping Whether a bail jumping charge is a misdemeanor or a felony seems to stump a lot of people.  Let’s clarify it; Defendant is arrested for a misdemeanor.  He appears in court and his bail (along with conditions) is set.  One of those conditions requires that the defendant…

Are Wisconsinites required to open their doors to ICE officials? Quickly after Donald Trump took office in 2025, he began pursuing one of his campaign promises: to reign in illegal immigration, secure the border, and deport individuals in violation of immigration laws.  Unfortunately, his plans quickly expanded, a prison in El Salvador got involved, and…

A Wisconsin criminal defense attorney explains the pros and cons of a no contest plea. Sometimes criminal cases in Wisconsin conclude with a guilty or a no contest plea.  This is generally after the defendant decides he’s not interested in proceeding to trial, but instead wants to resolve the case.  Sometimes this is because the…

The timing of the preliminary hearing in felony cases: Section 970.03(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes describes the timing involved.  The preliminary hearing must be conducted within 20 days after the initial appearance if the defendant was released from custody.  It must be held within 10 days after the initial appearance if the defendant’s bail was…