If you were charged with a crime in Wisconsin, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what to expect. Knowing the next steps in the criminal defense process can help you prepare for each stage and feel confident about the future.  The Madison criminal defense attorneys at Stroud, Willink & Howard have helped thousands of people facing criminal charges in Wisconsin, having their charges reduced or dismissed. This blog explains the stages of the criminal defense process in Wisconsin, offering valuable information you can use to prepare your defense. Keep reading to learn more, or contact o ..read more

In Wisconsin, as in the rest of the United States, non-U.S. citizens must be aware of how certain criminal convictions could affect their immigration status. Below, we explore various criminal offenses, their possible repercussions on immigration status, and how an immigration lawyer can help. Crimes That Could Affect Immigration Status If you are a non-U.S. citizen, a criminal conviction in any of the following categories could have serious implications for your immigration status: Aggravated Felonies: This category includes serious crimes like murder and drug trafficking. Even some less sev ..read more

Aggravated assault is one of the most serious criminal offenses of the Wisconsin Criminal Code. It is also somewhat confusing and misunderstood by many. But regardless of whether a person understands the charge, the penalties include harsh punishment behind bars and significant fines, among other consequences. Fortunately, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help defendants defend themselves against the state. What Is Aggravated Assault? Understanding aggravated assault begins with an understanding of the definition of assault. In Wisconsin, an assault takes place when a per ..read more

If you have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, you likely have a lot of questions. You may be wondering how it will affect your life and your future – and how much it’s going to cost. You also may be wondering just how serious a first-time DUI/OWI really is, especially as Wisconsin is the only state to treat it as a traffic offense rather than a criminal matter – leading you to question whether you need to retain an attorney. The fact is that any drunk driving charge is serious – regardless of its legal classification. A drunk driving conviction could have significant legal and ..read more

A criminal conviction can change the entire trajectory of your life – even for a relatively minor crime. In many cases, the mere existence of a conviction on your record can result in professional and personal difficulties that are extremely difficult to overcome. For this reason, if you are facing criminal charges of any kind, it is highly advisable to retain an attorney as soon as possible. But how do you find the right lawyer for you? Here are some of the things you should consider when looking for a Madison criminal attorney to represent you. Experience in Criminal Defense The first thing ..read more

After a drunk driving arrest, you may feel like the deck is stacked against you. Between the field sobriety tests and potentially a breathalyzer, you may feel like all you can do is plead guilty and throw yourself at the mercy of the court. Importantly, you do not automatically have to plead guilty to an OWI charge in Wisconsin. Like any criminal case, you have rights, and one of them is that you are presumed to be innocent until you are proven guilty. There are defenses that you can use to fight OWI charges, and a skilled Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer can help you determine which one may ..read more

An arrest warrant can threaten to alter your life and future. Therefore, if you know there is an active arrest warrant under your name, do not ignore it. Take action as soon as possible and consult with a criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can provide much-needed guidance and help you through the process. What Is an Arrest Warrant? An arrest warrant is a judge’s order granting law enforcement the ability to arrest an individual when there is suspicion or knowledge that a person has committed a crime. When there is an active arrest warrant, law enforcement can actively search for the individu ..read more

The interview is important in petitioning your family to receive a green card. Families leaving their homeland is a big change, and many complex issues may arise. The interview process can be an area that you will excel in. Familiarize Yourself With the Interview Process Take some time to research other people’s interview experiences. There are common questions that you make be asked that you can study and prepare for. Depending on the details of your family’s immigration, questions and answers will vary. Consider what “red flags” could potentially be questioned during the interview. Preparing ..read more

Are you in a long-distance relationship with someone who lives outside of the United States? If so, you may have heard of the K-1 nonimmigrant visa, also known as the 90 Day Fiancé Visa. But do you qualify for it? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the requirements for obtaining a K-1 visa and help determine if it’s right for your specific situation. What is a K-1 Nonimmigrant Visa? A K-1 nonimmigrant visa is a visa available to the fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen. The relationship between the fiancé and the U.S. citizen must be legitimate and both parties must intend to marry ..read more

If you’ve been charged with a DUI/OWI, you may feel the odds are stacked against you. The legal process could be long and have results on your record and your license. However, several common defenses can be used to help reduce or dismiss charges.  Common Defenses for DUI/OWI Many charged with a DUI or OWI feel there is no way to move on. This is incorrect, as a charge doesn’t necessarily mean you will be convicted. There are many procedural laws surrounding DUI/OWI arrests and specific ways police officers must conduct themselves. If that procedure isn’t followed or there is an ..read more