Unlike certain traffic infractions, misdemeanor convictions appear on your criminal record. Misdemeanors often carry serious consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and probation. Just because felony convictions bear more substantial collateral penalties does not mean defendants should forgo their right to an Appleton misdemeanor defense lawyer.
At Hogan Eickhoff, we want you to know The United States and Wisconsin Constitutions guarantee an attorney to those accused of a criminal offense. For those who cannot afford an attorney, one must be provided free of charge. This typically means assigning alleged offenders a criminal defense attorney from the public defender’s office, which is a good option for people who simply cannot afford to hire a private attorney.
If you have recently been accused of a misdemeanor offense, you may be wondering whether you really need to retain an attorney. While it’s certainly true that misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, the fact is that any criminal conviction can result in significant legal and collateral consequences that have the potential to affect nearly every aspect of your life. For this reason, if you have been arrested or received a summons for any criminal charge – whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony – you should absolutely call an Appleton criminal defense attorney as soon as you can.