Milwaukee Criminal Defense Attorneys For Domestic Violence Cases
When an allegation of domestic violence occurs, the legal system moves with aggressive speed. In Milwaukee and Waukesha, a single phone call can result in immediate removal from your home, the loss of access to your children and the filing of serious criminal charges.
Since 2003, Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys has operated on the belief that every accusation deserves a thorough and fearless defense. We understand that police documentation is only one side of a story, which is why we dig deeper for our clients in southeast Wisconsin. Our experienced trial attorneys are not afraid to take on difficult domestic violence cases. Whether you are facing an initial restraining order hearing or contending with felony charges in a courtroom, we stay true to our mission of protecting your freedom.
What Charges Typically Come With Domestic Violence?
In Wisconsin, domestic violence is not a standalone criminal charge. Instead, it is a legal modifier added to other charges such as battery or disorderly conduct. This modifier can trigger a mandatory $100 surcharge and a 72-hour “no-contact” period.
Charges that typically come with domestic violence include:
- Battery: Ranges from a misdemeanor to a low-level felony (substantial battery) depending on the severity of the injury
- Disorderly conduct: The most frequent charge, involving behavior that causes a disturbance
- Stalking or harassment: Repeated, unwanted contact that causes distress
- Victim intimidation: Trying to stop a witness from reporting a crime, which can be a misdemeanor or a felony
If you have a prior domestic conviction, the state may add a domestic abuse enhancer to the penalties. This allows a judge to increase a prison sentence by up to two years. These legal escalations can transform a single dispute into a long-term threat to your freedom and reputation. Our domestic violence attorneys will scrutinize every piece of evidence to challenge these labels and protect your future.
Lasting Consequences For Your Family And Career
A domestic abuse conviction in Wisconsin carries weight far beyond the courtroom. This can include:
- Loss of custody: A conviction creates a legal “presumption” against you having joint custody of your children. This can lead to supervised visits or limited decision-making power.
- Firearm restrictions: Under federal law, even a misdemeanor conviction leads to a permanent lifetime ban on owning firearms or ammunition.
- Issues with employment: Wisconsin law generally protects you from job discrimination unless your crime “substantially relates” to the work. However, fields such as nursing or teaching involve much higher scrutiny and could be at risk.
- Housing: Many landlords use background checks and may deny applications if they see a history of domestic charges.
Because our domestic violence lawyers handle both criminal and family law, they understand the stakes for your future. They are ready to provide the assertive representation necessary to protect your family and keep your criminal record clean.
How Can A Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
When the stakes involve your freedom and your family’s future, you need a legal team that does not back down from a challenge. Depending on the specifics of your case, our domestic violence attorneys will:
- Represent you at injunction hearings to protect your rights and prevent long-term restrictions on your freedom and firearm ownership
- Look for inconsistencies in witness statements, especially in cases where there are conflicting testimonies and unsupported allegations
- Push for a dismissal or reduction of charges, and if the prosecutor doesn’t offer a fair resolution, our attorneys are prepared to go to trial
Our lawyers have built a reputation for taking the tough cases to trial where others might settle. Read about our past cases to see how our assertive defense has protected the rights of individuals facing serious criminal charges across southeast Wisconsin.
Get The Assertive Legal Representation You Need
Do not leave your future and reputation to chance. Let our team provide the relentless advocacy your situation demands. Contact Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys today to arrange a free consultation. You can call us at 414-567-9241 or fill out our secure online form to get started.