Defending Your Rights Requires Experienced Representation
Whether a client has received a speeding ticket, is facing probation revocation or has been charged with a felony, the attorneys at Schmidlkofer, Toth, Loeb & Drosen, LLC, have the experience to defend you. Our attorneys routinely handle motions, trials, revocation hearings and other matters in municipal, state and federal courts. We will do everything in our power to protect your rights and safeguard your interests.
Trust A Firm That Protects Your Interests
Do not pay a ticket before consulting with an experienced attorney. If you pay the ticket, you are admitting guilt for the offense and might have points applied to your driver’s license. Our attorneys handle motions, trials, revocation hearings and other matters. We have helped clients throughout Wisconsin with a variety of issues, including:
- Speeding tickets
- Careless or reckless driving
- Racing on the highway
- Driving while license suspended or revoked
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving with expired registration
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle
- Failure to yield right of way
- Failure to have liability insurance
- Failure to stop for a siren
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Running a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Hit-and-run
- Manslaughter or negligent homicide involving a motor vehicle
If you or someone you love has received a traffic ticket or criminal traffic charge for any of the above offenses, you need to take immediate action to protect your future and your driving privileges. We will do everything in our power to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Traffic And Criminal Defense
Here are some of the questions we get from clients in the Milwaukee metro area facing traffic violations and criminal charges.
Can the police search my car without my permission in Wisconsin?
Police can search your vehicle without your consent under specific circumstances recognized by Wisconsin law. Officers may conduct a search if they have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime or contraband. If you are lawfully arrested, police can search your vehicle as part of the arrest process.
Additionally, if officers observe illegal items in plain view through your windows, they can search without permission. However, a routine traffic stop does not automatically give police the right to search your entire vehicle. You have the right to refuse consent to a search, and doing so cannot be used against you as evidence of guilt. If officers search your vehicle without proper legal justification, any evidence they discover may be suppressed in court.
What happens at my initial appearance and arraignment in Wisconsin court?
The initial appearance represents your first court proceeding after arrest, typically occurring within 24 hours if you are in custody. During this hearing, the judge informs you of the charges against you, advises you of your constitutional rights and determines bail conditions. The judge also appoints a public defender if you cannot afford private counsel.
The arraignment occurs later and is the proceeding where you formally enter your plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest to the charges. In some Wisconsin courts, the initial appearance and arraignment occur during the same hearing, while other jurisdictions schedule them separately. Having an attorney present at these early stages helps protect your rights.
Can I get a deferred prosecution agreement or diversion in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin offers limited diversion programs compared to some other states, but options exist depending on your charges and criminal history. Some Wisconsin counties provide deferred prosecution programs for first-time offenders facing certain charges, particularly drug possession cases. Successful completion of program requirements, which may include treatment, community service and supervision, can result in charge dismissal. Veterans courts and other specialized treatment courts also offer alternatives to traditional prosecution for qualifying defendants. However, eligibility requirements are strict and not all charges qualify for diversion. Our attorneys evaluate whether you meet the criteria for available programs and advocate for your admission when appropriate.
Interested In Learning More? Call Today.
To discuss your options with one of our attorneys, call our Milwaukee-metro based office at 414-250-8548 today. You can also fill out our contact form.