Appleton Criminal Defense Attorneys
Criminal defense trial lawyers serving Outagamie County
Grieve Law of Appleton has focused on exclusively defending criminal cases since 2013. Our skilled attorneys fight for clients facing misdemeanors and felonies throughout Wisconsin's state courts and federal jurisdictions, including both Eastern and Western Districts of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
At our Appleton location, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys create advanced defense strategies to reduce or dismiss your charges. Our team includes former prosecutors who bring insider knowledge of prosecution tactics and proven defense methods. Protect your rights - schedule your free consultation today.
Payment plansFree Consult
Criminal Cases We Defend in Appleton
Grieve Law's criminal defense attorneys have reduced and dismissed a broad range of criminal charges. Our experience in criminal defense in Appleton includes the following:
Grieve Law Appleton Criminal Defense Attorneys
When to Hire an Appleton Criminal Defense Lawyer
When criminal charges arise, immediately consulting a skilled defense attorney is crucial - ideally before your court appearance. Early action enables your lawyer to construct a compelling defense, collect vital evidence, and dismantle the prosecution's arguments. Delaying until after conviction severely limits options for charge reduction or dismissal. Your rights and future depend on swift action.
Many individuals think they have no shot when the evidence is strong. Yet this assumption often proves wrong. Our skilled legal team routinely exposes flaws in prosecution cases, secures advantageous plea agreements, and achieves complete charge dismissals.
Legal representation proves essential whether you're charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Though misdemeanors carry lighter sentences than felonies, they still risk jail time, monetary penalties, and lasting criminal records. Felony charges bring more severe consequences, including lengthy prison terms and permanent life impacts.
The charge severity matters less than securing prompt, aggressive legal defense - it could determine your case's outcome. Don't leave your future to chance. Remember: You Are Only Guilty If You Are Convicted®
Misdemeanor Charges in Appleton, WI
In Appleton, Wisconsin, as in the rest of the state, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less severe than a felony but more serious than a civil infraction. Misdemeanors are punishable by:
- Maximum Jail Time: Up to one year in a county or local jail (not state prison).
- Fines: From under $500 up to $10,000 based on the specific offense.
- Community Service or Probation: Instead of or in addition to jail time and fines.
Common examples of misdemeanor offenses include:
Wisconsin classifies misdemeanors into three classes (A, B, C, and U) based on the severity of the crime, with corresponding penalties:
Hire seasoned legal representation if you’re facing misdemeanor charges in Appleton. Our team knows the complexities of the law. Grieve Law's Appleton criminal defense lawyers are experienced trial attorneys with expertise in handling all types of Wisconsin misdemeanors.
Felony Charges in Appleton, WI
In Appleton, Wisconsin, felony convictions result in harsh punishments that include extended prison terms in state facilities and substantial monetary penalties. Felonies surpass misdemeanors in severity and create enduring impacts. A felony conviction typically restricts fundamental privileges - from casting ballots to possessing firearms - and can severely limit job prospects.
Wisconsin categorizes felonies into nine classes (A through I) based on the severity of the crime, with corresponding penalties:
- Class A Felony: Life imprisonment. Examples include first-degree intentional homicide.
- Class B Felony: Up to 60 years in prison. Examples include second-degree intentional homicide and sexual assault involving a dangerous weapon.
- Class C Felony: Up to 40 years in prison and/or fines up to $100,000. Examples include armed robbery and certain drug trafficking offenses.
- Class D Felony: Up to 25 years in prison and/or fines up to $100,000. Examples include vehicular homicide and aggravated battery.
- Class E Felony: Up to 15 years in prison and/or fines up to $50,000. Examples include burglary and certain forgery crimes.
- Class F Felony: Up to 12.5 years in prison and/or fines up to $25,000. Examples include theft of property valued between $10,000-$100,000 and stalking.
- Class G Felony: Up to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $25,000. Examples include theft of property valued between $5,000-$10,000 and third-degree sexual assault.
- Class H Felony: Up to 6 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000. Examples include repeated OWI offenses and theft of property valued between $2,500-$5,000.
- Class I Felony: Up to 3.5 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000. Examples include criminal damage to property and certain drug possession offenses.
Felony convictions can lead to penalties such as probation, community service, or mandatory rehabilitation programs, depending on the specifics of the case.
If you're facing felony charges in Appleton, you need a strong legal advocate. The criminal defense attorneys at Grieve Law are experienced trial lawyers with a proven track record of defending felony cases. We work relentlessly to navigate the legal system, reduce or dismiss charges, protect your rights, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Aggressive Trial Attorneys
Grieve Law's attorneys will aggressively defend you, no matter the charge. Our team protects your constitutional rights and ensures they are upheld. Protect your reputation and work with our experienced team. Wisconsin's CCAP system lets anyone—including potential employers, family, and friends—access your case details. A conviction can create a permanent public record. If we have your case dismissed, your charges will be removed from CCAP after two years.
Our Appleton defense attorneys explore every possible detail to secure the best outcome. Grieve Law attorneys win and have received industry recognition for our success. We fight for reduced charges and full dismissals.
(262) 786-7100
