Domestic Violence Lawyer Neenah, WI

Domestic abuse is not a fight between two people. It’s a more serious event that can lead to serious criminal charges that may impact a person for the rest of their life. When emotions overtake someone in the heat of the moment, and law enforcement gets involved, you need immediate legal representation to protect your rights.

The criminal defense team at J. Kippa Law, LLC, knows what’s at stake. We help our clients immediately understand their legal rights and options for mounting a compelling defense. A domestic violence conviction can haunt you, stigmatizing your personal and professional relationships and making it challenging for you to move forward with your life.

At J. Kippa Law, LLC, we proudly provide criminal defense to Neenah and Winnebago County residents. Don’t wait. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.

What Is Domestic Abuse in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law defines domestic abuse as specific conduct an individual engages in against their spouse, former spouse, or another adult who lives or formerly lived with the aggressor. Domestic abuse can also occur when an individual engages in specific behavior against someone they share a child with. What are these behaviors? Domestic abuse can involve:

  • The intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or illness
  • Intentional physical impairment

Domestic abuse and domestic violence are terms that are often used interchangeably. The specific circumstances of the situation determine the type of charges an individual can face and the potential penalties for a conviction. Wisconsin law takes domestic abuse events seriously, and law enforcement has the authority to protect victims from further potential abuse by arresting individuals accused or suspected of abuse. Some jurisdictions have mandatory arrest policies concerning domestic incidents.

How do officers know when they should arrest someone for domestic abuse? Wisconsin law allows law enforcement to consider the following before making a domestic abuse arrest:

  • The individual’s history of domestic abuse or violence
  • Witness statements about the event
  • The extent of each person’s injuries
  • The extent to which each individual fears the other
  • Whether either party threatened continued or future harm
  • Whether either party appears to have acted in self-defense

Authorities and prosecutors have broad discretion when it comes to arresting and prosecuting individuals accused of domestic abuse in Wisconsin.

Domestic Abuse Charges and Penalties in Wisconsin

It is crucial to understand that domestic abuse is a term applied to situations involving domestic partners or spouses. However, legally, domestic abuse charges span a range of violent and sexual offenses. The specific charges and penalties that an individual may face in a domestic dispute situation depend on the circumstances of the incident. Potential charges and penalties associated with domestic abuse in Wisconsin can include:

Disorderly Conduct – Class B Misdemeanor

  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • Up to 90 days in jail

Battery – Class A Misdemeanor

  • Fines up to $10,000
  • Up to nine months in jail

Substantial Battery – Class I Felony

  • Fines up to $10,000
  • Up to 3.5 years in prison

Aggravated Battery – Class H or E Felony

  • Fines between $10,000 and $50,000
  • Six to 15 years in prison

Third-Degree Sexual Assault – Class G Felony

  • Fines up to $25,000
  • Up to ten years in prison

Second-Degree Sexual Assault – Class C or B Felony

  • Fines up to $100,000
  • 40 to 60 years in prison

First-Degree Sexual Assault – Class B Felony

Up to 60 years in prison

There are also penalties associated with violating a domestic abuse injunction or restraining order. An individual may face nine months in jail and fines up to $10,000 for contacting or harming a domestic abuse victim with a valid court order in place.

There are other potential penalties associated with a domestic abuse-related conviction. A conviction can ruin your professional and personal reputation. It can also make securing housing, loans, and employment significantly more challenging. Other penalties can involve mandatory counseling, sobriety courses, and losing your right to carry or own a firearm. A conviction can continue to haunt you long after you have served your sentence and impact every aspect of your life.

Do Domestic Abuse Charges Mean You Need an Attorney?

Yes. If you are facing charges related to a domestic incident, you must retain experienced legal representation immediately. You need a criminal defense attorney who has connections with and understands the local Neenah and Winnebago County community. Domestic abuse convictions can yield stiff and life-altering penalties. The prosecution isn’t taking any chances with their case, and you shouldn’t either.

A domestic abuse criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal rights and offer options for moving forward. They can also move quickly to secure valuable evidence and witness statements to build a compelling defense strategy that offers the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome to your situation. Always exercise your right to remain silent following a domestic abuse arrest and ask to speak with a lawyer before engaging with law enforcement or answering any questions. Once you have legal representation, your attorney can guide you through the legal process, what to say, and how to interact with law enforcement and other agencies.

The rest of your life is at stake following a domestic incident. When a heated moment gets out of control, working with a skilled criminal defense attorney is the best way to protect yourself. At J. Kippa Law, LLC, our clients know they come first, as you can see from our client testimonials and outstanding ratings. We want to work with Neenah and Winnebago County residents to achieve the most favorable outcome possible in their domestic abuse cases.

Potential Defense Tactics for Defending a Domestic Abuse Case

There are a number of defense strategies that may be useful in fighting domestic abuse charges in Wisconsin. The type of defense tactics we’ll use depends on the nature and circumstances of your case. At J. Kippa Law, LLC, our criminal defense team never takes a one-size-fits-all approach to defending our clients. We carefully evaluate the specifics of every case and aggressively work to craft a personalized defense plan that fits the facts of each case.

Some of the tactics an experienced criminal defense attorney can use to help defend against domestic abuse-related charges may include:

  • Self-defense
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Lack of credible witnesses
  • Lack of credible accuser
  • Rights violations

Our skilled defense attorneys will work diligently to resolve your situation in the best possible way and ensure a fair legal process. We know how to look out for our client’s best interests. We will work with you to secure the best outcome for your case so you can rebuild your life.

Contact a Domestic Abuse Lawyer Serving Neenah and Winnebago County

At J. Kippa Law, LLC, you’ll work directly with our skilled criminal defense team to resolve your domestic abuse situation. Our compassionate team understands that you are in a frightening and overwhelming situation. We can help alleviate some of your stress by providing experienced legal advice and discussing options with you that could lead to reduced charges or otherwise mitigate the consequences of your charges.

Contact our office today to arrange a confidential legal consultation with an experienced domestic abuse lawyer to discuss your situation in detail. Our legal team serves the Neenah and Winnebago County area and can provide support and resources that reflect our knowledge of and commitment to the community.

J. Kippa Law, LLC
At J. Kippa Law, LLC, you want representation as early as possible. You will work directly with criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Kippa and his team throughout your case. Call 920-733-1100 or contact the law firm online to discuss your situation.