Serving the accused in Wisconsin’s Milwaukee, Waukesha and Kenosha counties .

Milwaukee Drug Crime Lawyer

Defending Against Drug Crime Charges In Waukesha And Kenosha Counties

In the state of Wisconsin, convictions for drug offenses come with serious penalties, including probation, long-term incarceration, monetary fines, and the loss of other rights. Drug crime convictions will also appear on your record and can significantly impact your ability to obtain federal student loans, housing, employment, and professional licenses.

Suppose you are the target of a drug-related investigation or have already been charged with one or more offenses. In that case, you need an experienced and dedicated legal representative. Our legal team is led by attorney May Lee, a former prosecutor who understands how these cases are decided in Wisconsin courts. She leverages this knowledge to help our clients obtain positive outcomes.

At our Milwaukee-area criminal defense firm, Lee Law Firm, LLC, we are familiar with the challenges you encounter during the investigation and prosecution processes, and we know what is at stake. No matter your situation, we will protect your rights and keep your record clear.

Have you been accused of a drug crime? Call Lee Law Firm, LLC, today at 414-567-5631 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer same-day appointments and provide our legal services in English and Hmong.

What Are The Penalties For Drug Crimes In Wisconsin?

The punishments for a drug crime conviction will depend on the type of offense, the specific drugs involved, the number of drugs involved, and other factors. However, many drug crimes are charged as felonies, and Wisconsin prosecutors often pursue the harshest possible penalties.

Wisconsin drug crimes include:

Drug possession – Simply having a controlled substance in your possession is a crime in Wisconsin. A first offense will typically be charged as a misdemeanor, resulting in 6 months of imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines. A subsequent offense will be charged as a felony, resulting in 3.5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. In addition, you can face more severe charges and penalties if prosecutors determine you intended to distribute or deliver the drugs.
Drug distribution – You can face these charges if it is believed you sold, delivered, or provided drugs to others. Attempting to sell drugs to an undercover officer, for example, will typically result in an arrest and trigger drug distribution charges. Drug distribution is always considered a felony in Wisconsin. A Class I felony conviction can lead to up to 3.5 of incarceration and up to $10,000 in fines. You can potentially face more severe felony charges depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved in the offense.
Drug trafficking – “Trafficking” is a more severe form of “distribution” and involves the manufacturing, transporting, and selling of controlled substances. The severity of the charges will depend on the type of substance and the quantity involved in the trafficking operation. Drug trafficking is always a felony in Wisconsin. The maximum penalties include up to 40 years imprisonment and $100,000 in fines.
Drug manufacturing – You can be charged with drug manufacturing if you take part in any stage of growing or creating a controlled substance. Depending on the type and quantity of drugs manufactured, a conviction can result in $100,000 in fines and 40 years of incarceration.

Possible Defenses Against Drug Crimes Charges

Here are a few common defenses that could be used in drug crime cases in Wisconsin:

Unlawful search and seizure: If law enforcement conducted an illegal search or seizure that violated your Fourth Amendment rights, any evidence acquired as a result may be deemed inadmissible in court.
Lack of possession: The prosecution must provide proof that you had actual or constructive possession of the drugs. If you can indicate that you did not possess the drugs or you were unaware of their presence, it could therefore weaken the case brought against you.
Entrapment: If you can prove that police officers caused you to commit a drug crime that you would not have committed, you might be able to claim entrapment as a defense.
Constitutional violations: If your constitutional rights were violated at the time of the arrest or any subsequent interrogations, statements or evidence received as a result of those violations may be suppressed.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and the viability of these defenses will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding your case. Consult with us in Milwaukee; we can evaluate your case and develop the most effective defense strategy.

Answering Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Drug Charges

When our clients are facing drug charges, they often have numerous questions about their rights, the legal process, and potential outcomes. As we represent you, we are here to address your concerns and provide clear, straightforward answers while crafting a strong defense on your behalf. Some of the most common questions we receive from our clients include:

Can Drug Charges Be Expunged from My Record in Wisconsin?

Expungement of drug charges in Wisconsin is possible under certain circumstances, but it depends on the nature of the offense and your age at the time of the conviction. Typically, expungement is more likely for first-time offenders or those convicted of non-violent drug crimes. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help you determine if you qualify for expungement and guide you through the process.

What Are the Consequences of a Drug Conviction on My Future?

A drug conviction in Wisconsin can have long-lasting effects beyond legal penalties. It may hinder your ability to secure employment, housing, or professional licenses. Additionally, it can disqualify you from receiving federal student loans and other benefits. Working with an experienced attorney can help mitigate these consequences and protect your future opportunities.

Can I Be Charged with Drug Possession If the Drugs Were Not Mine?

Yes, you can still face drug possession charges in Wisconsin even if the drugs were not yours. The prosecution must prove that you had actual or constructive possession, meaning you had control over the drugs or knowledge of their presence. A skilled defense attorney can challenge this evidence and work to weaken the case against you.

What is Intent to Distribute?

A charge with the intent to distribute means that an individual is in possession of a controlled substance not only for personal use but with the intent to sell to another person or a number of individuals. When charged with this crime, the penalties are much more severe.

What is Drug Manufacturing?

The penalties for the possession of marijuana varies depending on the amount that is in your possession. Penalties can range anywhere from a ticket to a Class C felony ($100,000 fine, 40 years imprisonment or both). In Milwaukee County, any more than 25 grams of marijuana could result in a misdemeanor charge or a felony charge.

Contact Our Drug Crime Defense Firm Today

If you are arrested for any drug offense, avoid making any statements to the police and do not accept a plea deal without first consulting a legal professional. When you work with us, we can quickly review the facts of your case and walk you through your legal options.

Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to get the charges reduced or dropped entirely. We can also prepare a comprehensive defense and aggressively defends your innocence in court. We believe in equal justice and will devote all my firm’s resources to obtaining the best outcome possible.

Contact Lee Law Firm, LLC, today to get started.