Columbia County Domestic Violence Lawyer

Are you facing criminal domestic violence charges in Columbia County, Wisconsin? Waste no time before calling  Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. at (608) 496-9300 for a free case review. Your future is at stake, and the best way to protect it is by trusting our Columbia County domestic violence lawyers to fight for you.

Since our opening, Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. has been a powerful advocate for individuals facing serious criminal charges in Wisconsin. Backed by over a century of combined experience, we’re known for our smart defense strategies and unmatched ability to get evidence dismissed, charges dropped, favorable pleas negotiated, and secure not guilty verdicts at trial.

Now’s the time to launch your defense, so don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your domestic violence arrest today.

Why Choose Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. To Help You Fight Domestic Violence Charges in Columbia County, WI

Your choice of attorney in Columbia County, WI, can shape the way your domestic violence case unfolds. Choose Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., and you show the prosecution that you’re serious about beating the allegations against you and willing to do what it takes to avoid a conviction.

Our Columbia County criminal defense lawyers have more than 140 years of combined experience navigating complex evidentiary disputes, identifying and challenging Constitutional violations, building powerful defenses based on evidence and case law, and representing individuals accused of serious crimes in both state and federal court.

We provide focused, aggressive representation that makes a difference in our clients’ lives. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony domestic violence charges, we can offer the experienced, aggressive representation you’ll need to achieve the best outcome. 

Contact us today to schedule a confidential case evaluation with a Columbia County criminal defense attorney to get started.

What Is Domestic Violence in Wisconsin?

Domestic abuse, as defined in Wisconsin Statute Section 968.075, means:

• Intentional infliction of physical pain, physical injury, or illness
• Intentional impairment of physical condition
• A physical act that could cause the victim to fear imminent infliction of physical pain or injury, or
• Committing first-, second-, or third-degree sexual assault under Wisconsin law

with a spouse or former spouse, an adult with whom the person lives or used to live, or with whom they share a child.

Domestic violence isn’t a standalone crime in Wisconsin. Instead, it’s a designation that’s applied to other criminal charges like assault, battery, disorderly conduct, strangulation, or sexual assault. A domestic violence designation aggravates the underlying offense and adds the potential for harsher penalties and consequences.

What Types of Conduct Can Lead To Domestic Violence Charges in Wisconsin?

Domestic abuse is not a separate criminal offense in Wisconsin. Instead, a domestic abuse designation may apply to certain crimes involving family members, household members, or intimate partners.

Common criminal offenses associated with domestic abuse cases include:

• Battery: Intentionally causing bodily harm to another person without their consent. This may include hitting, punching, kicking, or pushing someone in a way that causes injury. Depending on the severity of the injuries and other circumstances, battery may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
• Disorderly conduct: Engaging in violent, abusive, threatening, or otherwise disorderly behavior that tends to cause or provoke a disturbance. Charges may arise from domestic disputes involving threats, aggressive confrontations, or other disruptive behavior. Physical contact is not required for a conviction.
• Strangulation and suffocation: Intentionally interfering with another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or blocking the nose or mouth. These allegations may involve choking or restricting someone’s ability to breathe during a domestic dispute. Strangulation and suffocation are felony offenses in Wisconsin, even when visible injuries are absent.
• False imprisonment: Intentionally confining or restraining another person without their consent and without lawful authority. This may include physically preventing someone from leaving a room, blocking an exit, or restraining their movement against their will. False imprisonment is a felony offense in Wisconsin and does not necessarily require physical injury.

The specific charges depend on the alleged conduct, the relationship between the individuals involved, and the evidence available.

What Are the Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction in Wisconsin?

The penalties for a domestic violence conviction in Wisconsin depend on the underlying criminal offense, whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and the defendant’s criminal history.

Potential consequences include:

• Jail or prison time: Depending on the offense and its severity, a conviction may result in incarceration.
• Fines and court costs: Defendants may face financial penalties based on the charges and applicable sentencing laws.
• Probation: Courts may impose supervision and conditions instead of, or in addition to, incarceration.
• Counseling or treatment: Certain convictions may involve court-ordered counseling, treatment programs, or other requirements.
• Firearm restrictions: Qualifying domestic violence convictions may result in restrictions on possessing firearms.
• Protective orders: Restraining orders or no-contact conditions may restrict communication with certain individuals.

A domestic abuse designation does not automatically elevate a misdemeanor to a felony. However, certain repeat offenses and aggravating circumstances can result in enhanced penalties.

What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Abuse Conviction?

Accusations, arrests, and charges of domestic abuse don’t just carry the possibility of criminal penalties. If you’re facing domestic abuse charges, your social, professional, and family life are at risk, too. Collateral consequences are additional effects of a criminal case that extend beyond court-imposed penalties and may affect your employment, housing, family relationships, and other aspects of your life.

Common collateral consequences of a domestic abuse conviction include:

• Forfeiture of professional licenses
• Job loss
• Inability to gain meaningful employment
• Loss of custody and visitation rights
• Loss of the right to own or possess a firearm
• Difficulty finding and maintaining housing
• Deportation

Your social standing and relationships can also suffer, which could lead to serious mental health and emotional problems as you’re isolated and ostracized by those closest to you.

Fortunately, you’re innocent until proven guilty. The state carries the burden of proof in a domestic abuse case, and our Columbia County domestic abuse attorneys know the best strategies for defeating allegations, minimizing potential penalties, and protecting your future.

How Can I Defend Against Domestic Violence Charges in Columbia County?

Several defenses may be available to individuals facing domestic violence charges in Columbia County, Wisconsin. The most appropriate defense depends on the circumstances of the alleged incident, the available evidence, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures.

Common defenses include:

• Self-defense: You may have acted to protect yourself from an imminent threat of unlawful force. Wisconsin law allows individuals to use reasonable force in self-defense under certain circumstances.
• False allegations: Domestic violence accusations may involve false or exaggerated claims. Evidence such as text messages, witness statements, surveillance footage, or an alibi may help challenge the allegations.
• Insufficient evidence: Prosecutors must prove the elements of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Inconsistent statements, unreliable witnesses, or a lack of supporting evidence may weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Constitutional violations: If police obtained evidence through an unlawful search, violated your rights during questioning, or otherwise failed to follow constitutional requirements, certain evidence or statements may be excluded from court.

A criminal defense attorney can review the allegations, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a defense strategy based on the circumstances of your case.

Schedule a Confidential Case Review With an Experienced Columbia County Domestic Violence Lawyer

A domestic abuse conviction in Columbia County, Wisconsin, can have swift and severe consequences that affect you for the rest of your life. Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. is here to help you push back against the state’s allegations and work toward a result that protects your future.

Our Columbia County domestic violence attorneys have decades of combined experience and a proven track record of success. The state is already working against your best interest, so don’t hesitate to contact us for help today.