Normally fees are paid up front, but if you cannot afford the total fees upfront, we do offer alternative payment arrangements. In that case, normally a certain amount of money is required as a down payment. How much money depends on your own ability to pay, your financial situation, whether you have a job or not, and the type of case.
I’ve been a licensed attorney since May of 1992.
We handle primarily criminal and traffic defense matters, family law situations (including divorce and paternity cases) and personal bankruptcy cases. Beyond this, we represent clients on a number of immigration, personal injury, and other assorted matters.
Yes, I would be happy to discuss your case and your situation with you at no charge. We typically do this over the phone or Zoom, but you are welcome to come see me in person.
Feel free to call me at 262-860-8932, or email me at Carsonlawoffice@gmail.com.
We are located at Carson Law Office, 15350 West National Avenue, Suite 101. New Berlin, WI 53151.
the Law is an incredibly complex and demanding field, and it is increasingly so as the years pass. Judges and Juries expect the parties to know what the law is and how to properly argue the facts and the law in every situation. Most people cannot do this on their own, no matter how simple their case seems to be. If you think you have a simple case, you probably don’t. A lawyer will get you from A to Z with skill and zeal.
Unless you have a legal problem outside my practice areas, I am right for you. I’m know to fight hard and with speed for these people who are in trouble — no mater their situation, and I can boast that my written and courtroom advocacy is second to none.
To get started call and schedule an appointment at 262-860-8932 and we will get you in to discuss your case right away.
It depends on the seriousness of the case, but my fees are very reasonable in comparison with my competitors. A typical misdemeanor defendant might be charged $2,500, while someone with a felony charge might be quoted $3,800. However, the more serious the charges are, the more work is required, and the fees go up from these points.
Generally, I accept calls and visitors from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
I always look upon my clients as human beings first and foremost, empathetically, with their own emotions and needs from my own. What stems from this is my self-concept of being a defender: an assertive lawyer, with skill and style, strives mightily to obtain for the client the justice that he or she deserves.
Please call me at 262-860-8932 or email me at Carsonlawoffice@gmail.com.
Attorney fees in Wisconsin criminal cases vary based on the complexity of the charge, the number of court appearances required, and whether the matter goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases typically involve a flat retainer; felony cases and jury trials require more extensive representation. At Carson Law Office, we provide transparent fee information at your free initial consultation — there are no surprises. We discuss payment arrangements and work to make quality legal representation accessible. Call (262) 860-8932 to schedule your free consultation.
A first appearance (also called an initial appearance) is typically your first time before a judge after an arrest or issuance of a criminal complaint. At this hearing, the judge informs you of the charges against you, advises you of your constitutional rights, and sets conditions of release — including bail. It is critical to have an attorney present at your first appearance. The conditions set at this stage can significantly affect your daily life during the pendency of the case, and an attorney may argue for reduced bail or less restrictive conditions.
Wisconsin’s expungement law (Wis. Stat. § 973.015) is more limited than many states. Expungement is available for certain offenses committed when the defendant was under 25 years old, and only if the court ordered expungement eligibility at the time of sentencing. Felonies punishable by more than six years in prison are generally not expungeable. If you successfully complete your sentence, you may petition the court to expunge the record. An attorney can review your case and determine whether you are eligible. Contact us at (262) 860-8932 for a free evaluation.
Wisconsin law imposes a mandatory 120-day waiting period from the date the divorce summons is served on your spouse before a divorce can be finalized. This means even a fully uncontested, agreed-upon divorce will take at least four months. Contested divorces — involving disputes over property division, child custody, support, or maintenance — typically take longer, often 9 to 18 months or more depending on court schedules and the complexity of the issues. An experienced family law attorney can help move the process along efficiently while protecting your interests at every stage.
In most cases, no. Wisconsin’s homestead exemption protects up to $75,000 in equity in your primary residence. If your home equity is at or below that amount, it is fully protected in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy — the trustee cannot force a sale. If you have more equity than the exemption allows, Chapter 13 may be a better option, allowing you to keep your home while paying creditors through a repayment plan. We analyze your property and equity situation at your free consultation to ensure you understand exactly what assets are protected.
The automatic stay is one of the most powerful protections in federal bankruptcy law. The moment your bankruptcy petition is filed with the court, the automatic stay immediately prohibits most creditors from taking any collection action against you. This means: phone calls and letters must stop, wage garnishments are halted, lawsuits are frozen, bank levies cease, and foreclosure proceedings are paused. The automatic stay gives you immediate breathing room — often within hours of filing — to work through the bankruptcy process without creditor pressure.
Wisconsin uses a percentage-of-income model to calculate child support. The paying parent’s gross income is multiplied by a set percentage based on the number of children: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 34% for five or more. The formula adjusts when there is a shared placement arrangement where each parent has the child at least 25% of the time. Deviations from the guideline are possible but require court approval based on specific factors. An attorney can help ensure that income is accurately reported and that the support order reflects your actual circumstances.
You have the right to remain silent — and you should exercise it. You are not required to answer questions beyond providing basic identifying information. You have the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford one, the court must appoint one for you. Do not consent to searches of your vehicle, home, or phone. Do not try to talk your way out of the situation — anything you say can and will be used against you. The most important thing you can do is remain calm, invoke your right to counsel, and call Carson Law Office at (262) 860-8932 as soon as possible.
In Wisconsin, the charge is called OWI — Operating While Intoxicated — rather than DUI (Driving Under the Influence). The term “operating” is broader than “driving” and can apply even if your vehicle is not in motion. Wisconsin’s OWI law (Wis. Stat. § 346.63) prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or other drugs. A first OWI in Wisconsin is typically a civil forfeiture (not a crime), but second and subsequent offenses carry criminal penalties. OWI with a minor in the vehicle or causing injury triggers enhanced charges at any offense level.
Technically, you can file for divorce in Wisconsin without an attorney — it is called proceeding “pro se.” However, even uncontested divorces involve complex legal documents, property division agreements, and (if children are involved) parenting plans that must meet specific legal standards. Mistakes in these documents can have lasting financial and custody consequences. An attorney can review or draft your marital settlement agreement, ensure it complies with Wisconsin law, identify issues you may not have considered (such as division of retirement accounts requiring a QDRO), and represent you at the final hearing. Given the lifelong financial implications, legal representation is almost always worth the cost — even in an uncontested case. Call (262) 860-8932 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.