Pardons play a very important role in our criminal justice system and society by giving people a second chance. If you or a loved one is interested in pursuing a pardon it is important to work with an experienced Wisconsin criminal defense attorney. The Difference Between a Pardon and Expungement Many who have a conviction… Read More »
Calls to Improve the Wisconsin Expungement Process
One out of three working age Americans have some kind of criminal conviction making it difficult to find a job, go to school, or even secure a loan or mortgage. Although many states across the country are working to change expungement laws allowing more ex-offenders to get a fresh start, in Wisconsin, expungement laws continue… Read More »
First Step Act Offers Hope to Many
The First Step Act (Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act) reforms the federal prison system in the U.S. with the goal of reducing recidivism. Its central component is the implementation of a time credit system which gives lower risk criminals credit toward prerelease in exchange for anti-recidivism training. Signed into law… Read More »
Expunging or Sealing a Marijuana Conviction in Wisconsin
San Francisco is set to expunge roughly 10,000 marijuana convictions dating as far back as 1975. Following a year-long review of past convictions since recreational marijuana was legalized, many California cities have been busily compiling lists expungement candidates, but San Francisco is leading the charge. Noting that a felony conviction can carry a stigma that… Read More »
Sentencing
After a defendant is convicted or pleads guilty to a crime, a judge will determine the appropriate punishment in the sentencing phase. While some sentences are mandatory, requiring a judge to impose specific and identical sentences to all violators of the law in question, others sentences are left up to the judge’s discretion within a… Read More »
Expunging Youthful Offenders’ Convictions Key to Future
The Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission has released a study regarding the laws and policies governing the handling of juvenile court and arrest records in the state, which does not bode well for young offenders. According to the report titled, “Burdened for Life: The Myth of Juvenile Record Confidentiality and Expungement in Illinois”, the current laws… Read More »