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Preliminary hearings
Testing whether the state has enough evidence to proceed on a felony.
Waukesha / Waukesha County, WI
Waukesha
Criminal Defense Lawyer Each stage of a felony case.
A felony charge in Waukesha County moves through several hearings before any trial. VHD Law helps you understand each one, what is decided there and how to prepare.
Helping clients in Waukesha and Waukesha County
ServingWaukesha, Wisconsin
CountyWaukesha County
VHD OfficeGermantown
Practice FocusCriminal Defense
The support you need to move forward
A felony case is a series of steps.
Felony cases in Wisconsin follow a defined path. After the initial appearance, a preliminary hearing is held unless it is waived, where the court decides whether there is enough evidence to move forward. Then comes the arraignment, discovery, motions and, if the case does not resolve, a trial.
Each stage offers opportunities and risks. Evidence can be challenged, bond can be revisited and negotiations can develop. In the Waukesha County Circuit Court, being prepared for each hearing, and knowing what you are deciding at each one, puts you in a stronger position.
Knowing which hearing comes next is the first step toward making good decisions at it.
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Understand the charge level
Felony classes carry different maximum penalties; know which one you face.
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Prepare for the preliminary hearing
Decide with your lawyer whether to hold or waive it, and why.
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Protect your future
Ask about expunction eligibility and other long-term consequences early.
Criminal Defense matters
Criminal defense in
Waukesha County.
We defend clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Waukesha County.
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Drug offenses
Possession, possession with intent and related charges.
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Theft and financial crimes
Retail theft, fraud and property crimes at the misdemeanor and felony level.
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Motions and evidence
Challenging searches, statements and other evidence when the law supports it.
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Expunction and sentencing
Asking the court for expunction when eligible and presenting mitigation at sentencing.
Legal guidance for your community
Criminal cases in Waukesha
Waukesha County criminal cases are heard at the courthouse in Waukesha. Charges can come from city police, the sheriff's department or departments in Brookfield, Pewaukee, Menomonee Falls and other communities across the county.
Bring the criminal complaint, your bond paperwork and any court notices. If police searched your car or home, write down what happened while it is fresh.
Our Germantown office serves clients across Waukesha County. Contact our team to discuss consultation options.
Find Wisconsin court contact informationYour attorney can explain which local court or agency is involved once the details of your matter are known.
What happens next
Building a defense hearing by hearing.
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Review the complaint
We explain each count, the felony class and the possible penalties.
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Examine the evidence
We request discovery and look for issues with searches, statements and witnesses.
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Prepare for each hearing
We get you ready for what will happen and what you may need to decide.
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Work toward a resolution
We negotiate, file motions or prepare for trial, depending on your goals.
A closer look at your options
Criminal Defense for Waukesha, Waukesha County.
Wisconsin allows courts to order expunction for some offenses committed before age 25, but the court generally decides that at sentencing. Raising it early is important if you may be eligible.
If you are a student or early in your career, mention it so we can consider long-term consequences from the start.
Attorneys for your legal issue
Experienced Wisconsin counsel.
Get to know the VHD Law attorneys who work in this practice area. Contact our team to discuss appointments and your legal needs.
Criminal Defense & DUI / OWI
Nathan J. Dineen
Nathan represents clients facing criminal allegations and DUI/OWI matters in Wisconsin.
View Attorney ProfileFrequently asked questions
Questions about criminal defense in Waukesha?
Questions about felony and misdemeanor charges in Waukesha County.
What is a preliminary hearing?
In a felony case, it is a hearing where the court decides whether there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed. If so, the case proceeds to arraignment.
Should I waive the preliminary hearing?
It depends on the case. Waiving can sometimes be part of a strategy, but it also gives up a chance to test the evidence. Discuss it carefully with your lawyer.
Can my record be expunged?
For some offenses committed before age 25, a Wisconsin court can order expunction if certain conditions are met, and that decision is generally made at sentencing. Ask early whether you may qualify.
Where are Waukesha County criminal cases heard?
They are heard in the Waukesha County Circuit Court at the courthouse in Waukesha.
Related practice areas in Waukesha
Explore Other Legal Services.
See other legal matters our team can discuss with clients in the area.
Let’s talk about your next step
A good next step starts
with a conversation.
Charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Waukesha County? Schedule a consultation to understand the stages ahead.