Determined Defense For Damaging Drug Charges
Dedicated To Seeking A Just Result
At Mandell & Ginsberg Attorneys at Law, attorney Bill Ginsberg has an active federal practice defending clients accused of drug crimes or criminal charges where drugs were involved. His experience includes defending those accused of:
- Drug trafficking
- Felony distribution
- Drug conspiracy
- Drug charges involving weapons enhancements
- Other federal drug crimes
- Prescription drug charges
- Drug possession
- Possession with intent to sell
Bill is admitted to practice in the Federal District Courts of Wisconsin and Illinois, as well as all Wisconsin District Courts, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He defends clients in jury trials, grand jury proceedings and in state and federal court. With more than 30 years of trial experience, Bill has built a reputation for excellence in the courtroom and a successful track record clients can trust.
Establishing An Effective Strategy For Your Case
Bill will review the criminal case against you in detail, engaging the assistance of private investigators, forensic analysts and other experts where necessary. He will determine if your rights were protected at every step, and will work to suppress any evidence obtained through illegal search and seizure, procedural missteps or improper traffic stops if you were driving at the time of arrest.
He will then develop a concrete strategy given your unique circumstances. If the case should be dismissed or if it can be won at trial, he will aggressively move toward courtroom litigation. If the case against you seems strong, he will negotiate the best possible plea bargain that still protects your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes
Because the potential consequences for a drug crime conviction can be harsh, it is wise to get all the information you can. Here are the answers to some common questions:
What are the potential penalties for a drug conviction in Wisconsin?
The potential penalties for a drug conviction in Wisconsin include fines and jail time. However, the severity of a defendant’s punishments often depends on the schedule or class of the drug, the nature of the crime and a defendant’s own prior criminal history.
Possession of highly addictive substances, such as fentanyl and heroin, and distribution to a minor can lead to maximum punishments. First-time drug possession penalties are often lighter and offer defendants more alternative sentencing options and flexibility. Repeat offenders often face harsher punishments, including longer prison sentences and heavier fines.
An experienced attorney can help you understand the specifics of your case and the potential penalties upon conviction.
What is the difference between state and federal drug charges?
In general, there are several important differences between state and federal drug charges.
State charges are governed by Wisconsin law, investigated by local and state law enforcement authorities, and typically involve things like simple possession or small-scale manufacturing and distribution at a local level. The potential penalties for state-level charges are generally less severe, and judges often have more flexibility to offer leniency or alternative sentencing.
In comparison, federal drug charges are investigated by federal agencies, like the DEA, and prosecuted under rigid federal guidelines. Sentencing, too, tends to be much harsher, with mandatory minimums, little judicial leeway and no parole options. Federal charges typically involve drug trafficking that crosses state lines or organized crime.
It is important to work with a drug charges defense attorney who can navigate both systems, since it is possible to face both state and federal charges for the same offense.
What are alternative sentencing options for drug possession charges in Wisconsin?
Alternative sentencing options prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration. Alternative sentencing options also help communities combat the causes of drug offenses. Options may include Deferred Prosecution Agreements, Pre-Charge Diversion programs, First Offender Conditional Discharges, probation with treatment and restorative justice programs. In some cases, Veterans Courts, Mental Health Courts and Opioid Courts may also offer special programs. All of these can allow defendants to avoid incarceration and obtain treatment for addiction.
Contact A Defense Attorney Today
Clients throughout Wisconsin have counted on Mandell & Ginsberg Attorneys at Law to aggressively defend them on any criminal charge where drugs are involved. Call the firm at 608-620-7640 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation, or send an email here.