{"id":377303,"date":"2023-12-05T12:37:25","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T17:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/wisconsin-law\/wisconsin-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-12-05T12:37:25","modified_gmt":"2023-12-05T17:37:25","slug":"wisconsin-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/wisconsin-law\/wisconsin-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"Wisconsin District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Wisconsin District Attorneys<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/eric-harvey-j-d\/\">Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            December 05, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Each state has prosecuting attorneys who file criminal cases on behalf of the state government. Typically, the state government is divided into districts. Each county in Wisconsin is represented by its own district attorney&#8217;s office.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;When the state decides to charge someone with a crime, the corresponding district attorney will file charges. They do so in a document called the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/information.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">information<\/a>.&quot; But the information may not be filed if the case goes to a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/how-does-a-grand-jury-work.html\">grand jury<\/a>&nbsp;first.<\/p>\r\n<p>In this article, you will learn about the role of Wisconsin district attorneys and how to contact them. But remember, it&#8217;s best to work with an attorney before contacting the D.A. for any reason.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Contacting the District Attorney&#8217;s Office<\/h2>\r\n<p>In some jurisdictions, the D.A.&#8217;s office will refuse to communicate with defendants. But even if they will speak to you, communicating with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/what-happens-when-you-re-charged-with-a-crime.html\">prosecution<\/a>&nbsp;involves risks. The first risk is that you may overlook opportunities to defeat the charges against you without discussing the case with the D.A.<\/p>\r\n<p>The other risk is that you may reveal facts or strategies, worsening your situation. On the other hand, communicating with the prosecution may be necessary or helpful if you&#8217;re doing any of the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Seeking reduced charges<\/li>\r\n<li>Seeking&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/deferred-adjudication-pretrial-diversion.html\">pretrial diversion<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Trying to get a voluntary dismissal of the case<\/li>\r\n<li>Trying to get a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/plea-bargains-overview.html\">plea bargain<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Make sure you meet with an attorney before making such a decision since it can negatively impact your case.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Wisconsin Attorney General<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.doj.state.wi.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wisconsin Attorney General<\/a>&nbsp;(A.G.) is an elected position. They head the state&#8217;s Department of Justice. They also represent the entire state in litigation and other legal matters. Both the A.G. and district attorneys (D.A.s) handle the administration of the criminal justice system. Underneath the D.A.s are the assistant district attorneys. They also assist with the administration of the criminal justice system. By doing so, these officials assist law enforcement in their duties. They carry out the enforcement of criminal law. In prosecuting crimes, these officials will make appearances in circuit courts.<\/p>\r\n<p>A.G.s and D.A.s handle the prosecution of all crimes. Examples of these are:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Child abuse<\/li>\r\n<li>Elder abuse<\/li>\r\n<li>Domestic violence<\/li>\r\n<li>Crimes of juvenile delinquency<\/li>\r\n<li>Criminal child support arrears<\/li>\r\n<li>Other offenses related to various citations and infractions<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>These officials also often organize community outreach initiatives. These initiatives involve providing assistance to crime victims. They also relate to reducing crime. These officials will also organize county boards to handle a variety of other issues concerning crime that can arise in a community.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Directory of Wisconsin County District Attorneys<\/h2>\r\n<p>Wisconsin is divided into 71 judicial circuits, each covering one county. The following links will help you contact the appropriate prosecutor&#8217;s office.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.adams.wi.us\/departments\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adams County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marinettecounty.com\/departments\/?department=96899d68c9b8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marinette County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ashlandcountywi.gov\/district_attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ashland County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.marquette.wi.us\/departments\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marquette County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.barroncountywi.gov\/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&amp;SEC=%7B46574272-EF56-4923-910B-38F447B17AF1%7D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barron County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.menomineecounty.com\/departments\/?department=a27bf11a81e5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Menominee County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov\/138\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bayfield County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/county.milwaukee.gov\/EN\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Milwaukee County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.brown.wi.us\/departments\/?department=34be8c6dea5b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brown County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.monroe.wi.us\/departments\/district-attorney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monroe County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.buffalocounty.com\/171\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Buffalo County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.oconto.wi.us\/312\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oconto County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.burnettcounty.com\/Directory.aspx?did=23\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burnett County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.oneida.wi.us\/departments\/da\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oneida County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.calumet.wi.us\/index.aspx?NID=143\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Calumet County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outagamie.org\/government\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Outagamie County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.chippewa.wi.us\/government\/district-attorney\/contact-district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chippewa County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.ozaukee.wi.us\/137\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ozaukee County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarkcountywi.gov\/da\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clark County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.pepin.wi.us\/index.asp?SEC=0C6EEB38-A8E6-48E6-8F75-F4AF1D584808&amp;Type=B_BASIC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pepin County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.columbia.wi.us\/columbiacounty\/da\/DistrictAttorneyHomePage\/tabid\/1090\/Default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Columbia County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.pierce.wi.us\/departments\/district_attorney.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pierce County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.crawfordcountywi.org\/uploads\/5\/6\/5\/7\/56576979\/countydirectory.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crawford County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.polkcountywi.gov\/government\/divisions_and_departments\/public_safety_public_works\/district_attorney\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Polk County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/da.countyofdane.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dane County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.portage.wi.us\/department\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Portage County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.dodge.wi.gov\/departments\/departments-a-d\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dodge County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.price.wi.us\/173\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Price County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.door.wi.gov\/184\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Door County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racinecounty.com\/departments\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Racine County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.douglascountywi.org\/index.aspx?nid=183\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Douglas County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/co.richland.wi.us\/contactinfo.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Richland County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/dunncountywi.gov\/da\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dunn County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.rock.wi.us\/departments\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rock County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eauclairecounty.gov\/our-government\/departments-and-facilities\/department-directory\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eau Claire County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ruskcounty.org\/attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rusk County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.florencecountywi.com\/departments\/contact-us\/?department=b64230d9f70a&amp;subdepartment=b81dc2bd806d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florence County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.sauk.wi.us\/districtattorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sauk County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fdlco.wi.gov\/departments\/departments-a-e\/district-attorney\/district-attorney-staff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fond du Lac County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sawyercountygov.org\/183\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sawyer County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.forest.wi.gov\/localgov_departments_details.asp?deptid=383&amp;locid=145\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forest County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.shawano.wi.us\/departments\/?department=61bb37660f4f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shawano County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.grant.wi.gov\/localgov_departments_details.asp?deptid=412&amp;locid=147\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grant County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Sheboygan County District Attorney<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/wi-greencounty.civicplus.com\/166\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Green County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sccwi.gov\/268\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">St. Croix County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.green-lake.wi.us\/officials.html?Official=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Green Lake County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/co.taylor.wi.us\/da\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Taylor County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/iowacounty.org\/departments\/districtattorney\/districtattorney.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Iowa County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/co.trempealeau.wi.us\/departments\/court___legal_departments\/district_attorney\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trempealeau County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.iron.wi.gov\/localgov_departments_details.asp?deptid=252&amp;locid=180\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Iron County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vernoncounty.org\/departments\/district_attorney\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vernon County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.jackson.wi.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jackson County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vilascountywi.gov\/departments\/court___legal\/district_attorney.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vilas County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.jeffersoncountywi.gov\/departments\/district_attorney\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jefferson County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.walworth.wi.us\/204\/District-Attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Walworth County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.juneau.wi.gov\/district-attorney.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Juneau County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.washburn.wi.us\/departments\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Washburn County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.kenoshacounty.org\/index.aspx?nid=148\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenosha County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washcowisco.gov\/departments\/district_attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Washington County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.kewauneeco.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kewaunee County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.waukeshacounty.gov\/DistrictAttorney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waukesha County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lacrossecounty.org\/da\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">La Crosse County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.waupaca.wi.us\/departments\/government_departments\/district_attorney\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waupaca County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lafayettecountywi.org\/da\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lafayette County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.waushara.wi.us\/pView.aspx?id=12718&amp;catid=636\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waushara County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.langlade.wi.us\/departments\/district-attorney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Langlade County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.co.winnebago.wi.us\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winnebago County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/manitowoccountywi.gov\/departments\/district-attorney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Manitowoc County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.co.wood.wi.us\/Departments\/DA\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wood County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marathoncounty.gov\/about-us\/departments\/district-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marathon County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i>Note: We strive to provide the most current contact and website information available for the D.A. offices in this state. But this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please<\/i>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/contact-us\/please-select-a-topic-to-contact-us-about.html\"><i>contact us<\/i><\/a><i>.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2>Talk to a Lawyer Before Talking to a Wisconsin District Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>If you&#8217;ve been charged with a crime, it&#8217;s almost always in your best interests to work with a legal professional, especially if you plan on reaching out to the prosecutor for any reason. A skilled attorney will understand the law and how to represent you best. Get started on your case today by speaking with an experienced Wisconsin&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/wisconsin\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense attorney<\/a>&nbsp;near you.<\/p>\r\n<p>It&#8217;s important to know that you still have options, even if you can&#8217;t afford an attorney. You could contact the office of the public defender. State public defenders provide free or low-cost legal representation to qualifying people. You could also contact&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalaction.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legal Action of Wisconsin<\/a>. This organization provides free legal services and legal assistance to people with low income. If you need referrals for attorneys, contact the lawyer referral and information service at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisbar.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State Bar of Wisconsin<\/a>. They can provide free referrals for attorneys statewide. It&#8217;s important to get the legal advice and legal assistance you need.<\/p>\r\n<p>The accessibility of legal resources in the state of Wisconsin is far and wide. Whatever your unique set of circumstances, the free legal information and legal resources available in the state will help you answer your legal questions.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Defense attorneys can help protect your rights\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Wisconsin attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/expungement.html\">\n                        Expunging Criminal Records\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges.html\">\n                        List of Criminal Charges\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights.html\">\n                        Rights for Suspects\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domestic Violence Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Crime Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/dui-dwi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DUI\/DWI Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sex Offenses Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/white-collar-crimes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">White Collar Crimes Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A district attorney (D.A.) is the prosecuting officer of a criminal case. Learn about Wisconsin&#8217;s D.A.s at FindLaw&#8217;s Criminal Legal Help section.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":377263,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-377303","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/377303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=377303"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/377303\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/377263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=377303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=377303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=377303"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=377303"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=377303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}