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Facing Drug Charges in Wisconsin? Every case deserves a strong defense.

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Stangl Law can help you get fair treatment, whether this is your first criminal offense or you have prior convictions.

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32+ Years Defending Wisconsin
Nationally Recognized Criminal Defense
Strong Record of Victory Against Drug Charges

If there's a way to win your case, Stangl Law will find it.

Being charged with a drug crime in Wisconsin can be an intimidating, scary, and ultimately life-changing event. If you hire Attorney Stangl to defend your criminal case, he can:

  • Review the case for defects
  • Potentially move for the suppression of evidence
  • Compel discovery of evidence to support your innocence
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Your arrest may contain errors worth challenging.

Law enforcement must follow strict legal procedures. Attorney Stangl can review how you were arrested and charged, examining every detail. Mistakes can provide opportunities to suppress evidence in your case.

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We've defended cases involving mandatory prison exposure and prior offenses.

Attorney Stangl has extensive experience challenging cases involving mandatory minimums by examining prior convictions for constitutional issues, investigating arrest procedures, and identifying testimonial inconsistencies.

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Time-sensitive deadlines affect your defense options. Act now.

From the moment you're charged, critical deadlines are running. We can work immediately to review procedures used in your arrest, request and examine all available evidence, identify potential constitutional issues, and explore all possible defense strategies.

Drug defense success stories

Click to expand for success stories and client quotes.

Felony dismissed and misdemeanor reduced to civil offense

Attorney Stangl represented a client charged with possession of narcotic drugs, fentanyl, and possession of cocaine. Possession of fentanyl, even in very small amounts, is a felony.

The drugs were discovered during a search of his client’s property prior to being booked into the Dane County Jail on a traffic violation. To prove possession of drugs the State has to prove the defendant knew that it was the particular drug and that they possessed it, meaning they exercised dominion and control over the item.

Here, there was no question the client possessed the drugs since they were found in his wallet which was removed from his person prior to an inventory search of personal property at the jail. Unfortunately, fentanyl is being mixed with other street drugs, usually unknown to the possessor. Here, the client did not have knowledge that fentanyl was mixed with the cocaine.

At the preliminary hearing held on the fentanyl charge Attorney Stangl moved to dismiss, arguing that the State had failed to establish probable cause as to the possession of fentanyl. He argued that there was no evidence or reasonable inferences therefrom, that his client knowingly possessed the drug. The court denied the motion and the matter was bound over for further proceedings, including trial.

A relentless advocate for his clients, Attorney Stangl was able to get the fentanyl charge dismissed outright and the possession of cocaine charge, a misdemeanor, amended to a non-criminal ordinance violation for possession of drug paraphernalia. His client ended up with a civil infraction and a small fine, escaping all criminal consequences.

Preserved freedom for G.P.

“I was charged in a large drug conspiracy case with 14 other co-conspirators. My life was in a shambles, and I was in deep trouble. I was referred to Pat from a local lawyer who informed me that he was the best in the business. I met with Pat and was very impressed. I hired him, and he aggressively and tirelessly fought for me for over two and a half years before my case was resolved.

The Department of Justice wanted to send me to prison for at least 5 years. Through Pat’s highly effective representation and his caring attitude about me personally, I received a second chance in life.

Thanks to Attorney Stangl and Stangl Law Offices, S.C., he beat the Wisconsin Department of Justice and instead of being sent to prison, I was given a lengthy term of probation. I literally owe him my freedom and give him the highest recommendation possible. My life and future are back on track thanks to Pat.

He is an incredible defense attorney and a relentless and compassionate advocate who cares deeply about his clients.”

 

Reduction for C.W.

Attorney Stangl was enlisted to represent an individual charged in a drug conspiracy case which involved several states. The hub of the conspiracy was centered in Minneapolis. His client was charged with being a member of the conspiracy and if convicted faced a ten year (10) minimum mandatory prison sentence. Attorney Stangl believed that his client was the subject of an unconstitutional search of his vehicle and was not a member of any conspiracy. As a result of his dedication, thorough research, and litigation skills the federal magistrate suppressed large amounts of illegal drugs. His client was not convicted of a conspiracy but was convicted of a lesser offense and received a minimal sentence without a mandatory minimum prison sentence.

Reduction for Gary

“Mistakes can affect your whole life forever. Pat fought so they didn’t affect my life and future! I have used Pat multiple times. I would have a criminal record if it wasn’t for Pat Stangl. I had a hit and run accident. He fought and had a healthy relationship with the D.A. and staff, which got me off without a criminal offense. Then about a year later I got caught with 50 grams of THC in 3 different bags. I thought I was gonna get a CRIMINAL CONVICTION. Thanks to all his knowledge, skill and hard work I got off with just an ordinance ticket. I owe a lot to Pat. On top of it, he is a really nice guy that truly cares about the people he represents.”

 

Felony Drunk Driving and Drug Victory

Attorney Stangl represented a client who was charged with felony Operating with a Restricted Controlled Substance (4th Offense) as well as Possession of Narcotic Drugs, i.e. heroin. During the defense of the charges, Attorney Stangl was able to raise an attack on the client’s prior OWI convictions and was able to have an Implied Consent, or refusal, violation excluded which resulted in the State amending the OWI-Restricted Controlled Substance to a misdemeanor OWI offense instead of a felony.

With respect to the Possession of Heroin, Attorney Stangl was able to have a prior drug conviction expunged from the client’s record and ultimately was able to negotiate a Deferred Judgment of Guilt on the Possession of Heroin charge. This means that if the client successfully completes conditions, including treatment and monitoring, the felony drug charge will be dismissed. It is a significant victory because the client could end up without any felony conviction, which would be significant as he moves on with his life.

About Attorney Pat Stangl

Nationally-recognized for excellence, Wisconsin Criminal Defense Attorney Patrick J. Stangl has been practicing law in the Badger State since 1991.

Attorney Stangl has deep expertise in drug defense, from misdemeanor possession to federal drug conspiracy charges.

He is also well-known for his impressive record as a Wisconsin OWI attorney, defending all types of driving under the influence charges such as OWI and PAC.

Your questions—answered

Click to expand for answers to frequently asked questions.

What should I do if I am arrested?

First, be polite and cooperative. Arguing, struggling, or fighting will never make the situation better. Rarely, if ever, is a person able to convince an officer to stop an arrest. Remain silent! Finally, call a lawyer as soon as possible.

What is a misdemeanor in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, a misdemeanor is a crime with a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $10,000.00 fine. There are different classes of misdemeanors but never can the maximum penalty exceed one year in jail. Generally, a conviction for a misdemeanor does not include a restriction on the right to possess firearms; however, there is an important exception. By virtue of 1996 amendments made to the Gun Control Act of 1968, persons convicted of domestic violence offenses are prohibited under Federal Law from possessing firearms. Section (g) (9) prohibits anyone “who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” from legally possessing a firearm.

Furthermore, it is unlawful for any person to possess a firearm “who is subject to court order that (a) was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had an opportunity to participate; (b) restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; and (c) (i) includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or (ii) by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury.

What is a felony in Wisconsin?

A felony is a crime that carries with it a potential sentence of at least one year and one day in prison. In Wisconsin, other serious consequences flow from a felony conviction including prohibiting a convicted felon from possessing a firearm. A convicted felon also loses the right to vote, can never hold public office, and must submit a sample of their DNA to the DNA Database in Wisconsin.

If a person is convicted of a sexual assault or sexual offense, that person will be required to register as a sex offender. If a person is convicted of a serious child sex offense, that person cannot engage in any occupation or participate in a volunteer position that requires that person to work or interact primarily and directly with children under the age of sixteen.

What is a sentence enhancement?

Most states including Wisconsin increase the punishment in drunk driving cases if certain facts exist. The most common of these is an earlier conviction for the same or similar offense, usually within ten years for a second offense or lifetime for a third or greater offense. Other commonly encountered enhancements (which must usually be alleged in the complaint) include:

  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • A child under the age of 16 was in the car at the time
  • The blood-alcohol concentration was over 20%.
  • The defendant refused to submit to a chemical test

There was property damage or bodily injury
In Wisconsin, the existence of significant personal injury or bodily harm caused by drunk driving elevates the offense to a serious felony. A death in Wisconsin while intoxicated can result in vehicular homicide charges.

Your case deserves an experienced defense—and you need an attorney who will examine every aspect of your case.

With over 32 years defending Wisconsin clients against criminal charges, Attorney Pat Stangl knows exactly what to look for in police reports, arrest procedures, and evidence. We'll thoroughly review your case for all possible defenses. Don’t wait—fill out the form below and get started. We’re waiting for your submission.

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