Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Milwaukee

Accused of a Crime? Get Direct Defense from Jason D. Baltz

Have you been accused of a criminal offense? The criminal justice system can be harsh and unforgiving, even if you’ve been charged for the first time. A criminal conviction may carry serious consequences, and it’s important to protect your rights, preserve relevant messages or records, and avoid discussing the facts with investigators without legal counsel. At The Law Offices of Jason D. Baltz, I provide criminal defense representation for people accused of crimes in the greater Milwaukee area.

My small, boutique law firm takes a personalized approach to every case, so you won’t have to worry about your case being handed off to a paralegal or intern. I personally handle client matters and take an interest in each case. As your criminal defense attorney, I review the circumstances and available evidence to identify the legal action that may be appropriate.

Schedule a consultation with me today or call me at (414) 375-0797.

My Areas of Practice

I provide representation for charges involving:

• Assault and Battery: These terms are often used together, but they work differently under Wisconsin criminal law. Unlike many states, Wisconsin doesn’t have a standalone “assault” charge. Conduct involving threats or fear of bodily harm is typically prosecuted as disorderly conduct or recklessly endangering safety. Battery is the intentional use of force against someone that causes bodily harm without their consent.
• Child Abuse - If you’ve been accused of child abuse, you may face jail time, steep fines, and other penalties if convicted. Child abuse consists of any act that causes intentional bodily harm to a child and may include sexual exploitation, emotional harm, and other damaging actions.
• Domestic Violence - Domestic violence charges can be devastating for your family relationships, and it’s important to seek the counsel of a skilled criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been accused of domestic battery or a similar crime.
• Drug Crimes - Have you been accused of possession or another drug crime? Drug charges can include the possession, distribution, cultivation, manufacture, transportation, importation, and trafficking of illegal drugs. If you’re facing charges of this nature, you should enlist the help of a criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
• Drug Possession - Drug possession charges can be confusing for someone who isn’t familiar with Wisconsin criminal law. The penalties will depend on the type and amount of drug found, and sentencing may include jail time, fines, or probation.
• Drunk Driving - If you’ve been arrested for OWI in or around Milwaukee, acting promptly allows the evidence and applicable deadlines to be reviewed. It’s against the law to operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater, and OWI penalties include driver’s license suspension and possible jail time.
• DUI - Drunk driving charges can result from a failed blood test, breath test, or field sobriety test, and a skilled criminal lawyer can review these tests to determine whether your rights were violated. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, it’s wise to seek the help of a DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.
• Internet Sex Crimes - Internet sex crimes, also known as cybersex crimes, can result in federal investigations. Individuals accused of these offenses may be tried in federal court. You should never underestimate the serious nature of an internet sex crime accusation because a conviction can result in years in prison and substantial fines.
• Misdemeanors - These criminal charges are less serious than felonies and are classified under Wisconsin law as Class A, Class B, or Class C misdemeanors. Each classification carries different penalties, and a Class A misdemeanor can result in up to 9 months in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Murder / Manslaughter - If you’re under investigation for murder or manslaughter, you should seek legal counsel to defend your rights throughout the criminal process. These are among the most serious charges you can face, and a conviction could be devastating to your future.
• Rape - Have you been accused of rape? This is a serious accusation, and it’s best to enlist the help of an attorney even before a formal charge has been filed against you.
• Restraining Orders - Do you need legal assistance with a restraining order? These are court orders signed by a judge that direct an individual to cease specified abusive or harassing conduct.
• Sex Crimes - Sex crime accusations can be humiliating, embarrassing, and life-changing. Rape, statutory rape, spousal rape, sexual assault, child molestation, and lewd conduct are among the sex crimes a person can be accused of in Wisconsin.
• Robbery - This violent crime involves using force, violence, or the threat of either to commit a theft. Robbery with a dangerous weapon can result in felony charges and penalties such as 40 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
• Traffic Citations - You may have received a traffic citation for failing to stop at a stop sign, reckless driving, speeding, or another violation. Traffic citations can be issued by city, state, or county law enforcement agencies, and handling them can be frustrating and time-consuming. Learn about our speeding ticket defense here.
• Violent Crimes - Have you been charged with a violent crime? These offenses may involve the use of a deadly weapon or firearm and can carry severe penalties.
• White Collar Crimes - White collar crimes are generally nonviolent offenses involving deception or misrepresentation. Embezzlement, money laundering, extortion, and fraud are among the offenses that may lead to charges.

What to Expect in Milwaukee County Criminal Courts

Milwaukee County criminal proceedings can involve felony charges, misdemeanor charges, traffic matters, and pretrial, trial, or post-conviction litigation. I help clients understand the procedures of the Milwaukee County Criminal Division and prepare for the stages that apply to their cases. The timing and sequence of early court proceedings depend on the charge, custody status, court scheduling, and other circumstances.

Pretrial hearings can have a significant impact on your case. I have handled hundreds of criminal cases, and I prepare clients for each applicable stage, from an initial appearance and bail or release conditions to arraignment, criminal discovery, plea discussions, pretrial motions, trial preparation, sentencing, or post-conviction concerns. Court records, deadlines, and evidence review can all affect the steps required to respond to a criminal charge.

Milwaukee’s law enforcement agencies, including the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, may gather evidence that is later presented to the District Attorney’s office. As your defense lawyer, I review police reports for inconsistencies, examine whether officers followed required procedures, and consider motions where appropriate. My approach is based on the facts, available evidence, and procedural posture of your case.