At Mullen, Schlough & Associates, we serve as a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Chippewa Falls, WI, helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations with clarity and confidence. As a team deeply rooted in Wisconsin, we understand the local courts, procedures, and pressures you may be facing. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a criminal defense attorney in Chippewa Falls, WI—you’re also gaining a dedicated legal partner focused on protecting your future.
What You’re Up Against After A Criminal Charge
Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve been accused of an OWI, drug offense, or another criminal matter, the stakes are high. Your freedom, your record, and your reputation may all be at risk. Many people also worry about the cost of legal representation, adding financial stress to an already challenging situation.
Strategic Defense For DUI And OWI Cases
We provide strategic, straightforward defense as your experienced criminal defense attorney. Our firm focuses heavily on OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) cases, or better known as DUI (Driving Under the Influence). We handle everything from first-time OWI offenses to more complex repeat charges, including underage OWI and implied consent violations.
Beyond DUI/OWI, we also represent clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including drug-related offenses, probation violations, and assault charges, among others. Our multidisciplinary background allows us to assist our clients with related legal needs, which include business law, estate planning, and litigation.
How Our Defense Protects Your Future
Working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Chippewa Falls, WI, gives you a clearer path forward. We help you understand your options, build a strong defense, and advocate for the best possible outcome. Our approach is honest and practical—we tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. We also believe quality legal representation should be accessible. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans, making it easier for you to get the defense you need without upfront financial strain.
We begin by reviewing your case in detail, examining evidence, police reports, and procedural factors. From there, we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. We guide you through each stage—from initial hearings to negotiations or trial—so you always know what to expect.
Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and help you make informed decisions at every step.
A Local Firm You Can Trust To Deliver Results
Clients choose us because we combine local insight with broad legal experience. Our team is known for being approachable, responsive, and transparent. We take pride in delivering straightforward advice and building strong client relationships based on trust.
As a firm serving Chippewa Falls and surrounding communities, we are committed to helping our neighbors through some of life’s toughest moments with professionalism and respect.
If you’re facing criminal charges, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today to speak with a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Chippewa Falls, WI, and learn how we can defend your rights and your future.
The County Courthouse
Typically this is where most, if not all county business is done or administered. In addition, this is where the county courtrooms, district attorneys offices and other offices are located. All criminal and civil cases, at the fact-finding level, are heard and decided:
Chippewa County Court System: https://www.co.chippewa.wi.us/government/clerk-of-courts
The County Sheriff’s Department
Every county has a law enforcement agency that enforces the law within its boundaries. The county sheriffs departments enforce the law and county district attorneys prosecute those cases referred to them by sheriff’s deputies.
Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department: https://www.co.chippewa.wi.us/government/sheriff
The City Police Department
Each city or town has their own police department or law enforcement agency. Police officers enforce city laws and most times are the same laws that are enforce in the county. When a city police officer arrests someone regarding a county offense, the case gets referred to the county district attorney’s office. When a county sheriff’s deputy arrests a person for a city ordinance violation, the case gets referred to the city prosecuting attorney.
Chippewa Falls City Police: https://www.chippewafalls-wi.gov/your-government/police-department
Department of Motor Vehicles
A criminal or OWI/DUI conviction will have an important impact on your life and in more ways than you think. After an arrest your driver’s license may be suspended by the DMV well before you see the inside of a courtroom.
Wisconsin Dept of Motor Vehicles: https://wisconsindot.gov/pages/online-srvcs/external/dmv.aspx
Chippewa Falls Dept of Motor Vehicles: https://trust.dot.state.wi.us/cscfinder/cityCountySearch.do?county=Chippewa
Alcohol & Other Drugs Counseling
Many times the Department of Motor Vernicles and/or State & City prosecutors along with the judges requires some sort of successful completion of a course to complete the matter. Listed below are some businesses that provide Alcohol & Other Drug counseling services.
L E Phillips Libertas Center: http://www.libertascenter.org/
Chippewa Falls, WI Inpatient Treatment Center: https://recovery.org/drug-alcohol-rehab/chippewa-falls-wi/
Probation & Parole
In many sentences of criminal cases, there is a period of probation in misdemeanor cases or extended supervision (the modern term for parole) in felony cases after any time ordered for jail or prison incarceration. This is ordered by judges to address the underlying cause behind the criminal act. The theory is, once the accused can deal with the underlying issue in a more responsible manner, the defendant, victim and society will be better off.
Chippewa County Probation & Parole: https://nebula.wsimg.com/3a8b6eb074ef214f734585e3b57fc0f6?AccessKeyId=78C509F4D2BD4182B80F&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
Common Criminal Defense Questions
What should I do immediately after being charged with an OWI in Wisconsin?
After an OWI charge, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. You may have deadlines related to your driver’s license and court appearances that cannot be missed. Speaking with a criminal defense attorney early allows you to understand your legal options and avoid mistakes that could impact your case. Early legal guidance can also help preserve key evidence.
How are DUI and OWI different in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the legal term used is OWI, which stands for Operating While Intoxicated. However, DUI is a more widely recognized term used in other states and by the general public. While the terminology differs, both refer to impaired driving offenses involving alcohol or drugs. Understanding this distinction can help you better navigate your case and legal research.
Do you offer payment plans for legal services?
Yes, we encourage payment plans because we understand that many clients cannot pay the full retainer upfront. Our goal is to make legal representation accessible without adding unnecessary financial pressure. We work with you to create a plan that fits your situation while still providing strong legal defense. This flexibility sets us apart from many other firms.
What types of criminal cases do you handle besides OWI?
In addition to OWI and DUI cases, we handle a wide range of criminal matters. These include drug offenses, probation and parole violations, assault charges, and other misdemeanor or felony cases. Our team also has experience with appeals and complex legal disputes. This broad background allows us to provide comprehensive support when legal issues overlap.