Johansen Law Office, S. C.
1225 Tower Avenue
Suite 101
Superior, WI 54880
Phone: (715) 394-3939 | Fax: (715) 394-3989
http://www.johansenlaw.com
Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense, Divorce/Family Law, Personal Injury, and Estate Planning.
Family Law
Criminal Defense, Divorce/Family Law, Personal Injury, and Estate Planning.
Divorce
Criminal Defense, Divorce/Family Law, Personal Injury, and Estate Planning.
WI, Apr 2002
Bar Number: 1041063
Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Member of Wisconsin Bar Association and President of Douglas County Bar Association.
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of Criminal Defense, Family Law, Litigation, and Estate Planning.
State v. W: W was charged with 2nd degree Sexual Assault. Following a one day jury trial he was found Not Guilty.
State v. Crawford: The trial court denied a motion to suppress finding an exception under the "community care-taker" rule. We appealed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and the trial court's order was reversed and the case remanded.
J.D.
California Western School of Law
San Diego
CA
2001
B.A.
University of Wisconsin
Superior
WI
1999
Cum Laude
2
Minnesota and Wisconsin
Johansen Law Office, S.C. represents clients in a variety of legal areas including criminal defense, divorce and family law, personal injury, and estate planning. Additional areas of practice include civil litigation, contract disputes, workplace cases such as sexual harassment and discrimination cases, and bankruptcy.
Johansen Law Office, S.C. was first established in March 2003. As a general practice law firm, we handle cases in a wide range of legal disciplines but the bulk of our cases are in the areas of criminal defense (both at the trial level and appellate level), personal injury, and divorce/custody. The law firm's certified paralegal, Ms. Sharon T. Dembroski, has been with the firm since its inception. She has a background in law and accounting and sits on the paralegal advisory committee. Attorney Michael C. Hoffman joined the firm in December 2009. Attorney Hoffman is licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Johansen Law Office is now a full service law firm that handles matters in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Except for a brief time right out of law school when I worked for another firm, I have been at my current position since becoming licensed.
• Douglas County Bar Association President - January 2009 to current
• Douglas County Bar Association Vice-President - 2008 to 2009
• UW-Superior, Mock Trial, Coach/Judge
I strongly believe that it is essential for people to take the time to educate themselves on their specific legal issues so that they have at least a fundamental understanding of their case. Knowledge is power, and the more one knows about their particular issue, the more powerful they will be in addressing it. For this reason, I like to send client's literature with respect to their particular issue (such as a Letter of Representation or Letter of Appellate Rights) to help guide client's in the right direction so that they can become better educated.
I am more than willing to review documents prepared by pro se people, or people representing themselves without an attorney. Depending on the issues, however, I often caution people about the risks in preparing and filing documents without the direct involvement of an attorney experienced in that area of the law. Many cases, such as personal injury matters, have critical time limits, and if documents are prepared incorrectly or filed too late, the individual could be time barred from proceeding.
I am willing, and in fact, do coach clients who wish to represent themselves. In those cases our agreement is very clear that I am available for counseling but do not appear as attorney of record. The risk is that at some point the client may in fact want me to take over the file. If this request is made too late, such as a week before a criminal jury trial, I may not be able to help them due to calendar conflicts or lack of preparation time. There are also time limits for filing certain motions, like motions to suppress evidence. If those motions are not timely filed, meritorious appellate issues may be waived and thus not appealable.
I have been intrigued by the law since I was young. In college, I studied philosophy and history and regularly participated in classroom debates. I am also a very analytical person. I think the combination of those things drove me to law school.
I understand that sometimes people make mistakes and that a mistake is not necessarily indicative of character. Combining my legal knowledge with my life experiences enables me to communicate better with clients and better appreciate their situation.
The needs of our clients have dictated which areas we tend to focus on.
It is very rewarding to spot a legal issue, raise it to the court by a motion, and argue it. Additionally, I enjoy working with people.
We are fortunate to have an excellent certified paralegal at the office who is attentive to our client's needs and very good at her job. In addition to the heavy workload she deals with on a daily basis, she is also a member of the University of Wisconsin-Superior Paralegal Advisory Committee.
I believe that a firm, yet reasonable, approach is imperative in handling cases. After having handled literally hundreds of criminal cases, for example, I have learned what a reasonable proposal is based on the client's history and the nature of the case. If the prosecutor's proposal is unreasonable, the best approach may be to stand firm and try the case to a jury.
I enjoy camping, fishing, and racquetball.
Sharon T. Dembroski
(715) 394-3989
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
No
The fee schedule varies depending on the nature and complexity of the case. Most criminal defense matters are accepted on a flat-fee basis ranging anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. Family law matters, such as divorce and custody cases, are handled on an hourly basis. If a new client mentions Nolo and this offer for a 25% discount off my hourly rates, I will honor it.
$200.
Yes, generally 15 minutes.
It depends on the complexity of the case.
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.