About Rhode Law Office: Davis Jr Richard G — Criminal Defense Portage, Wisconsin

Rhode Law Office, led by attorney Richard G. Davis Jr., provides criminal defense Portage, Wisconsin representation to clients in Columbia County and the surrounding region, including Sauk, Marquette, Adams, and Dane counties. Davis has practiced out of Portage since 1993, giving him over three decades of experience in Columbia County Circuit Court at 400 DeWitt Street, Portage, WI 53901. As a certified mediator, Davis also handles collaborative divorce and family law matters alongside his criminal defense Portage practice — offering clients a full-service option in a small market where legal resources are limited. Browse Portage attorneys to explore additional options.

Columbia County is where Wisconsin’s capital region meets small-town rural life, with Portage at the center of a legal market that draws cases from a wide geographic area. Criminal charges in this region range from DUI and drug offenses to domestic abuse, sexual assault, and theft — matters that require defense counsel who appears regularly in the local court and understands how Columbia County prosecutors and judges approach cases. Davis brings that familiarity, having appeared before Columbia County Circuit Court judges for more than 30 years. He also extends his criminal defense Portage practice to Baraboo, Montello, Madison, and other surrounding communities, giving clients across a large area access to consistent, experienced local representation.

What Clients Say

Clients in criminal matters particularly value attorneys who are calm under pressure, appear prepared at every hearing, and communicate honestly about risks and options. For Davis, clients in small Wisconsin communities describe the importance of a well-known local attorney who brings established relationships with the local court system and prosecutors. The addition of family law and mediation services is also cited as useful — clients dealing with both criminal and family issues value handling both matters with one trusted attorney.

Criminal Defense Portage — Practice Areas & Services

• DUI / OWI Defense: Wisconsin OWI charges carry significant license, employment, and insurance consequences; Davis defends OWI clients in Columbia County and surrounding circuit courts with over 30 years of local experience.
• Drug Offenses: Representation for possession, delivery, and manufacturing charges under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 961, including diversion program eligibility for first-time offenders.
• Domestic Abuse & Assault: Defense for domestic abuse charges — which in Wisconsin carry mandatory arrest provisions — and related restraining order hearings in Columbia County Circuit Court.
• Felony Defense: Serious felony representation across Columbia, Sauk, Marquette, Adams, and Dane counties, including jury trials when plea resolution is not in the client’s interest.
• Family Law & Mediation: Collaborative divorce, custody, and dispute resolution — Davis is a certified mediator, offering an alternative to contested litigation for families in the Portage area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are criminal cases heard in Columbia County, Wisconsin?

Criminal cases in Columbia County are heard at the Columbia County Courthouse, 400 DeWitt Street, Portage, WI 53901, phone (608) 742-2191. The Columbia County Circuit Court handles all felony cases, serious misdemeanors, and appellate matters from municipal courts. Municipal courts in Portage handle lower-level ordinance violations, while the circuit court handles all State criminal charges.

What are the consequences of a Wisconsin OWI conviction?

A first Wisconsin OWI offense carries a fine of $150–$300 plus surcharges, a license revocation of 6–9 months, and mandatory AODA assessment. Subsequent OWI offenses escalate significantly: a second offense is a criminal misdemeanor, a third is a felony. A Wisconsin OWI also results in an SR-22 insurance requirement for three years. Because consequences increase sharply with each conviction, defending even a first OWI is strongly advisable.

Does Wisconsin have diversion programs for first-time drug offenders in Columbia County?

Yes. Wisconsin’s deferred prosecution agreements and drug treatment court programs allow some first-time drug offenders to complete treatment and community service in exchange for charges being reduced or dismissed. Columbia County Circuit Court participates in these programs. Eligibility depends on the specific charge, prior record, and prosecutor discretion — a criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether a client qualifies and advocate for program entry.