3 Laws to Be Aware of as a Wisconsin Firearms Owner

 Posted on July 09, 2020 in Gun Violations

Guns can be dangerous and downright deadly weapons in the hands of some people. Even if you do not mean any harm, firearms are capable of serious injuries. Just recently, two separate firearm-related incidents resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to two Wisconsin residents. One woman accidentally shot herself in the leg after illegally carrying her firearm inside of a waterpark and attempting to store it in the trunk of her car. Police state she may be facing charges for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. The other incident occurred when a man tried to shoot a woodchuck that was on his property, but missed and ended up hitting a nearby 80-year-old golfer. That is why it is imperative that Wisconsin gun owners understand the laws pertaining to the possession and carry of firearms in order to avoid serious criminal charges. 

Wisconsin Gun Laws

There are reasons why laws are created and enacted -- there was a need for them. Laws concerning firearms are always highly debated for their constitutionality and Wisconsin is rather liberal when it comes to firearm ownership, compared to other states. However, Wisconsin does have some laws that specifically prohibit certain kinds of behavior from firearm owners:

1. Disorderly Conduct: In some cases, you can be charged with disorderly conduct for your actions with a firearm. The prosecution must be able to prove that your actions had a criminal or malicious intent, however, to be considered disorderly conduct, as the presence of a firearm is not sufficient for disorderly conduct alone. Disorderly conduct is a Class B misdemeanor according to Wisconsin gun laws.

2. Endangering the Safety of Others by Using a Dangerous Weapon: There is more than one way you can be charged with endangering the safety of another person with a firearm. One of the most common and wide-reaching ways is through the negligent handling or operation of a firearm. You can also be charged with this if you are in possession of or operate a firearm while you are under the influence of an intoxicant, intentionally point a firearm at another person, discharge a firearm within 100 yards of any building not on your land, and intentionally shoot a firearm into or from a vehicle, among others. This charge can be classified anywhere from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class H felony in Wisconsin.

3. Restrictions on the Use of Facsimile Firearms: Aside from a few exceptions, such as law enforcement officers and being on your own property, nobody is permitted to carry a facsimile firearm that could be reasonably expected to alarm, terrify, or threaten another person. A facsimile firearm is a toy or replica pistol or another object that closely resembles or can be reasonably perceived to be an actual firearm. This charge is classified as a Class C forfeiture under Wisconsin law.

Contact a Milwaukee County Criminal Defense Attorney

Even though Wisconsin has generally rather lenient legislation when it comes to firearm ownership, there are certain laws that all residents, including all firearm owners and CCW permit holders, must follow for the safety of everyone. If you violate any of these laws, you could be facing serious criminal consequences. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, we understand that there is no such thing as a minor weapons charge. Our tenacious Waukesha County weapons charges defense lawyers are equipped with the skills necessary to effectively handle any type of firearms charge you may be facing. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 262-303-4916.

Sources:

https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/2020/07/06/fondy-sports-park-accidental-shooting-woman-shoots-herself-leg/5385973002/

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/947/01

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/941/III/20/1/c

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/941/III/2965