Posted on November 03, 2023 in Criminal Defense

There are numerous reasons why drivers in Wisconsin may be pulled over by police officers and cited with traffic violations. Most of the time, these violations will be fairly minor, and tickets for speeding, running red lights or stop signs, and similar offenses may not seem very serious. However, there are some offenses that are treated more seriously because they may endanger others or even cause people to suffer injuries in car accidents. Based on the severity of a violation, a person could face charges of reckless driving, which is usually treated as a criminal offense rather than a traffic infraction. 

Depending on the circumstances surrounding a reckless driving charge, a person could be required to pay large fines, or they could even be sentenced to time in jail. To make sure these charges will be addressed correctly, an attorney can provide representation and help defend against a conviction on reckless driving charges.

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 Posted on October 31, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Most people are familiar with the crime of retail theft, which is also known as shoplifting. Retail theft charges typically involve stealing merchandise or goods from a store. However, in some cases, retail theft charges can also include the theft of services. The theft of services refers to situations where a person obtains services without paying for them or intentionally deceives a service provider to avoid payment. These actions can be a serious criminal offense, and depending on the value of the services that were not paid for, a person may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Those who have been accused of theft of services can protect their rights by securing representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Understanding Retail Theft

Retail theft or shoplifting is a criminal offense that may apply if a person is accused of taking merchandise from a store or retail establishment without paying the full price. Criminal charges may apply if a person is accused of engaging in actions such as concealing merchandise, altering price tags, or switching packaging to pay less than the actual value of the item.

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 Posted on October 24, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Wisconsin, homicide is a serious crime that involves the intentional and unlawful killing of another person. However, not all homicides are treated equally under the law. The severity of the offense and the potential penalties that may apply if a person is convicted will depend on whether it is classified as first-degree or second-degree homicide. Those who have been accused of murder or homicide will need to make sure they have representation from an attorney who has experience defending against these types of criminal charges.

First-Degree Homicide

First-degree homicide is considered the most serious form of murder in Wisconsin. It involves intentionally killing someone with premeditation and deliberation. That is, anyone who causes someone else’s death when they had intended to kill them or someone else may be charged with first-degree homicide.

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 Posted on October 13, 2023 in Gun Violations

There are a variety of situations where accusations of domestic abuse, harassment, or other offenses may lead to restraining orders. If you have been accused of these types of offenses, you will need to understand how you may be affected by a restraining order, including whether you will be prevented from owning or possessing firearms. To avoid potential criminal charges for weapons violations or other offenses, it is important to work with an attorney who can protect your rights and advise you on how to address accusations of domestic violence.

What Is a Restraining Order?

A restraining order, also known as an injunction or protective order, is an order issued by a court that requires a person to stay away from someone else and refrain from committing acts of abuse or harassment. Restraining orders are meant to protect victims who may be at risk of harm from a family member, a current or former romantic partner, or someone who has engaged in threatening behavior. 

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 Posted on October 05, 2023 in DUI/OWI

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal offense in Wisconsin. However, the charges can be even more severe when an accident occurs as a result of drunk driving. Charges for operating while intoxicated (OWI) are serious in any situation, but the potential penalties will increase if someone was injured in an accident. If you have been accused of injuring someone in an accident while you were intoxicated, it is crucial to understand the charges you may face and your options for defense. An experienced attorney can provide guidance and legal representation in these situations, helping you protect your rights and determine how to resolve your case successfully.

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 Posted on September 27, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Being accused of sexual assault is a serious matter that can have life-altering consequences. People in this situation may face severe penalties if they are convicted. A person could be sentenced to serve time in prison, required to pay large fines, and forced to register as a sex offender. Outside of the legal system, sexual assault accusations can destroy a person’s reputation. This may lead to the loss of employment, damage to personal relationships, or issues affecting child custody. 

If you have been accused of sexual assault, it is crucial to understand the defense strategies that you may be able to use during your case. An experienced attorney can provide the legal help you need, ensuring that you will be able to address sex crime charges correctly.

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 Posted on September 22, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Receiving a traffic ticket can be a stressful experience. Being pulled over by a police officer can be frightening enough, and once a ticket is issued, you may be concerned about how it may affect you in the future. In addition to being required to pay fines, your car insurance rates may increase. If you have received multiple traffic violations, you may even be worried that you could lose your license. By understanding Wisconsin’s laws regarding traffic violations, you can determine what penalties you may face. An experienced attorney can help you understand how to defend against the suspension of your license and address any other related legal issues.

Traffic Violations That Can Result in License Suspension or Revocation

There are several types of violations that can result in license suspension in Wisconsin:

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 Posted on September 08, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Wisconsin, battery is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges. Simple battery involves intentionally causing bodily harm to another person, and it is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor. However, there are some cases where aggravated battery charges may apply, and these offenses carry even more severe penalties. Understanding when you can be charged with aggravated battery and the penalties you may face if you are convicted is crucial if you have been accused of this type of offense. With the help of an experienced Wisconsin lawyer, you can determine your options for defense against a battery conviction.

Penalties for Substantial Battery

Under Wisconsin law, substantial battery is a crime that falls between simple battery and aggravated battery. It occurs when someone causes substantial bodily harm to another person with intent or through reckless behavior. Substantial bodily harm refers to injuries that cause great pain, such as cuts that require stitches, bone fractures, or a blow to the head that causes someone to lose consciousness.

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 Posted on September 05, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Originally published: May 22, 2019 -- Updated: September 5, 2023

Update: As described below, minors may face charges if they make, possess, or use falsified ID cards. However, since the most common reason for doing so is to be able to purchase alcohol, minors may also face charges related to underage drinking. Criminal charges may also apply to anyone who sells or gives alcohol to a minor. It is important for those who may potentially face these accusations to understand the penalties that may apply if they are convicted. By working with an attorney who has experience in these types of criminal defense cases, they can respond to the charges against them and defend against a conviction.

A minor may be charged with a violation if they attempt to purchase or procure alcohol from a store, bar, restaurant, or other establishment by misrepresenting their age or by any other means. However, exceptions apply if a minor is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is over the age of 21. These violations may result in a fine of $250-500 for a first offense, $300-500 for a second offense within 12 months, $500-750 for a third offense, or $750-1,000 for a fourth offense. Other situations in which a minor possesses or consumes alcohol may also lead to violations. The penalties for these violations include fines of $100-200 for a first offense, $200-300 for a second offense, $300-500 for a third offense, or $500-1,000 for a fourth offense. In addition to fines, a minor will be subject to a suspension of their driver’s license, and they may be ordered to perform community service.

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 Posted on August 29, 2023 in DUI/OWI

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be a confusing and frustrating experience, especially if you blow under the legal limit in a roadside breathalyzer test. Today, we will explore the unique circumstances in which you can still be arrested for DUI, despite registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below the legal limit of 0.08 percent. If this has happened to you, contact an aggressive criminal defense attorney to fight to have the charges against you dropped, allowing you to move on with your life. 

Breathalyzer Accuracy and Field 

While breathalyzer tests are commonly used to determine a driver’s BAC, they are not infallible. Factors such as calibration errors or improper administration can lead to inaccurate results. Law enforcement officers often rely on additional evidence, such as field sobriety tests, to assess a driver’s impairment level. If a driver exhibits signs of impairment, regardless of the breathalyzer result, they may still be subject to DUI arrest. 

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