Phone 715-525-9839
Phone 715-525-9839
Staying quiet is not the same as using your right to remain silent. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a suspect’s silence before arrest could be used against them at trial because they never clearly claimed protection. That case, Salinas v. Texas, changed how this right worked in practice. Silence by itself is…
A felony conviction in Wisconsin can cost you anywhere from three and a half years to the rest of your life behind bars. The end you land on depends on a single letter. Every felony in the state is classified into one of nine categories, A through I. This category sets the maximum prison time…
Someone you love is suddenly unable to make decisions for themselves. There is no power of attorney or advance directive. The hospital needs someone to make a decision today, and legally there isn’t anyone. This is a situation that temporary guardianship is intended to address, and Wisconsin courts regularly deal with these petitions. What Temporary…
A CHIPS case does not automatically strip you of your parental rights. What it does is put those rights on a clock. Understanding what Wisconsin law requires of you – and what it guarantees you – is the difference between reunification and a path towards termination. Wisconsin’s Children’s Code, Chapter 48, governs all CHIPS proceedings…
Wisconsin starts from a simple rule: everything acquired during the marriage belongs equally to both spouses. Fifty-fifty. That is the default, and courts take it seriously. What most people don’t realize going in is how broadly Wisconsin defines “marital property” — and how many assets they assumed were theirs alone end up on the table….
A CHIPS petition can be filed before you’ve been charged with any crime. Before you’ve spoken with an attorney. Sometimes before you even know child protective services has been at your door. That is how these cases start — fast, and often without warning. CHIPS stands for Child in Need of Protection or Services. It…
A Class B misdemeanor in Wisconsin is not the most serious charge in the criminal justice system. But you still need to take it seriously. Remember that a conviction can affect your life in many different ways, from job opportunities to housing applications. If you have been charged or want to know what this means…
In Wisconsin, not all crimes carry the same weight. There is a big difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. While most misdemeanors might seem minor, the Class A designation is the most serious. Sometimes, this carries the harshest penalties short of a felony. Knowing the basics of a Class A misdemeanor, how it can…
When people hear “disorderly conduct,” it can feel like a catch-all term for anything. In Wisconsin, that is not far from the truth. It is one of the most frequently charged offenses in the state. But what is disorderly conduct in Wisconsin? When you know that, along with the defenses and court process, it can…
Sometimes, mistakes happen. If you believe that you might have a probation violation in Wisconsin, that can be scary. Probation is a second chance. This is your opportunity to stay out of jail. Unfortunately, if the rules are not followed, that chance can slip away. When you know what to expect and how to respond,…
Everyone has heard the phrase, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” But what does it mean for Wisconsin arrests? Do you really have the right to remain silent? You have certain rights guaranteed under the law. Here is a…
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Wisconsin, you probably feel unsure about what that means for your future. Many people hear the word “misdemeanor” and assume it is a minor offense. For some, they worry that this is going to follow them forever. The truth falls somewhere in between. So, is a misdemeanor…
If you learn that you are under investigation for a crime, it is normal to feel a little apprehensive. The uncertainty can be difficult. During this time, law enforcement may ask questions, execute a search warrant, or contact friends or employers. For many people, these steps all add to the confusion. So, what happens during…
When you have a criminal record, that can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders. Even a minor offense can make job searches, housing applications, and professional licensing feel like uphill battles. If you’re ready to move forward and regain a sense of normalcy, expungement can help. But how can you expunge a criminal…
When you or someone you care about ends up dealing with probation or parole in Wisconsin, it can feel like you have been dropped into a system with its own language and rules. People often use the two terms interchangeably, but they are very different paths with different expectations. Knowing which one applies to your…
When someone is charged with a crime in Wisconsin, the case often comes down to what the witnesses say happened. Testimony can shape how prosecutors build their arguments and how defense attorneys respond. Plus, it can even influence how judges and juries decide guilt or innocence. While it is not the only type of evidence…
A drug possession charge in Wisconsin can feel like the ground’s been pulled out from under you. Whether the police found a small amount of marijuana or something more serious like cocaine or prescription pills, there is the potential for serious consequences. With a conviction, you could be left with fines, jail time, and a…
Being arrested in Wisconsin is not only stressful but also disorienting. After dealing with officers, paperwork, and flashing lights, you’re now sitting in a cell, wondering what comes next. The biggest question for most people is: When can I go home? Bail allows you to return to your normal life while your case moves through…
Facing your first court appearance in Wisconsin can be a little nerve-wracking. Even if your case is minor, the courthouse environment, formal procedures, and legal jargon make it feel intimidating. However, when you know what to expect at your initial court appearance in Wisconsin, that can take a lot of the stress out of the…
Refusing a breathalyzer test in Wisconsin is not a loophole or a way to sidestep an OWI charge. Under the state’s implied consent law, saying no to the officer can trigger penalties. Many times, they can be just as serious as a drunk driving conviction. If you’re unsure what actually happens when you decline a…
When it comes to criminal sentencing in Wisconsin, your past does not stay hidden. Prior convictions can follow you into the courtroom and impact the outcome of a current case. So, how do prior convictions affect sentencing in Wisconsin criminal cases? Here is what you need to know about how Wisconsin law treats prior convictions…
Most people believe that they only have to deal with one courtroom and case if they are charged with a crime. Unfortunately, that is not true. Can you be charged with both state and federal crimes in Wisconsin? Sometimes, a crime can land you in two different courts as you face two different charges. Here…
If you have been charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin, you might expect to pay fines and maybe have your license suspended. However, there is something that you might not think about: the ignition interlock device (IID). This is a breath-testing unit wired into your vehicle. You will not be able to start…
Getting pulled over is enough to make anyone nervous. Your heart rate probably jumps the second those flashing lights hit your rearview mirror. Sometimes, the officer asks to search your car. Do you have to say yes? While the Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, some exceptions exist. So, when can police search…
If you’ve been arrested for a first-offense OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) in Wisconsin, not knowing what happens next can lead to many questions. Will you be able to drive? Could you lose your job? What other impacts can you expect? These are all valid questions, especially for those unfamiliar with the OWI process. Let’s look…
Anyone who has watched a crime drama can probably recite the Miranda warning by heart. But what you might not know is that in real life, especially here in Wisconsin, police do not have to read you your rights the moment you are handcuffed. In fact, they might never say those famous lines at all….
If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Wisconsin, you will want to know how the law classifies offenses. Unfortunately, charges can be elevated under certain circumstances. A charge that may start as a misdemeanor can be bumped to a felony. That can dramatically increase the possible penalties, the long-term consequences,…
If you’ve ever been pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, you may have heard the term “implied consent.” This can play a big role in Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) cases. But what are implied consent laws, and how do they apply in Wisconsin? This means that by choosing to drive on the state’s roads,…
Facing felony charges in Wisconsin can change the course of your life. When the court documents start listing classifications like “Class A,” “Class B,” or “Class C,” what does that mean for your future? These are more than labels. What are Class A, B, and C felonies in Wisconsin? They represent a scale of severity…
Getting pulled over or stopped by the police can be a stressful experience, even if you have not done anything wrong. At the moment, you might feel unsure about what you’re supposed to do. That’s why it’s so important to know your rights ahead of time. So, what are your rights during a police stop…
