The United States Constitution gives American citizens the right to own and bear arms. While this right is granted to all citizens, states have enacted restrictions that can prohibit you from owning or carrying a firearm. Although the Constitution states it is a right to own a gun, most states look at it as a privilege that can be revoked. 

Many people who own firearms have concealed carry weapon (CCW) licenses so they can protect their family, friends, and communities if needed, but in Wisconsin, some offenses can cause you to lose the privilege of carrying a concealed weapon.

Police officers in Wisconsin must have substantial evidence to actually arrest someone for operating while intoxicated (OWI). There are a few things an officer may use to do this, and one common procedure is to request the completion of field sobriety tests, so they can gauge whether a driver is intoxicated while driving. 

The types of field sobriety tests used can differ from state to state, and sometimes between police departments and jurisdictions, but in general, a battery of three standardized tests is used. These tests are approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as being accurate a majority of the time:

Even if you would rather never speak or look at your ex-spouse again, when you have children, the reality is you must. When you get a divorce, your marriage ends, but the relationship with your children does not, and you now face the unique challenge of co-parenting together.

Co-parenting can cause some uncomfortable situations for you and your ex early on, but done right, it can greatly benefit your children. It may be difficult and sometimes feel impossible, but effective co-parenting is the best thing you can do for your child after a divorce. 

Here are four ways to be a successful co-parent:

If you are getting divorced, you know the confusion and uncertainty it can bring. One of the most common questions people getting a divorce ask is, “What happens to my children?” While this is a legitimate and important question, there is no simple answer. Just because you are getting a divorce from your spouse does not mean that your--or their--relationship with your children ends. You may not be married forever, but you will be a parent for life. You and your spouse may be in agreement about the legal and physical custody of your children, or you might have different ideas of what should happen.

Resolving Custody Issues Through Mediation

Wisconsin courts strongly believe that parents should try their best to settle any custody disagreements on their own. When parents make their own decisions about custody, they are more likely to stick to their decisions. If parents are not able to come to an agreement, Wisconsin courts may require them to attend at least one session of mediation to help them resolve any outstanding issues. If the spouses are unable to reach an agreement through mediation, then the parents will need to file a parenting plan with the court within 60 days. 

Elements of Wisconsin Parenting Plans

In Wisconsin, the person who is petitioning for sole or joint custody of the child must file a parenting plan with the court. If the other parent does not also file a parenting plan within 60 days, they waive their right to object to the parenting plan. A parenting plan filed with the court should contain the following elements:

United States citizens are guaranteed the right to bear arms by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. While this federal statute gives individuals that right, states have the ability to restrict the law. One way they can do so is to create stipulations on who can and cannot own a firearm and apply for a concealed carry weapon (CCW) license.

Wisconsin has state laws that apply to its residents, but people in the state must also follow federal laws that apply to all U.S. citizens. Those who violate firearm possession laws can face serious consequences.

CCW License Eligibility

While Wisconsin does not require its residents to have a permit to own or possess a firearm, you must apply and successfully obtain a CCW license before you can legally carry a concealed firearm. To be eligible for a CCW license, you must: