Most of the time, the only contact people have with police are interactions that take place when police believe an individual has done something illegal. Because of this, people tend to have a somewhat fearful reaction to law enforcement. Even if you did not do anything wrong, being approached by a police officer can often elicit fear or anxiety. If you are stopped by police or arrested for a crime, there are certain things you should not do, and there are certain ways you should behave to avoid any further trouble. It is important that you understand your rights as a citizen if you are ever arrested for a crime. The following are a few things you should know if you are arrested in Wisconsin:

1. You should never try to resist a police officer who is attempting to perform an arrest. If you do resist a police officer, you can actually be charged with a crime, and you may also end up having to pay fines. If you are detained by a police officer, you are permitted to ask if you are free to go. If the officer says you are not free to go, that means you are being arrested, and you must comply. Doing so can save you a lot of headaches and legal trouble in the future.

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Holding a driver’s license is a privilege that many people take for granted. When you receive a driver’s license, you agree to multiple things, perhaps the most important being that you will operate your vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. Risky driving and/or breaking Wisconsin traffic laws can lead to serious reckless driving charges. As is the case for many states, the definition of reckless driving can encompass a variety of actions and behaviors on the road. 

Reckless Driving Definition

When it comes to reckless driving, the Wisconsin laws can be somewhat open to interpretation due to the many actions that could lead to this charge. At its base, reckless driving in Wisconsin constitutes any behavior that endangers the safety of any other people or property through the negligent use of a vehicle. Further, the law states that “no person may cause bodily harm to another by the negligent operation of a vehicle,” meaning that reckless driving charges may apply whether or not a driver's negligence led to actual harm.

Fake or false identification cards have been around for as long as government entities have issued real ID cards. There are many things a person needs an ID to for, like purchasing alcohol or cigarettes, cashing a check, and boarding an airplane. Most of the time, fake driver’s licenses and IDs are procured by minors who want to purchase alcohol or get into bars, but they are also used in committing fraud and other offenses. 

The State of Wisconsin takes the production, sale, and possession of fake IDs seriously. If you have been charged for any offense involving fake identification, it is important to seek representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Because they are often used interchangeably in conversation, many people think theft, robbery, and burglary are all the same thing. They are actually three rather different charges with various levels of consequences. If you are charged with theft, robbery or burglary, it is important to understand the potential punishments you face for a conviction and to secure experienced legal representation as soon as possible.

Theft Charges

According to Wisconsin law, theft occurs when you intentionally take and use, transfer, conceal, or retain possession of moveable property without the owner’s consent and with the intention of permanently depriving them of that property. Like most states’ theft laws, the punishments for theft in Wisconsin largely depend on the value of the property taken. If the value is not more than $2,500, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to nine months in prison and $10,000 in fines. Penalties for stolen property valued at $2,500 or more can be classified as anywhere from a Class I felony to a Class F felony. This means you could face anywhere from three to 12 years in prison and fines between $10,000 and $25,000.

If you have been charged with DUI, you may be facing several issues such as shame, depression, and social stigma. Fortunately, you can get your life back on track after a DUI conviction and learn from your mistake. Here are several tips that will help you get through this hurdle and move forward with your life.

1. Seek Treatment If Necessary. In some cases, a DUI was the result of one bad decision. However, if you often find yourself getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, you may have an alcohol addiction. If you believe you have an alcohol issue that is affecting your life, career, and relationships, you should seek treatment by contacting your doctor or a local treatment center.
2. Seek Support. Facing a DUI can be an overwhelming experience. Therefore, you should seek support from your family, close friends, or even a professional counselor. Resolving problems on your own could do more harm than good so it is important that you take advantage of loved ones and professionals who have your best interest in mind.
3. Forgive Your Mistake. Tell yourself that nobody is perfect and one mistake does not make you a bad person. You should accept that you were caught driving under the influence, forgive yourself, and do everything in your power to avoid another DUI charge in the future.
4. Find a Hobby You Enjoy. One of the most effective ways to take your mind off your DUI and unleash some stress is to find a hobby you enjoy. Some examples of hobbies you should consider are joining a fantasy football league, bird watching, bowling, yoga, cooking, and woodworking.
5. Create a List of Goals. Rather than focusing on your DUI conviction and what happened in your past, you should focus on your future by creating a list of goals. Think about where you want to be in 5, 10, and 15 years from now and ask yourself what you can do to make your dreams a reality.
6. Reach Out to an Experienced DUI Attorney. DUI laws are complex and difficult to understand. To ensure that your rights are protected and increase your chances of avoiding a conviction, you should consult an experienced DUI attorney. They can evaluate your case and may be able to design a strong defense strategy that can improve your situation.

Contact Our Milwaukee County DUI Attorneys Today

For skilled, compassionate legal representation for your DUI charge, you should contact our experienced Milwaukee County DUI lawyers today at 262-303-4916. We can make sure you are being treated fairly and help you overcome this roadblock in your life.