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What Types of Compensation Can I Claim if I Am a Victim of a Crime in Wisconsin?
For almost every crime, there is going to be a victim. Some crimes are more violent than others, but nearly all crime is going to have an effect on someone, somewhere. When it comes to crimes that are committed directly to or in the presence of a person, the risk of sustaining certain types of damages is increased significantly. Many people may not be aware that there are programs available to help with the unexpected costs that victims may incur after a crime is committed. In Wisconsin, there are many situations in which you may be eligible to receive various types of compensation through the state’s Crime Victim Compensation program.
Eligibility Requirements
Victims of certain crimes, family members of deceased victims, those who were injured helping a crime victim or police officer, and those who have been in an accident with an intoxicated driver are all able to file claims with the Crime Victim Compensation program, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for compensation, the following must be true:
What Are The Laws in Wisconsin for Transporting Firearms?
Fewer issues are the subject of as much controversy as gun laws. Although the right to possess a firearm is protected by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, state gun laws vary dramatically. If you are a gun owner in Wisconsin, it is crucial to know and understand your firearm-related rights and responsibilities. Violating Wisconsin gun laws, including laws related to gun transport, can lead to criminal charges.
Gun Laws in Wisconsin
Per Wisconsin law, you do not need a permit to own a gun. However, certain individuals are prohibited by possessing firearms by state and federal law. Under federal law, individuals who have been convicted of a felony criminal offense or certain domestic violence offenses may not possess a firearm. Additionally, Wisconsin law prohibits gun ownership for individuals who are subject to a restraining order, have drug or alcohol dependence problems, or have certain mental conditions.
Can You Sue for Emotional Harm Caused by Intentional Actions in Wisconsin?
If you were harmed by someone else’s intentional actions, you may be able to assert your rights, hold the wrongdoer accountable, and recover damages through a civil claim. Personal injury claims often involve injuries caused by negligence or carelessness such as car accident injuries. However, a personal injury claim may also be brought by someone who is injured intentionally. Victimology is the area of law that deals with personal injury claims for victims of assault, abuse, and other forms of intentional harm. A victimology claim may allow you to recover financial compensation for emotional distress and other damages.
Suing for Physical Injuries and Emotional Distress
A personal injury claim is a civil claim that an injured person may use to collect monetary compensation for “damages” or losses that the injured person sustained because of the injury. Damages usually include financial losses such as medical bills and lost income from missed work. Damages may also include non-financial harm caused by the injury including physical pain, mental suffering, and emotional distress. In most personal injury claims, compensation for non-financial damages, such as mental and emotional distress, are only available if the person suffered a physical injury. For example, if a person suffered a broken nose during an assault and battery, that person may be compensated for emergency room bills as well as the pain and suffering he or she endured because of the broken nose.
Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender If I Was Accused of a Sex Crime?
Criminal charges of any kind have the potential to dramatically alter the course of an individual’s life. However, few allegations compare to being accused of a sex crime. If you have been accused of a criminal offense related to indecent exposure, child pornography, sexual assault, or criminal sexual abuse, you could be facing severe criminal and personal consequences. In Wisconsin, individuals who are convicted of certain sex-based offenses are required to register as sex offenders for a minimum of ten years. This means that the offender’s name, picture, and other identifying information will be publicly available on the sex offender website.
Which Crimes Require an Individual to Appear on the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry?
An individual must appear on the sex offender registry if he or she is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony sex offense listed in the Wisconsin Statute 973.048. In some cases, a criminal conviction automatically requires registration and in other cases, the court has discretion about whether an offender must register as a sex offender. Some of the most common offenses for which a person may be required to register include:
How Much Is My Wisconsin Car Accident Case Worth?
Wisconsin law allows individuals who were injured by another party’s negligent or criminal actions to seek compensation for their “damages” or losses. The amount of compensation that a personal injury claim may recover for a car accident victim varies from case to case. Several factors can affect the amount of money that an injured plaintiff receives, including the severity of the injuries, the victim’s prognosis, and more.
Types of Recoverable Damages for Which You May Be Entitled Compensation
There are several types of damages available to car accident victims under Wisconsin personal injury law. Compensatory damages typically include the financial and non-financial losses experienced by the victim. Economic damages typically include:
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Past and future lost income from missed work
What Are the Laws in Wisconsin Regarding Carrying a Gun?
The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives us the right to bear arms. However, this right does not prevent states from enforcing certain restrictions regarding who can own a gun and where. If you are a gun owner, knowing the firearms laws in Wisconsin is crucial. Failure to obey conceal carry laws or other Wisconsin weapons laws can lead to criminal charges and the loss of your right to own a firearm.
Concealed Carry Permits Are Required to Conceal Carry a Firearm in Wisconsin
In order to legally carry a concealed firearm, you must apply for a carrying concealed weapon (CCW) license. To get a CCW license, you must be at least 21 and a Wisconsin resident. You must also complete a training course. Certain individuals are barred from getting a CCW under Wisconsin and/or federal law including:
What if I Am Arrested for Drinking and Driving With a Child Passenger?
Being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Wisconsin carries stiff penalties regardless of the situation. However, operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) with a child in the car can incur even harsher penalties. Drunk driving is estimated to cause over one-third of traffic fatalities in Wisconsin. Sadly, many intoxicated driving accident victims are children. Because of this, Wisconsin has instituted enhanced penalties for OWI offenders who have a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle.
OWI With a Minor Passenger in Wisconsin
The severity of the penalties someone faces for drunk driving varies significantly depending on the driver’s history. First-time OWI offenses usually only result in civil penalties. The offender must pay a fine and cannot drive for a license revocation period of up to nine months. However, if a driver has been charged with OWI in the past and is arrested for a second or subsequent OWI, he or she may face criminal consequences.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Accused of Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence involves physical or psychological abuse against a former or current family member, romantic partner, or household member. Wisconsin takes accusations of domestic violence or abuse very seriously. There is not a crime specifically called “domestic violence,” but battery, assault, sexual assault, and other crimes often fall under the category of domestic violence. If you have been arrested for alleged violence against a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, ex-romantic partner, child, or roommate, do not take these charges casually. Your career, reputation, and even your freedom could be on the line.
Do Not Make Statements to the Police Without Your Attorney
You have a Constitutional right to refuse police questioning and ask for your lawyer. It is important to take advantage of this right. Whatever the circumstances of your arrest, the ordeal was most likely traumatic. You may have gotten into a physical altercation with another person and been injured. You may have been accused of things you did not actually do. Experiences like these leave a person in a heightened emotional state. You could easily say things to the police during questioning that you do not mean and end up worsening your situation because of it. Remember, any statements that you make to police can be used against you during criminal proceedings. It is best to remain silent and wait for your attorney.
Can I Seek Compensation as a Victim of a Distracted Driving Accident?
Everyone knows that it is dangerous to text and drive. Unfortunately, this does not stop millions of drivers from using their phones while driving. Using a cell phone, tablet, GPS, or other electronic devices behind the wheel is the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it takes your hands, eyes, and attention away from driving. If you or a loved one were injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.
Study Shows that Distracted Driving Is On the Rise
A study conducted by Zendrive shows that distracted driving is a much greater problem than previously realized. It is also a problem that is increasing in severity. According to the data compiled, individuals use their cell phones while driving an average of 88 out of 100 trips. Distracted driving often involves cell phones and other portable electronic devices; however, non-device distractions can be just as dangerous. Eating, drinking, grooming, and other activities may lead to severe and even deadly distracted driving accidents.
Commonly Asked Questions About Restraining Orders in Wisconsin
Domestic violence affects the lives of millions of Americas. Whether you have been a victim of domestic violence or abuse or you have been accused of abusing someone, it is important to know about your rights and responsibilities regarding restraining orders. A restraining order is a type of court order called an injunction. For example, this legally enforceable order may prohibit an individual from contacting or coming within a certain distance of you and/or your children.
Domestic Violence and Abuse
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 10 million men and women are the victims of physical abuse at the hands of a romantic partner every year in the United States. Both males and females can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. Physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse can happen to people of all income levels and lifestyles. A restraining order prevents an alleged abuser from continuing to abuse or harass someone. Violating the terms of a restraining order is a misdemeanor offense in Wisconsin, punishable by up to nine months in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
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