Recent Blog Posts
Do Arrests for Shoplifting Increase During the Holiday Season?
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time when people are more prone to engage in criminal activities such as shoplifting. With crowded stores, busy employees, and distracted shoppers, it may seem like an opportune time for some people to attempt theft. If you have been arrested and charged with retail theft, you can secure legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who can assist with your case and help you defend against a conviction.
Understanding Shoplifting
Shoplifting, which is also known as retail theft, generally involves stealing merchandise from a store or another establishment without paying the full retail price. Retail theft charges may apply in a variety of situations, ranging from pocketing items and leaving a store without paying to switching price tags or using a self-checkout to ring up items at the wrong price. The penalties for shoplifting vary depending on the value of the stolen goods and other factors.
Does Wisconsin Law Follow the “Castle Doctrine” in Gun Crime Cases?
The "castle doctrine" is a legal principle that allows people to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves and their property within their own homes. It is based on the idea that a person's home is their castle and they have the right to protect it from intruders. Different states have implemented this principle as they have seen fit, implementing “stand your ground” laws and similar measures that are meant to protect the rights of firearm owners and ensure that they can defend themselves and their families.
Wisconsin law does recognize the castle doctrine, but with some important limitations. In Wisconsin, there are specific statutes that outline when an individual can use force in self-defense or defense of others. Even with these laws in place, there are situations where people could potentially face weapons charges or other types of criminal charges based on the use of firearms. If you have been charged with a crime in Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, or elsewhere in Wisconsin, an experienced attorney can provide you with legal representation as you defend against a conviction.
What Should I Do if I Was Arrested for OWI Over Thanksgiving?
For many people, Thanksgiving is a time to gather together with loved ones and give thanks for their blessings. However, holiday celebrations can sometimes get out of hand, leading to poor decision-making and unfortunate consequences. One such consequence is being arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) during the holiday season.
These situations are more common than many people may realize. Alcohol consumption often spikes during this holiday, and the day before Thanksgiving is commonly known as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving” due to the high level of drinking that occurs. Police officers are on the lookout for intoxicated drivers, and they may pull someone over and perform an arrest if there are any signs that they may have been drinking.
What Are Child Pornography Offenses in Wisconsin?
In the state of Wisconsin, child pornography offenses are taken very seriously, and they carry severe penalties for people who are convicted. The possession, distribution, or production of child pornography is considered a sex crime, and in addition to facing criminal penalties such as jail time and fines, an alleged offender may also experience other serious consequences, including damage to their reputation, difficulty finding employment or housing, the requirement to register as a sex offender, and more. In situations involving accusations of child pornography offenses, you will need an experienced attorney on your side as you defend against criminal charges.
Definition of Child Pornography
Under Wisconsin law, child pornography refers to any visual depiction of a child in which the child is engaging in conduct that is considered to be sexually explicit. These materials can include photographs, videos, digital images, or any other form of media. Conduct committed by a child that may lead to child pornography charges may include various acts such as actual or simulated sexual intercourse, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or nudity.
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Wisconsin?
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.
When Can Retail Theft Charges Involve the Theft of Services?
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.
What Is First-Degree or Second-Degree Homicide in Wisconsin?
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.
Will a Restraining Order Prevent Me From Owning a Gun in Wisconsin?
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.
What Happens if You Get in an Accident While Drunk in Wisconsin?
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.
5 Defense Strategies for Those Who Are Accused of Sexual Assault
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.