When you get your driver’s license in Wisconsin, you agree to follow the rules of the road and that includes commands and directions given by a police officer. If you approach a stop sign, you must stop. If a police officer asks you to get out of your car, you must do so. And most people know that trying to escape from a pursuing police officer can get you in big trouble. But what if you are listening to loud music on a sunny day and do not see the lights or hear the siren? What if you were getting pulled over in a notoriously unsafe place? If you have been charged with fleeing/eluding a police officer, contact a criminal defense attorney right away.

Fleeing/Eluding Police Officers Is a Class I Felonies in Wisconsin

If a driver does not pull over after a police officer gives the driver an audio or visual signal to do so, the driver could be charged with fleeing/eluding a police officer. Charges for fleeing/eluding a police officer are usually brought after someone tries to get away from a police officer by engaging in a risky high-speed chase, or by trying to hide.

Fleeing/eluding a police officer is a Class I felony, which, if successfully convicted, can result in up to three and a half years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the driver of a vehicle engaged in a high-speed chase and endangered the lives of other drivers and the police officer, the driver will likely face a charge of recklessly endangering safety, which is a Class F felony that allows up to 12 and a half years in prison and a fine up to $25,000.

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In the state of Wisconsin, reckless driving can be prosecuted as a criminal offense. It is defined as operating a vehicle in a careless or negligent manner, which endangers the safety of others. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you could face significant penalties, including fines and possible jail. In this blog post, we will discuss what reckless driving is, the penalties for a conviction, and some defenses to consider if you are charged with this crime.

Understanding the Offense of Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is prohibited by Wisconsin Statute 346.62, which provides that "No person may endanger the safety of any person or property by the negligent operation of a vehicle." In order to be convicted of reckless driving, the prosecution must prove that you were operating your vehicle in a manner that showed a disregard for the safety of others. This can be proven through circumstantial evidence, such as the way you were driving, what you said to the police, or even your demeanor at the time of your arrest.

Penalties for Reckless Driving Convictions in Wisconsin

The penalties for a reckless driving conviction depend on the severity of the offense and whether anyone was injured as a result of your actions. If you are convicted of a reckless driving offense for putting someone in danger and it is your first offense, you will face fines of up to $200. If your driving led to another person suffering a minor injury, you could face up to 30 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. If you are convicted of reckless driving that causes “great bodily injury,” you could face up to three and a half years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

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If your child has just been charged with underage OWI in Wisconsin, you may be feeling a range of emotions, from shock to anger to worry. It's important to know that there are consequences for underage drinking and driving, but there are also ways to minimize the negative impact of an OWI on your child's life. Here is what you need to know about the penalties for an underage OWI in Wisconsin and what you can do next.

Penalties for an Underage OWI in Wisconsin

The penalties for an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction for an underage person in Wisconsin depend on the facts of the case, but they can range from a fine to jail time. If your child is convicted of an underage OWI, they may face the following penalties:

• Fines of up to $500

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Being accused of domestic violence can be a very frightening experience. Your entire life can be affected, just based on the allegations that you were violent or abusive toward a family member. If you have been charged with domestic violence in Wisconsin, it is important to understand the possible defenses that may be available to you. An experienced defense attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights.

Wisconsin’s Mandatory Arrest Laws

When the police respond to a domestic violence call in Wisconsin, they are required to make an arrest under certain circumstances. Specifically, an officer shall arrest a person that the officer reasonably believes has committed or is committing domestic abuse, the person’s actions constitute a crime, AND one of the of the following is true:

• The officer believes that continued abuse is likely against the alleged victim.

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In Wisconsin, driving is a privilege, not a right. This means that the state can take away your ability to drive for a number of reasons, including being convicted of traffic violations. With some offenses, you may lose your driving privileges on the first infraction, and with others, you can receive several tickets before you lose your license. Losing your ability to drive often means that your ability to work and attend to personal responsibilities may be compromised. If you determine that your driver’s license may be at risk of suspension, you should contact a skilled attorney so that your rights can be protected.

Appointed Lawyers and the True Cost of Traffic Violations

When the crime you are accused of is punishable by imprisonment, the state will provide you with a public defender. However, many traffic violations are not punishable by imprisonment, so if you want legal counsel, you must retain a lawyer yourself. Also, many people prefer hiring a private defense attorney, as public defenders are often overworked, underpaid, and unable to dedicate the necessary attention to each case they are assigned.

Keep in mind that there are hidden costs beyond the traffic ticket fine. According to some sources, a traffic ticket could increase your insurance premiums for up to five years. Taking that into consideration, the total cost of a Wisconsin traffic ticket is likely to be much higher than you might expect. On average, for example, a Wisconsin driver will pay between about $200 and $800 for a speeding violation.

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