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:

As one might expect, being a victim of a crime--especially a violent crime--can be very challenging and confusing. There is no such thing as a victimless crime, and you may be wondering why it has happened to you. You could be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or you could be trying to recover lost property. Whatever the crime was that was committed against you, it is important to know that as a victim, you have rights, and you have options about which steps to take next. If you have been a victim of a crime, consider taking steps to gain justice and/or compensation.  

Seeking Remedies From the Courts

The aftermath of a crime can be a scary and traumatic time for a victim. Fortunately, there are actions that you can take to bring your offender to justice and protect yourself, including:

• Criminal Court: One of your options is to proceed with a criminal case by reporting the crime to a law enforcement officer who will investigate, perform an arrest, and press charges, if necessary. In criminal cases, the victim’s main role is as a witness for the prosecution. A criminal case is meant to determine the guilt or innocence of a person, and a prosecutor’s main goal is to represent the state, not the victim. In some cases, a person convicted of a crime may be required to pay restitution that addresses the financial losses they have caused to their victims.
• Civil Court: In a civil case, the main objective is not to identify the guilt or innocence of a person, but whether or not they are liable for injuries or damages caused to the victim because of the crime. If a court finds the offender liable for the victim’s damages, they are not sent to jail but are required to pay monetary compensation to the victim or their family. Civil lawsuits force the offender to be held liable to their victim rather being prosecuted for their crimes against the state.
• Orders of Protection: If you are the victims of domestic violence or stalking, you have the option of filing an order of protection, which can help keep you safe. An order of protection (commonly known as a restraining order) can prohibit a person from going anywhere you, your home, where you work, your school, or other places that you usually go. If the person violates the order of protection, they will be subject to criminal punishment.

Are You a Victim of a Crime? A Delafield Attorney for Victims’ Rights Can Help

Every crime victim has the right to seek compensation from an offender who caused them to suffer. Though it cannot change what happened, taking action against your offender can not only empower you, but it may also help you recover some damages that will address the harm done to you. If you have been a victim of a crime and would like to talk about pursuing damages, you should contact a Waukesha County victims’ rights lawyer. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, we know that talking about the crime that happened to you can be difficult, but our compassionate attorneys will fight to protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve. To set up a free consultation, call our office at 262-303-4916.