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.

Wisconsin also defines the offense of first-degree reckless homicide. This offense may apply if a person causes someone else’s death by acting recklessly or negligently and showing an “utter disregard for human life.” For example, a person who was driving a vehicle at a high speed through a residential area may be charged with first-degree reckless homicide if they struck and killed a pedestrian, since they should have been aware that their actions were likely to result in serious injuries or death.

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. 

A restraining order will typically prohibit the person who has been accused of abuse or harassment from contacting or approaching the protected party. They may also include other terms, including restrictions on a person’s ability to own or possess firearms.

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.

The Basics of OWI Injury Charges

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Doing so can result in OWI charges. However, if you are involved in an accident while driving under the influence, you may face additional charges for causing injuries to anyone else who was involved. The specific penalties will be based on the circumstances of your case, including the extent of the injuries people suffered, whether you had any previous OWI convictions, and whether there was a child passenger in your vehicle.

Potential Consequences of OWI Injury Charges

If convicted of an OWI injury charge, you could be subject to several types of penalties, including fines and jail time. If you did not have any previous OWI convictions, you may be sentenced to between 30 days and one year in jail, and you may face fines of between $300 and $2,000. In some cases, you may be eligible for a reduced sentence if you agree to participate in drug or alcohol treatment and successfully complete a period of probation. If this “safe streets” option is available, the minimum sentence is 15 days.

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.

Potential Defense Strategies

When building a defense against charges of sexual assault, there are several potential strategies that may be used:

Receiving a traffic ticket can be a stressful experience. Being pulled over by a police officer can be frightening enough, and once a ticket is issued, you may be concerned about how it may affect you in the future. In addition to being required to pay fines, your car insurance rates may increase. If you have received multiple traffic violations, you may even be worried that you could lose your license. By understanding Wisconsin’s laws regarding traffic violations, you can determine what penalties you may face. An experienced attorney can help you understand how to defend against the suspension of your license and address any other related legal issues.

Traffic Violations That Can Result in License Suspension or Revocation

There are several types of violations that can result in license suspension in Wisconsin:

• Operating while intoxicated (OWI): If you are arrested for drunk driving and fail or refuse to take a chemical blood alcohol test. If you are convicted of OWI, your license will be revoked.
• Excessive speeding: Violating the speed limit by at least 25 miles per hour will result in a 15-day license suspension.
• Fleeing an officer: Purposely attempting to flee from or elude law enforcement will typically result in a license revocation.
• Injuring or killing someone in a car accident: A conviction for vehicular homicide or causing great bodily harm due to reckless driving will typically result in a license revocation.
• Passing a stopped emergency vehicle: Failing to act safely to avoid accidents and prevent injuries when a police car, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road will result in a license suspension. If an accident results in property damage, your license may be suspended for 90 days to one year. An accident that caused bodily harm will result in a suspension of 180 days to two years. A two-year suspension will apply if a person was killed in an accident.

The Point System in Wisconsin

If you are convicted of a traffic violation that is not serious enough to warrant a license suspension or revocation, you will have demerit points added to your driving record. If you accumulate a certain number of points within a 12-month period, your license may be suspended. Some examples of points that may be assigned for different violations include: