Author: Matthew Meyer

What is vaping? Vaping a legal substance certainly isn’t a crime.  Further, many proponents of vaping indicate that it’s relatively safe. According to the Center on Addiction: Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. The term is used…

Operating a vehicle without owner’s consent: the charge for stealing a car in Wisconsin Section 943.23(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes prohibits operating a vehicle without owner’s consent: “…Whoever intentionally takes and drivers any vehicle without the consent of the owner is guilty of the following:” a first offense a Class H felony.  A second or…

The 72-hour no contact order. The 72-hour no contact order only applies to domestic abuse cases.  And particularly, it only applies when officers arrest the defendant. The order requires the arrested person to avoid the residence of the victim and any premises temporarily occupied by the alleged victim.  The order also certainly requires the arrested…

And what happens if I lie to the police? As we previously discussed, you’ve committed a crime.  It’s called obstructing an officer, and it’s punishable by up to 9 months in jail, a $10,000.00 fine, or both.  Section 946.41 of the Wisconsin Statutes prohibits obstructing an officer.  Section 946.41 reads: … whoever knowingly resists or…

And what happens if I don’t wait for the order is officially dropped? If you’re caught you could face charges.  Remember – the person that just told you she dropped the order?  She’s the same person who went through the hassle at the courthouse to obtain an order against you.  Or, she called the police. …

Swatting happens in Wisconsin. In July 2019 police responded to a Madison condo for a swatting call.  Law enforcement was advised that a woman had barricaded herself inside the condo with a gun.  The caller claimed to be the mother of the swatting victim.  Thankfully, police de-escalated the situation when the actual condo-owner arrived home. …

What are the penalties? The State of Wisconsin determined that individuals with commercial driver licenses must abide by stricter safety standards.  Importantly, CDLs are required to operate vehicles over 26,000 pounds, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, and vehicles that transport more than 16 passengers.  Certainly, truck drivers, bus drivers, and other professional large vehicle operators all…

What happens when someone gets hurt? Section 30.681(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes prohibits causing injury while under the influence of an intoxicant: No person while under the influence of an intoxicant to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safe motorboat operation may cause injury to another person by the operation of a…