Category: Uncategorized

Can I be searched on probation? Act 79 searches explained

Court of appeals Anderson challenged the search at the trial court level and lost the argument. The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court decision.  That court found that “Seeger had sufficient basis to believe that Anderson was subject to Act 79.”  Further supporting that decision, the court found “Seeger was familiar with Anderson, having…

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When Obstructing isn’t Obstructing

Obstructing an officer is a crime in Wisconsin.  Citizens are not allowed to obstruct an officer doing any act in his official capacity and with lawful authority.  This includes knowingly giving false information to an officer.  But what if you simply refuse to give an officer information?  What if you don’t tell an officer your...CONTINUE READING

Theft charges in Wisconsin

At Van Severen Law Office we defend individuals facing all theft charges. Under Wisconsin law, theft is a property crime that can take many forms. Most people think of this charge in terms of retail theft. One of the most commonly-charged theft crimes in Wisconsin is retail theft.  That being said, this crime is much...CONTINUE READING

What is a Probation Hold?

One of the most common calls we receive at Van Severen Law Office involves a loved one being placed on a probation hold.  This post will explore how you can be placed on a probation hold, how long you can be detained on a probation hold, and possible outcomes of your probation hold. Detained on…

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Impersonating a Peace Officer

Remember the childhood game of cops and robbers?  One person would dress up as the cop and the other would be the bandit.  It was a harmless game.  But did you know that Wisconsin law makes it illegal to impersonate a peace officer?  This post will examine the point where a fun game crosses the…

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Len Bias Law Prosecutions in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is seeing a significant increase in Len Bias homicide prosecutions in an effort to curb the delivery of opiate drugs and reduce overdose deaths.  The name Len Bias prosecutions became common parlance after the famous college basketball prospect overdosed on cocaine and died two days after he was drafted 2nd overall by the Boston Celtics…

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IID Laws in Wisconsin

If you’ve been pulled over for an OWI offense in Wisconsin, you may be required to install an IID, or ignition interlock device, on your vehicle.  This post explores the law, how it applies to you, and how you can get an exemption. The IID Law There are three scenarios where a person convicted of…

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Mandatory Minimum for Firearms Offenses

We are starting to see the effects of a bill signed into law back in November 2015 which created mandatory minimum sentences for certain firearms offenses, including possession of a firearm by a felon.  This post will describe the new law and explore the consequences you face if charged and convicted under the new sentencing…

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Sealing Your CCAP Record

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website, or CCAP, shows all filings in circuit courts throughout Wisconsin, including criminal, family, and small claims cases.  As it relates to a criminal case, a user can discover a wealth of data with only a few clicks, including the status of the case, the next court date, and what…

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The Influence of Justice Antonin Scalia

With the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia last week, the Van Severen Law Office Blog takes a look back at how he influenced the Supreme Court over the course of his 30 years on the bench. Appointment and Early Days Scalia was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 after then-Chief Justice Warren…

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