Van Severen Law Office defends criminal cases throughout Wisconsin.
The 4th of July is right around the corner. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for special enforcement of OWI/DUI offenses and offenses related to fireworks. Here are a few reminders from our drunk driving and criminal defense law firm:
Fireworks
Possession of fireworks and their use is legislated in Section 167.10 of the Wisconsin Statutes. “Anything manufactured, processed or packaged for exploding, emitting sparks or combustion which does not have another common use” is a firework. All items that meet the definition of fireworks are illegal in Wisconsin without a proper permit, though there are certain exceptions, including:
- Sparklers – A sparkler on a wire or wood stick not exceeding 36 inches in length that is designed to produce audible or visible effects or to produce audible and visible effects;
- Confetti – A device designed to spray out paper confetti or streamers and which contains less than one-quarter grain of explosive mixture;
- A fuseless device that is designed to produce audible or visible effects or audible and visible effects, and that contains less than one-quarter grain of explosive mixture;
- A device that is designed primarily to burn pyrotechnic smoke-producing mixtures, at a controlled rate, and that produces audible or visible effects, or audible and visible effects.
- A novelty device that spins or moves on the ground.
Does it shoot something in the air? Does it leave the ground? In either case, it’s illegal. You face up to a $1,000 fine if you use or possess a firework. Additionally, almost all local municipalities have their own rules related to fireworks. Contact your local municipality and obtain a permit to shoot off any type of firework that does not meet one of the exceptions in the statute.
Holiday OWI/DUI/Underage Drinking Enforcement
The 4th of July holiday is usually a time for increased enforcement of alcohol related laws. That enforcement comes on the roads and on the water. There are numerous holiday festivals going on in local communities, as well as Summerfest in Milwaukee. Pay careful attention to roads that are either blocked off or restricted in these areas. Do not give the police a reason to pull you over. Make sure your lights are on. Make sure the occupants of your vehicle are wearing seat belts, don’t blast loud music, and follow traffic signals.
Police make it a point to look for drunk drivers around the 4th of July. Arrested for OWI? Contact us immediately.
Need a criminal defense attorney?
If you do find yourself pulled over, be polite with the officer and provide him with your identification. Do not give a statement to police without speaking to one of our criminal defense attorneys. It’s a holiday weekend. Be that as it may, one of our defense lawyers is always available. We answer phone calls 24/7.
Hiring a top criminal defense attorney makes any case easier. And it usually helps you to obtain better results.