What is the current law? To illustrate, homicide, murder, and manslaughter laws in Wisconsin are as follows: First-degree intentional homicide – Wis. Stat. sec. 940.01 First-degree reckless homicide – Wis. Stat. sec. 940.02 Felony murder – Wis. Stat. sec. 940.03 Abortion – Wis. Stat. sec. 940.04 Second-degree intentional homicide – Wis. Stat. sec. 940.05 Second-degree…

What strategies do we use to successfully defend drunk driving charges? At Van Severen Law Office we focus on defending individuals accused of committing drunk driving and criminal offenses.  While every case is different, in order to beat an OWI charge in Wisconsin, there are certain common issues we look for.  If you’re looking to…

Texas bartender charged for serving alcohol to an intoxicated person A Texas bartender was arrested last week and was charged with a misdemeanor for selling alcohol to an intoxicated person.  Is there a similar statute in Wisconsin?  Read on to learn about a similar crime in Wisconsin and what penalties you face if convicted. Over-serving…

Should drunk driving laws be stronger in Wisconsin? Wisconsin has a notorious reputation when it comes to the laws prohibiting drunk driving. In recent years, lawmakers and advocates have pushed for stricter legislation against DUI offenders.  This has occurred in many states throughout the country, including Wisconsin. The movement has evolved into a collection of…

The State of Wisconsin strictly prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is evidently clear from the strict laws and penalties for DUI offenses in Wisconsin. The prohibition includes anyone who operates or drives a vehicle: With a prohibited BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08 percent Under the influence of any substance…

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…

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…

I got into a verbal argument with my wife. Why am I being charged with Domestic Abuse? Many clients ask why they are being charged with Domestic Abuse for getting into a verbal argument with their spouse. Basically, the reason is that under Wisconsin Law such conduct can constitute domestic abuse under certain circumstances. Wisconsin,…

What happens when a drug addict calls 911 on her abuser? Criminal defense attorney Ben Van Severen regularly answers questions for individuals seeking legal help on AVVO.com.  In a recent question, one individual wanted to know what would happen to her if she, a drug addict, called police after being abused by her partner. Will…

A police officer gave me a subpoena to appear in court.  Do I need to show up? Of course you do.  A subpoena is a court order that requires your appearance at a specific place at a specific date and time. There is specific language included in an official language that makes this  clear.  Subpoenas…