What happens when you are assigned a judge and you want someone else?  The Wisconsin Statutes provide a right to substitute on your judge, and although you don’t get to “pick” your new judge, filing a substitution request can make a big difference in your case. The Right to Substitution The right to substitute on your judge is…

What does it mean when you look at your criminal complaint and you see “repeater” listed after the charge?  What charges are affected by the repeater enhancer?  And what is a persistent repeater?  This post will examine the standard repeater statute, how DA’s will use the repeater enhancer against you, and how being labeled a…

A common question we receive is whether it is legal to openly carry a firearm or other weapon in Wisconsin.  The answer, in general, is yes.  There is no “law” permitting open carry in Wisconsin.  Rather, it is presumed legal but subject to numerous restrictions.  The opposite of open carry is carrying concealed.  Wisconsin statute 941.23…

We all know what the 4th amendment says:  “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and…

In a lengthy decision, Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Magistrate Judge William Duffin has overturned Brendan Dassey’s 2007 murder conviction of Teresa Halbach.  Dassey gained national attention through the Netflix “Making a Murderer” series.  The series chronicled Dassey’s uncle, Steven Avery, and his ultimate conviction in the murder of Halbach.  Dassey was also convicted of…

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…

Our criminal defense attorneys describe Stringray devices: The use of a cell site simulator, or Stingray, continues to crop up in headlines across the country.  Courts regularly address various concerns regarding the Stingray device, specifically when examining Fourth Amendment issues.   Should law enforcement obtain a warrant before using a Stingray?  How intrusive is the device? …

Stand Your Ground – The Law Wisconsin does not have a stand your ground law.  In states that do have stand your ground laws, the right to stand your ground generally applies outside of your home, vehicle, and business.  In those states, an individual can generally use deadly force without a duty to retreat.  This…

In a decision that affects criminal defendants throughout the country, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that an illegal stop of a person becomes acceptable if an officer discovers the driver has an outstanding warrant.  The Court further ruled that any illegal contraband discovered as a result of the arrest on the warrant is admissible…

One of the most frustrating things for clients and their families is the fact that we cannot guarantee specific results: we can’t guarantee that charges won’t be brought, a not guilty verdict, or a light sentence.  Understandably, many new clients would like some form of a guarantee before retaining a lawyer’s services.  But when it…