Self defense – it’s brought up in high profile cases and featured in TV shows and movies.  But what really constitutes “self defense?”  And is it really that commonly used?  This post will examine what self defense really is and the scenarios where self defense can, and cannot, be used. The Law of Self Defense…

There are dozens of crimes involving possession of something prohibited by law.  Controlled substances and weapons are the most common items where possession is regulated.  Possession seems pretty straightforward, but in fact, it’s quite the opposite.  This post will examine the different ways to possess an item and legal defenses to possession. Possession – What…

In a little under one month since its release, the Netflix original documentary “Making a Murderer” has taken America by storm.  The 10-part series was released on December 18, 2015, just in time for the holidays.  The filmmakers take viewers on a nearly 30 year journey, beginning with Steven Avery’s 1985 conviction for sexual assault. …

Mandatory minimum sentences for child porn convictions: On December 14, 2015 a client of Van Severen Law Office was sentenced for possession of child pornography in the Fond du Lac County Circuit Court.  Although charged with possession of ten images, our criminal defense attorney was able to negotiate for seven of the counts to be dismissed….

What do you do if you receive a municipal citation?  Is it worth fighting?  Do I even need an attorney?  The attorneys at Van Severen Law Office believe that there’s always something worth fighting for, even if it’s just a seemingly minor municipal citation. Court date information Nearly every officer in the state uses the Wisconsin…

Wisconsin is known as a “Truth in Sentencing” state.  This means that someone sentenced to the Wisconsin State Prison System must serve a bifurcated sentence – a period of initial confinement and a period of extended supervision.  The “truth” in the sentence comes from the fact that the offender knows exactly how much time he…

If you face criminal charges contact Van Severen Law Office immediately.  Criminal justice actors throughout Wisconsin recognize our defense attorneys as among the best in the state.  Whether you’re charged with a drunk driving offense, a drug offense, or any other kind of crime, contact us at (414) 270-0202. Reasonable suspicion and extending the stop…

Why’d the police stop you?  This is an important question that could lead to multiple motions in your case. Why did the cops pull you over?  A criminal defense attorney should always ask you this question at your initial consultation.  Whether you’re facing a drug case, a drunk driving case, or any other case that…

How do defendants lose this credit? Defendants lose good time when they aren’t good.  The law says: An inmate who violates any law or any regulation of the jail, or neglects or refuses to perform any duty lawfully required of him or her, may be deprived by the sheriff of good time under this section,…

Horizontal gaze nystagmus The HGN test is the most accurate of the three tests.  The test has a 77% accuracy rate in detecting when blood alcohol levels are above .10%.  Nystagmus itself is involuntary jerking or bouncing of the eyeball.  The jerking or bouncing makes it appear that the pupil is being pulled back towards…