Domestic Abuse Repeater Statute Explained

There is a provision in the Wisconsin Statutes that can increase your maximum penalty for a domestic abuse related offense.  In this post, criminal defense attorney Benjamin Van Severen explains what a domestic abuse repeater is.  He’ll also explain how the DV-repeater works in concert with other repeater statutes. Domestic Abuse Repeater The DV-repeater statute…

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Electric Scooters Legal in Milwaukee

Electric scooters now legal in Milwaukee Electric scooters are everywhere in Milwaukee.  Just take a stroll through the Third Ward and you will see dozens of riders zipping past you.  Lime.  Bird.  Spin.  What happens when a user cuts you off, swerves in front of your vehicle, or commits some other senseless act?  Surely you’ve…

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She dropped the restraining order. Why am I being charged?

And what happens if I don’t wait for the order is officially dropped? If you’re caught you could face charges.  Remember – the person that just told you she dropped the order?  She’s the same person who went through the hassle at the courthouse to obtain an order against you.  Or, she called the police. …

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Is swatting a crime in Wisconsin?

Swatting happens in Wisconsin. In July 2019 police responded to a Madison condo for a swatting call.  Law enforcement was advised that a woman had barricaded herself inside the condo with a gun.  The caller claimed to be the mother of the swatting victim.  Thankfully, police de-escalated the situation when the actual condo-owner arrived home. …

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What’s the impact of an OWI on my CDL?

What are the penalties? The State of Wisconsin determined that individuals with commercial driver licenses must abide by stricter safety standards.  Importantly, CDLs are required to operate vehicles over 26,000 pounds, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, and vehicles that transport more than 16 passengers.  Certainly, truck drivers, bus drivers, and other professional large vehicle operators all…

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Using a computer for a child sex crime – is it serious?

How serious is using a computer to facilitate sex with a child? As technology evolves, communication more-frequently occurs electronically. Technology has made it easier and faster than ever to communicate with one another.  Adults frequently use this technology for dating and sexual encounters.  However, with this technology comes the use for more criminal means.  Criminals...CONTINUE READING

Boating under the influence

There’s an injury.  What now? Section 30.681(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes prohibits causing injury while under the influence of an intoxicant: No person while under the influence of an intoxicant to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safe motorboat operation may cause injury to another person by the operation of a motorboat….

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Is catfishing illegal in Wisconsin?

Catfishing - is it legal?  What's the state of the law? Catfishing describes deceptive conduct used by individuals to form relationships with other people online.  Frequently, the perpetrator lures the victim into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona.  Catfishing frequently describes online dating situations.  But it can cover plenty of other virtual...CONTINUE READING

What is a drug recognition expert (DRE)?

And how do they impact my OWI case? Operating while intoxicated is a crime in Wisconsin.  If you're accused of OWI, the government alleged you were operating a vehicle while intoxicated.  While most OWI cases involve drunk driving, this blog post focuses on drug recognition experts and drugged driving cases.  How does an officer qualify...CONTINUE READING

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

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