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…

What is “homicide by negligent handling of dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire”? Section 940.08 of the Wisconsin Statutes prohibits negligent handling of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire.  The law says: (1) Except as provided in sub. (3), whoever causes the death of another human being by the negligent operation or handling of a dangerous…

Contact Van Severen Law Office to discuss your first or second degree recklessly endangering safety case.  Phone calls are answered 24/7 at (414) 270-0202 Our criminal defense lawyers have worked on 1st degree recklessly endangering safety and 2nd degree reckless endangering safety cases.  Van Severen Law Office is a Milwaukee, WI criminal defense law firm…

Contact Van Severen Law Office regarding your “unauthorized use of an individual’s personal identifying information or documents” charge. The criminal defense attorneys at Van Severen Law Office have defended “unauthorized use of an individual’s personal identifying information or documents” charges.  This crime is a Class H felony and carries with it a potential prison sentence…

What is homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle? Section 940.10 of the Wisconsin Statutes prohibits homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.  There are two versions of the offense, but the only difference in the status of the victim.  Section 940.10(1) of the Wisconsin Statutes deals with homicide of another human being.  Section 940.10(2)…

What is mutilating a corpse? Mutilating a corpse is a crime prohibited by section 940.11(1) of the Wisconsin Statutes.  The exact language of the statute indicates that it’s a crime when an individual “mutilates, disfigures or dismembers a corpse, with intent to conceal a crime or avoid apprehension…”  As with any criminal offense, there are…

We are starting to see the effects of a bill signed into law back in November 2015 which created mandatory minimum sentences for certain firearms offenses, including possession of a firearm by a felon.  This post will describe the new law and explore the consequences you face if charged and convicted under the new sentencing…