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Recent Blog Posts
When Can Bribery Lead to Criminal Charges in Wisconsin?
There are a number of different types of offenses that are classified as white collar crimes. These offenses are usually committed in a professional or business setting, and they will typically involve illegal exchanges of money. Bribery is one example of behavior that could potentially lead to criminal charges, and in some cases, people may also face criminal charges due to alleged campaign finance violations. Understanding how the laws in Wisconsin address these issues can help anyone who has been accused of bribery or campaign finance violations ensure that they will be able to defend against criminal charges with the help of an attorney.
What Is Bribery?
Bribery generally involves giving or offering something of value to a public official or politician with the intent to influence their decision-making. Wisconsin law recognizes the offense of bribery of public officers and employees, which involves the attempt to influence people such as police officers, lawmakers, or other government officials into acting in violation of their lawful duty.
What Are the Options for Dividing Business Interests in a Divorce?
By: Going through a divorce is one of the most difficult experiences that anyone can endure. There are a variety of issues that will need to be addressed by divorcing spouses, and conflicts can often arise as a couple determines how to handle ownership of their marital property. Dividing assets is rarely easy, but it can become even more complex when one or both spouses own a business. There are several different approaches to splitting up business interests between divorcing spouses, and with the help of an experienced divorce attorney, a spouse can understand their options and make an informed decision about the best way to proceed.
Valuing the Business Interests
The first step in deciding how to divide business interests in a divorce is to determine their value. To do this, spouses may need to hire a professional appraiser who specializes in business valuation. The appraiser will look at everything from total assets and liabilities to cash flow and financial documents such as contracts, customer lists, inventory, etc. This will help them come up with an accurate valuation of business interests. Depending on the size of the business and the complexity of its finances, this process could take anywhere from several weeks to several months. Once the appraisal is complete, spouses can begin discussing division options.
Our Top 10 Blogs for 2022 Covered Criminal Cases, Weapons Charges, and More
By: Here at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our attorneys provide representation for clients in multiple types of legal matters, including family law, business law, civil litigation, criminal defense, personal injury, and much more. We regularly publish blogs covering a variety of topics related to these legal fields, and we strive to keep our clients and the readers of our blog updated on legal developments and issues that can affect their lives. We wanted to highlight the blogs that visitors to our website read the most during 2022:
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Circumstantial vs. Direct Evidence in Wisconsin Criminal Cases - Criminal prosecutors may rely on different types of evidence as they attempt to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that a person committed an offense. In this blog, we look at the different types of evidence that may be used. Our attorneys ensure that our clients are prepared to address the evidence in their cases, and we fight to protect their rights when defending against criminal charges.
How Will Wisconsin’s New LLC Law Affect Businesses?
Business owners have multiple options during the business formation process as they determine how a company should be structured. In many cases, structuring a business as a limited liability company (LLC) can provide advantages, since this type of structure will shield business owners from being personally liable for business debts while providing them with flexibility as they determine how to manage and operate their business. However, it is important for LLC owners to understand the laws that may affect their businesses. On January 1, 2023, a new Wisconsin law went into effect that may impact LLC members and managers.
Changes to LLC Laws in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Uniform Limited Liability Company Law (WULLCL) has made a number of adjustments to the regulations and requirements that apply to LLCs, including:
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Operating agreements - Most LLCs use a written operating agreement to set forth the rights and responsibilities of members and make decisions about the management of the company. Under the WULLCL, multiple types of operating agreements are recognized, and in addition to written agreements, members may be bound by oral agreements, implied covenants, or a combination of different types of agreements. Because of this, it is important for a business to have a written operating agreement in place that covers all applicable issues and requires changes to the agreement to be made in writing.
Can I File a Lawsuit for a Wisconsin Skiing or Snowboarding Injury?
The state of Wisconsin provides residents and visitors with many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during the winter, including skiing or snowboarding at a variety of ski areas and resorts. However, these activities can be dangerous, and accidents can occur that may result in serious injuries. In these situations, injury victims may wonder whether someone else was at fault for the harm they have suffered and whether they can file a lawsuit against a ski area or another liable party and pursue compensation for their damages. If you have been injured, understanding the laws that affect these cases in Wisconsin can help you determine your options, and by working with a personal injury attorney, you can take steps to identify the liable parties and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Types of Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries
Skiing and snowboarding injuries can vary widely depending on the circumstances surrounding an accident. Common types of injuries include broken bones, head trauma, sprains and strains, spinal cord damage, and other serious physical harm. In some cases, these injuries may occur because of errors made by a skier or snowboarder, such as using a trail that is too difficult for their abilities or attempting dangerous tricks or stunts. However, injuries may also be caused by the negligence of other parties, such as a ski resort operator who failed to properly maintain trails, a ski rental company that did not ensure that equipment was safe to use, or other skiers or snowboarders who acted dangerously and put others at risk.
How Can Stipulations Affect a Wisconsin Divorce?
If you are getting a divorce in Wisconsin, it is essential to understand the procedures that will be followed during your case. One issue that you may need to address during the divorce process involves stipulations, which may put temporary orders in place that will determine how certain issues will be handled as you work to dissolve your marriage. By understanding the role that stipulations can play in your divorce and working with an experienced family law attorney, you can make sure you will be able to complete the divorce process successfully.
What Are Stipulations?
In a legal context, stipulations are agreements made between the parties involved in a case. As you proceed with the divorce process, you may reach agreements with your spouse on how certain issues will be handled, and you can then file a stipulation in court asking the judge in your case to approve these agreements and put temporary orders in place. These temporary orders may remain in effect until your divorce is finalized, or they can be modified when necessary. While the issues addressed in stipulations will not necessarily be the final decisions made about divorce-related issues, they can often serve as a framework for the terms of a divorce settlement, and agreements between you and your spouses may become permanent once your divorce decree is issued.
When Can “Variable Costs” Be Added to a Wisconsin Child Support Order?
By: In many divorce and family law cases, child support is one of the most important matters that will need to be addressed. Determining child support obligations can be a daunting task for parents, and balancing financial responsibility with the child's best interests is an ever-evolving challenge. As parents address these issues, they will need to understand the types of expenses that child support will cover, including the "variable costs" and medical expenses that may be added to a child support order.
What Are Variable Costs?
In Wisconsin, parents' financial obligations toward their children are determined by the state's child support guidelines, which calculate child support amounts based on the number of children and each parent's income. Wisconsin uses a "percentage of income" standard in which a non-custodial parent's income is multiplied by a specific percentage corresponding to their number of children to determine the amount of child support they will be required to pay. This standard is used in non-shared-placement cases where children will primarily live with one parent. However, in shared-placement cases where children will be living with each parent at least 92 days per year or 25% of the time, the percentages may be applied to both parents' incomes, and each parent's obligations will be adjusted based on the percentage of time the children spend with the other parent.
Is Distracted Driving More Likely to Cause Car Accidents in Winter?
Car accidents are a serious concern all year round, but winter weather poses an additional risk. Snow and ice create hazardous driving conditions and make it harder to control a car, and drivers need to be able to act quickly and respond correctly to dangerous conditions. When roads are slippery, and winter conditions affect visibility, a seemingly minor mistake can have deadly results. These issues can become even more serious if drivers fail to fully pay attention to the road. While distracted driving is a serious issue at any time of year, it can be even more dangerous during the winter.
Why Distracted Driving Is Riskier in Winter
During the winter, ice and snow make it much harder for drivers to control their vehicles. Split-second decisions often need to be made quickly and with precision. Because vehicles may take longer to slow down and stop on snowy or icy roads, and because a driver can lose control more easily, it is crucial to be able to respond as quickly as possible to events and changing conditions. If a vehicle in front of a person slows down suddenly, or if a pedestrian enters the road unexpectedly, a driver will need to be able to react quickly. If a driver's attention is divided between the road and their phone or other distractions, then there may not be enough time for those quick decisions to be made safely, and a driver will be more likely to lose control when they slam on their brakes or attempt to swerve.
INSURANCE COVERAGE & CONTRACTORS
by: Paralegal Sarah Reckling
A frequent issue that arises in insurance is the extent to which a standard CGL policy covers contractor liability. In my most cases, the issue is not of fact, but of liability insurance language. An insurer, regardless of whether the allegations are covered, must provide a defense of the entire lawsuit. If an insurer wrongfully fails to provide a defense, then the insurer is responsible for the damages to the insured (potentially including attorney’s fees).
An insured can establish a claim as covered under the policy when there is a defined “occurrence,” giving rise to a qualifying “bodily injury” or “property damage.” It is worth noting that exclusions and ambiguities will be narrowly construed against the insurer.
When Can Truck Accidents Be Caused by Inadequate Maintenance?
Commercial trucks are an essential part of the transportation industry and the economy of the United States. They carry goods, materials, and other products throughout the country, ensuring that items can be delivered on time. Unfortunately, truck accidents are a common occurrence on our nation's roads and highways, and inadequate maintenance is one of the leading causes of these accidents. When a truck's equipment is not properly maintained, this can affect the safety of everyone on the road. The accidents that may occur as a result of inadequate maintenance can cause serious injuries and even death. It is important to understand when and how truck maintenance negligence can be a factor in an accident so that victims can be adequately compensated for their losses.
The Dangers of Poorly Maintained Trucks
Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles that require regular care and attention to keep them in good working order. Unfortunately, some trucking companies fail to adequately maintain their fleets, putting drivers—and other road users—at risk of harm. When trucks are not properly maintained, they can have serious mechanical issues that make them hard to control. Truck drivers who are unable to operate their vehicles safely due to equipment failure may be unable to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
