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Recent Blog Posts
Licensing Issues for Physical Therapists
Wisconsin physical therapists know that their license to practice must be closely guarded. Losing or having any restrictions on your license will have a negative impact on your business and your reputation in the community.
Licensing issues can come up at any point when one is applying for a license or after a license has been issued. A physical therapist’s license can be threatened by a complaint filed by a patient or other person. In these instances, the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Examining Board may send out an investigator to gather more information.
An investigator will attempt to speak with the physical therapist whose license is at issue. While it is not recommended, some physical therapists will not consult an attorney in advance of this meeting or bring an attorney to the interview.
Beware of These Dangers Posed by Streetcars in Milwaukee
The United States is in the midst of a streetcar resurgence. In the last five years, at least 10 major U.S. cities, including Milwaukee, have added streetcar lines. While many people are pleased about the additional public transit options and think streetcars benefit the community, some believe that this form of transportation adds additional dangers to city streets. Streetcar accidents are certain to occur, especially when a streetcar line opens in a new city.
The Streetcar Renaissance
Milwaukee’s streetcar line, The Hop, will open in November 2018, and the system is currently undergoing testing in parts of the city. The new route is two miles long, and there are plans to expand in the coming years. Unfortunately, accidents involving the streetcars are already being reported.
Healthcare Licensing Issues for Pharmacists
In order to practice as a pharmacist in Wisconsin, you must be properly licensed. Professional licenses ensure that pharmacists have a complete education, remain up to date on medical information, are providing adequate care to patients, and are known to the state. Pharmacists should be aware of issues that could affect their license and their ability to continue practicing pharmacy.
Pharmacist License Denial
There are a variety of ways that a pharmacist’s license can be put in danger by the State of Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board, which is a division of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. A license application may be denied, or a license may not be renewed because of a missed deadline, an alleged misrepresentation on the renewal application, or a failure to complete continuing education.
Licensing Issues for Optometrists
Optometrists and prospective optometrists are always at risk for licensing issues. Optometry licensing problems can come up in a number of ways and at a number of points in one’s schooling and career.
Optometry License Applicants
Before someone is even given an optometrist license, certain issues may arise. Under Wisconsin law, a license applicant must meet several criteria, including graduating from an accredited optometry school, passing the board examination, and proving that he or she does not have an arrest or conviction record.
There are exceptions that may be argued regarding one’s past criminal record and the effect it could have on being eligible for an optometry license. Many license applicants find that this is one area where an attorney can be helpful. An attorney may also be helpful in the application process if there are any irregularities or issues during the exam, such as disability accommodations or allegations of cheating.
Will the Upcoming Election Result in Prison Reform or More of the Same?
By Ray Dall’Osto
After laboring in the criminal justice field in Wisconsin for forty years, what have I learned? First, that the state and federal prison populations have grown from 250,000 to 1,500,000 in that time period, yet overall, crime rates are substantially down. Of the 186,000 federal prison inmates in 2010, 98,000 were in prison for drug offenses. When I first started to practice, there were less than 4,000 prison inmates in Wisconsin, and now that number is consistently over 20,000. While crime rates have gone down, the United States remains the world leader in rates of incarceration. What is wrong with this picture? How have we as a society ended up here? What can be done?
Harsh sentencing laws such as mandatory minimums, sharp increases in felony sentence structures, and judges handing down longer prison sentences, combined with the elimination of parole and early release programs for good behavior and successful treatment completion, has created this over-incarceration morass.
Licensing Issues for Dentists
For dentists, a top concern is receiving their professional dentistry license and then retaining that license. Two issues that dentists may face with respect to licensing are license application and denial, as well as disciplinary matters.
License Application and Denial
Wisconsin strictly enforces the requirements set forth by law for dentist license applications. Applicants must pass the board exam and show proof of graduation from an accredited dental school. In addition, applicants must disclose certain criminal convictions if they have them. Under Wisconsin law, an applicant must report a conviction of any felony, misdemeanor, or other offense for which the circumstances substantially relate to the practice of dentistry.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services recently began allowing applicants to apply for a predetermination of whether an individual will be disqualified from obtaining a license due to his or her conviction record. If you have a conviction and wish to utilize this service, an attorney can help you decide if a conviction needs to be reported and how best to present the conviction to the department.
Licensing Issues for Chiropractors
As a chiropractor, there is nothing more important than your professional license. Unfortunately, there are numerous ways that your chiropractor’s license can be suspended or revoked.
Anything that jeopardizes your chiropractic license should be treated seriously and directly. In fact, there are often additional penalties that you will face if you ignore correspondence from the Wisconsin Chiropractic Examining Board or another agency.
Licensing issues a chiropractor may face include:
- Licensing application questions. If you are concerned that your license application may be denied, an attorney can advise you on what information you need to disclose and what steps you can take to minimize the chances of a denial. Concealing certain facts can result in immediate denial.
White Collar Crime: Types of Charges and Convictions
The term “white collar crime” was coined in the 1930s to describe a legal violation by a “person of respectability and high social status” made in the course of their work. Since then, white collar crimes have grown in number and complexity, and they typically involve nonviolent criminal activity that is committed for financial gain. These crimes are often committed in commercial or business situations.
Because of the ever-increasing complexity that white collar crimes present, those accused of these types of criminal charges should be represented by an attorney who knows how financial institutions work. The practices of banks, accountants, lending agencies, and taxing authorities are often at the center of white collar cases. In addition, there are various agencies that may be involved in the investigation of any sort of alleged white collar crime, including state attorneys general, the FBI, or the SEC.
What Should I Include in My Will?
Most people understand that it is important to have a will, but many people do not understand that what you include in your will is what makes it so important.
Your will is a legal document used to express your final wishes with regards to the handling of your personal property and other assets. It is a final way, upon your passing, to show your loved ones that you care.
Knowing what you can and should include in your will can help you feel more confident and secure. Your will should address the following issues:
Executor
Your executor, or personal representative, is the person or entity who is responsible for executing/carrying out your final wishes listed in your will. They are the “manager” of your will, so it is important to choose someone trustworthy that you feel will carry out your wishes as intended.
Understanding Sexual Assault Charges Under Wisconsin Law
Criminal accusations, investigations, and arrests will have massive, far-reaching implications for anyone who is charged with a crime. However, some types of sensitive crimes can be even more serious since they will affect a person’s freedom, reputation, relationships with friends and family, their career, and his or her standing in the community.
Sexual assault is one of the most severe crimes with which a person can be charged, and a conviction is likely to result in lengthy jail time and significant fines, as well as the requirement to register as a sex offender for at least 15 years, and possibly for life. If you are facing accusations of sexual assault, it is important to understand the specific charges and their potential punishments.
