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Recent Blog Posts
Man Facing Felony Charges for Sixth OWI Offense
In 2014 alone, there were more than 24,000 OWI convictions in the state of Wisconsin. Some of those convictions were for repeat offenders who had at least one other prior conviction, which likely lead to increased penalties. A man recently arrested on his sixth OWI charge and facing felony charges shows just how severe repeat OWI conviction penalties can be. In turn, his case shows the importance of high quality legal representation for any and all OWI arrests.
Felony Charges for Man Arrested on Sixth OWI
According to the Chicago Tribune, a driver called the police and reported that they were following a reckless driver. Allegedly weaving all over the roadway, the driver eventually stopped at a restaurant where police apprehended him and took him into custody. Because the man has five prior convictions (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007), prosecutors requested that his bail be set at $250,000 to reduce his risk of release before trial. If convicted on the charges he is facing – an enhanced Class 3 felony – he could face up to 30 years of imprisonment without the option for probation.
Wisconsin Introduces Bill to Ban Cellphone Use in Work Zones
Last year, more than 2,400 crashes occurred in work zones throughout the state of Wisconsin. A total of 12 people died, and another 945 were injured in those automobile accidents. To combat the issue, Governor Walker introduced a bill that would completely ban cellphone use in work zones.
Understanding the Causes of Work Zone Crashes
Construction workers, who are also placed at risk during work zone accidents, work hard to repair the state’s highways and roads. Unfortunately, many drivers get impatient when traveling through the areas being repaired and, rather than slowing down and using caution, many go above the posted speed limit. Electronic signs, rumble zones, and updates regarding construction zones on social media are meant to deter such carelessness, but lawmakers say the efforts fall short.
Bill Banning Cellphone Use Takes Aim at Distracted Driving in Work Zones
Small Business Litigation in Wisconsin
Do you own a small business? Owning a business can be a stressful endeavor for many reasons. Wisconsin business owners often rely on a “handshake” or someone’s “word” to complete day to day business. They often do not have the time, or the perhaps the funds to have a lawyer review their contracts, purchase orders or invoices. Even with the utmost attention to detail, people can make mistakes. Sometimes events outside of anyone’s control cause delay in deliveries of goods, or the failure to provide services or products at a certain price. Sometimes contracts are breached when another business owner backs out of a deal or fails to live up to their word.
Wisconsin Sex Offenders Face Serious Challenges and Stigmas for Life
Convicted sex offenders come in many shapes and forms. Some were teens, just barely of legal age, who made a poor decision. Others have been convicted of violent crimes. But all of them face the same fate once they serve their time: stigmas and challenges for life. And in the state of Wisconsin, that can extend right down to not having a job or a place to call home.
Conviction Leads to Lifelong Issues
Once convicted and released, Wisconsin sex offenders must register on the state’s sex offender list. This list is monitored by local law enforcement, who will often send out a media release when an offender moves into the area. That information, which includes the exact address of the offender, is often then reported by local media. Citizens and employers can also view the registry online, which can severely impact their employment options, living conditions, and ability to function within the community.
Daycare Reopens After Allegations of Sexual and Physical Abuse
When parents have to work, they rely on others to help with the care of their most prized possession: their children. Most of the time, these caregivers provide loving, compassionate, and competent care. But there are, unfortunately, those out there that do the unspeakable. People who put children in harm’s way or inflict physical or emotional injury. A daycare center in Mississippi is being accused of doing the latter, yet has reopened its doors. And the matter has, understandably, shaken an entire community.
Six Children Allegedly Abused
According to the Mississippi Department of Health and the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Department, six or more children may have been physically or sexually abused while in the care of the day care facility. The complaints were received from parents who said they believed the abuse happened while near or on the premises of the center, which includes a petting zoo, but no word has been given regarding who the alleged abuser or abusers may be.
How Federal Agencies Combat Criminal and Fraudulent Acts of Money Laundering
To combat criminal and fraudulent acts of money laundering evident throughout the underbelly of criminal conspiracies, multiple federal statutes have been enacted to empower several federal agencies to uncover and prosecute the offenders.
Under Title 26 of the United States Internal Revenue Code, IRC Section 61(a), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) maintains investigative jurisdiction to investigate income earned from such illegal activities as:
- Drug trafficking;
- Embezzlement;
- Extortion;
- Healthcare fraud;
- Bankruptcy fraud;
- Income tax evasion;
- False income tax forms; and
- Failure to file an income tax.
The Internal Revenue Code is supported by the guidelines of Title 31, USC Section 5331 relating to investigations of fraudulent activity. Passed in 2001, the USA Patriot Act or “The Act” extends to money laundering and the possible connection to funding of terrorist entities.
Dog Bite Prevention and Treatment
Most of the time, dogs truly are man’s best friend; they are companions, confidants, and family members. But when a dog is threatened, sick, stray, mistreated, or abused, it can lash out and bite. Sadly, humans, particularly children, are often on the receiving end (about 1,000 emergency room cases each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Some can be prevented, but many cannot; as such, knowing what to do in the event of a dog bite is the best course of action, particularly for parents of small children.
Victim Usually Knows the Dog
The first thing you should know about dog bites is that the victim usually knows the dog or its owner. They might not have a close enough relationship to fully understand the dog’s temperament or be immediately recognized by the pet, but they have at least seen or know of the pet. This can actually work in the favor of the victim since it can make it easier to determine whether or not the dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Heroin Addictions in Small Communities on the Rise
Recently, the Daily Tribune reported that heroin use in small communities throughout Wisconsin is on the rise. When paired with the severity of the state’s penalties for drug crimes and the already strained prison budget, this influx is grounds for concern. But there are none that may suffer more than those that use and may eventually be charged with a drug crime.
Heroin and Addiction
Considered a highly addictive substance, heroin is an illicit drug processed from the opiate morphine. Those who use are at an increased risk for severe health complications, including overdoses, heart problems, skin infections or abscesses, and diseased organs. Unfortunately, once the addiction takes hold, many would rather face the risk of a complication than endure the intense withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, this may mean obtaining the drugs by any means necessary, which can further add to their already hefty drug penalties.
Burn Types, Treatments, Potential Complications, and Causes
Burns are one of the most commonly experienced injuries, particularly among children. Specifically, the American Burn Association estimates that approximately 486,000 burns require medical emergency treatment each year and approximately 40,000 require hospitalization. Thankfully, most instances are survivable and, if treated correctly, many burns have a positive long-term outcome. As such, it is important to know how to treat them, when to seek medical treatment for a burn injury, and what you can expect during treatment and the healing process.
Most Common Burn Causes
Burns can be caused by any source of heat, including steam, fire, hot liquids, or hot surfaces/items. They may also be caused by chemicals, excessive sun exposure, or electrocution. The most frequent causes in children include hot liquids, hot surfaces/items, sun exposure, and electrocution. It is important to note, however, that they can and sometimes are exposed to other burn causes, including chemicals and fire.
Understanding the Implications of a Stalking Charge in Wisconsin
On the surface, the cases of two Wisconsin men currently awaiting trial for stalking charges might seem fairly similar. Both allegedly made victims uncomfortable with their words and actions. Both are being held on the same charges. Yet the outcomes of these cases could be very different. Why? And how? Let’s examine the possibilities by looking at the implications of their charges and other potential factors.
Comparing the Two Cases
In the most recent case, a man allegedly stalked several women in the River Falls area and showed them pornographic clips on his cellphone. Many were also allegedly asked if they knew where there was an adult video store or an adult book store. In contrast, the other alleged perpetrator is a teacher who reportedly sent numerous Snapchat messages to his 12-year-old student.
Legal Definition of Stalking
