Criminal
What is the difference between a crime and an ordinance violation in Wisconsin?
Ordinance Violation or Criminal Offense? In all counties, including Fond du Lac and Winnebago County, Wisconsin state law provides the answer to this question. In Wisconsin, a statute numbered 939.12 explains in simple language the difference. A “crime” is defined as conduct that is prohibited by state law and that is punishable by a fine…
Read MoreTetrahydrocannabinol (THC): Penalties and Consequences in Wisconsin
The possession of marijuana and substances containing any amount of THC remains illegal in Wisconsin. Therefore, even if you have obtained a legal prescription of medical marijuana from another state, it becomes illegal when you bring it into Wisconsin. Under the Wisconsin Controlled Substances Act, THC is considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance in the…
Read MoreFighting a College Suspension or Expulsion
Worried about a college suspension? Did you know that the Wisconsin Administrative Code permits UW System Universites and Colleges to suspend and/or expel students for violations of the student code when the student is on campus or off campus? You heard that right, the administration can punish you for something that doesn’t happen at school.…
Read MoreAppealing a Criminal Conviction
What does a criminal appeal entail? I often receive calls from people that have retained other lawyers and have been sentenced in criminal matters and are unhappy with the results. The first question asked by people is: can I appeal this? The second question I am invariably asked is: how good do my chances look? …
Read MoreHow Do I Keep My Criminal Case Out of the Newspaper?
Criminal Case Newspaper | Criminal Charge Publicity I am often asked how I can keep somebody’s case out of the newspaper. Unfortunately, under the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution, there is the freedom of the press. Any criminal type charges, aside from actions in juvenile court, are open to the public. The documents…
Read MoreRestorative Justice
How Restorative Justice Can Help Everyone Impacted by Crime Restorative justice is a philosophical approach to dealing with crime in the community and working to repair some (or in some cases, all) of the damage. It invokes the participation of victims, the community, and offenders. Dr. Howard Zehr, a scholar in restorative justice says we…
Read MoreAppeals with Petit & Dommershausen
“What to Expect When You File a Criminal Case Appeal: A Bird’s Eye View” Part 2 Process and Analysis Every attorney who handles criminal appeals has a different preference as to when they meet with their client — some prefer right away, others after receiving the court file, others not until after they have received some or…
Read MoreAppeals with Petit & Dommershausen-Part 1
“What to Expect When You File a Criminal Case Appeal: A Bird’s Eye View” Part 1: Getting Started If you have been convicted of a crime and you feel that there was an error in the legal process, you may want to appeal. The grounds for appeal are extremely varied and not every case…
Read MoreConsequences of a Criminal Conviction in Wisconsin
Anyone charged with a criminal offense faces the possibility of incarceration, fines, and lifelong consequences. You should consult a lawyer to fully understand the consequences of a criminal conviction. Anyone charged with a criminal offense, as opposed to a civil offense, faces the possibility of incarceration. Many times, potential clients call to ask whether or…
Read MoreTechnology and the Law | Drug Defense
Drug Defense: Does Technology Affect The Law? Technology changes every single day. These changes have impacts on crimes and investigations. Smart phones have recently introduced pressure-sensitive technology. What can one do with pressure-sensitive technology? Weigh items directly on their smart phone device. What kind of items? Anything. What if any impact does this technological advancement have…
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