If we believe the crime shows on television, an autopsy report almost always solves everything in a murder – from who did it to how. However, in real life, this isn’t always the case. In fact, although autopsy reports might be helpful in most cases, they aren’t always considered testimonial evidence that is in your […]
criminal defense
When Does a Juvenile Offender Become an Adult Offender?
In Wisconsin, there are two primary ways that a juvenile can be charged as an adult in state criminal court. The first is known as the “discretionary waiver.” For certain offenses, either party (the juvenile or the State) can file a petition or the juvenile court can initiate a proceeding to “waive” jurisdiction so that […]
Potential Defenses to Drug Possession Charges in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, drug crimes carry severe penalties. Even a first-time offense of simple marijuana possession can lead to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine (plus court costs and other financial consequences), while felony offenses such as possession with intent to distribute can carry up to a 40-year prison sentence and $100,000 in fines. […]
Five Common Juvenile Crimes Committed During Summer Break
Although government data show that juvenile arrests have declined dramatically in recent years, the risk of facing criminal penalties and life-changing practical consequences due to a conviction remains a very real concern for teenagers who make the mistake of violating the law. While summer break is a time to recuperate from a busy school year […]
Could Someone Go to Jail for Selling “Illegal” Butter?
If you have noticed the Kerrygold brand of butter missing from your local grocery store’s shelves, you are not alone. As recently reported by Fox News, state regulators have forced the Irish butter maker out by asserting that the company’s product violates a law from the 1970s which only permits “Grade A” dairy products to […]
The Differences Between Murder and Homicide Charges
As with certain other provisions of Wisconsin’s criminal code, the ways in which Wisconsin law defines homicide charges are somewhat unique. Specifically, technically speaking, there is no crime of “murder” in Wisconsin (aside from felony murder, which is discussed below). Instead, the offense commonly referred to as murder in other states is classified as “intentional […]