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Wisconsin inmates would agree that it is better to be out on probation or parole than it is to be in jail. Probation is a court-imposed sentence that allows a person to be released into the community rather than committing the person to prison or jail. Parole is the early release of an incarcerated person. Under both probation and parole, the sentenced individual must obey certain requirements, which could include obeying all laws, reporting to an officer of the court and refraining from alcohol and drug use, among others. Violating these conditions can result in a return to jail or prison.

In February 2013, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced a budget initiative, which aims to expand DNA collection to those arrested on felony charges. Under Wisconsin’s current law, DNA is taken only from convicted felons and those convicted of a few misdemeanors.

At this time, 25 states and the federal government collect DNA upon felony arrest. Proponents of such laws say the initiative saves lives by identifying serious offenders and putting them behind bars. However, those who oppose the idea note that the DNA collection of arrestees undermines the presumption of innocence.

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Two Milwaukee men have been charged with felony murder in relation to a Jan. 29 robbery in the 5300 block of N. 58th Street. According to reports, two 19-year-old males and a 20-year-old male allegedly conspired to rob a beer truck. It appears that the men came up with the plan to rob the truck after one of them got a job for Beer Capitol Distributions.

The day of the robbery, two of the men exchanged around 20 calls, according to police. A text message was allegedly the signal for the robbery to start. One 19-year-old male was the delivery driver’s partner on the truck, and the other two men were reportedly following behind the truck in a car.

One of the 19-year-old males was fatally shot by police after he fled the scene of the robbery and struggled with the officer. According to reports, the officer ordered the 19-year-old to show his hands after the officer noticed a gun tucked into the man’s waistband. The man reportedly ignored the commands, and the officer shot him.

One of the men has apparently made a confession to a third party, and both have been charged with felony murder. They were booked into Milwaukee County Jail, with bail set at $50,000 and $100,000, respectively. The one man’s alleged confession could play a big part in the criminal defense strategy if it is deemed admissible in court. Those who are charged with felonies should wait until they have spoken with someone knowledgeable about criminal defense to make any statements to the authorities.

Source: Journal Sentinel, “Second man charged in fatal Milwaukee beer truck robbery” Jesse Garza, Feb. 20, 2014

A Milwaukee couple is facing criminal charges after being arrested on Feb. 26. According to reports, the 21-year-old woman and the 26-year-old man were allegedly forging prescriptions in attempt to get OxyContin, a prescription painkiller similar to heroin that is known for being abused by addicts. The two were arrested in Menomonee Falls after a pharmacist realized they were trying to use the fraudulent prescriptions.

A 31-year-old Milwaukee resident is now facing seven felony charges related to a drug raid. Four others were charged as well. According to reports, the investigation started in January after an informant told police that the man was selling crack. Police set up multiple deals with four of the five charged during the investigation, and a search of a house was conducted on Feb. 25.