Heads up to Commercial License Drivers (CDL) and commercial vehicle owners: While in court just last week, a prosecutor from a municipality which issues many overweight trucking violations told me the state issued a new bond schedule where the fines will be DOUBLED from their current levels. As if they were not high enough…. Citations… Read More »
DNA Data Base – Arrests – Misdemeanors – Felonies
Starting April 2, 2015, not only felons will have their DNA forcibly taken, but DNA samples will also be taken on ALL criminal misdemeanor convictions. A misdemeanor is defined as a criminal offense where the penalty may include up to one year in the county jail. This can include disorderly conduct, possession of THC (marijuana),… Read More »
Expungement of Misdemeanor and Felony Cases – Persons Under Age 25
In Wisconsin, misdemeanors and certain felony convictions may be expunged. If a Circuit Court is going to exercise its discretion to expunge a record, the discretion must be exercised at the sentencing proceeding. There is some question as to whether a request move for expungement may be preserved at the time of sentencing. It is… Read More »
Failure to Yield Right of Way Citation – License Suspension
In Wisconsin, any person who receives a citation and is convicted for failure to yield under Wisconsin Statute 346.18 is required to attend a failure to yield right-of-way course. If the violation results in bodily harm, great bodily harm or death to another, the operating privilege will be suspended: *If the violation results in bodily… Read More »
Commercial Trucking Weight Violations – Company Owner Liability
In Wisconsin, commercial trucking weight violation citations, overweight traffic citations and some other classes of commercial vehicle equipment violations will be issued to the VEHICLE or TRUCK OWNER, as opposed to the person driving the vehicle. This tends to be a shock to a company owner, especially in cases where the driver may not have… Read More »
Wisconsin Concealed Carry – Drug Offense Violation
Did you know that if you obtained a Concealed Carry Permit in Wisconsin and are convicted of even a misdemeanor or city ordinance drug offense, your permit may be revoked? The Application for Concealed Weapon License asks “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any… Read More »
Guns: Wisconsin Concealed Carry Violations
A legally issued Concealed Carry Permit in Wisconsin has restrictions in where you can carry a long gun, pistol or other weapons or devices permitted. Some examples of prohibited concealed carry are provided in Section 176.60(16) of the Wisconsin Statutes: *Police and law enforcement offices *Prisons, jails and correctional facilities *Mental health facility secured units… Read More »
Drunk Driving / OWI / DUI – Should I take a breath or blood test?
In short, Wisconsin law has an “implied consent” provision, meaning that by driving in our state, you consent to provide a sample of blood, breath or urine if there is probable cause to believe you are driving under the influence. Conviction on a refusal to take a required test is a separate and significant penalty… Read More »
Traffic Citations – Insurance Increases for Certain Violations
POTENTIAL FOR INSURANCE INCREASE FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS: Smart Money listed a chart with potential increase in care insurance rates when you get a ticket for various traffic violations. The data in the calculations were derived from a review of 490,000 auto insurance quotes. The results: Reckless Driving: 22% DUI/OWI/Drunk Driving/Operating with Prohibited BAC – First… Read More »
Traffic Violation Impact on Insurance
If you’re wondering how traffic tickets impact auto insurance rates, you’re not along. Unfortunately, this is a question with no clear answer. Traffic Tickets and Auto Insurance Rates: Every company has a different policy regarding traffic tickets. Some raise your rates for three years , and others apply a surcharge for the first year –… Read More »