What constitutes self-defense?
You may be up against severe penalties if you face violent crime charges. If you believe you acted in self-defense, how can you prove it? Can a person who provokes an attack claim self-defense? A valid claim of self-defense to criminal charges requires proof that you were responding to unlawful conduct against yourself or, in […]
How does marijuana affect alcohol intoxication?
Whether you are under the influence of marijuana, hard drugs, alcohol or prescription medication, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Generally, this means you cannot drive if you cannot safely handle your vehicle. You also cannot legally drive with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08%. If you use marijuana before, during or […]
False confessions: Issues during the interrogation process
Although a suspect may sign a confession, it does not always mean that he committed the crime to which he confessed. Many people may wonder why anyone would admit to committing a serious crime if they did not, in fact, commit that crime. Yet, people do it and, as a result, many of those people […]
Can vaping cause you to fail an OWI breath test?
In Wisconsin, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%. While officers can smell your breath and monitor your actions, they are likely to want to gather more concrete proof of your BAC. Asking you to breathe into a testing device is how the […]
Are Breath test devices always accurate
When a Wisconsin law enforcement officer stops your car and suspects you are driving under the influence, he or she may have you take a breath test. Depending on the results of your breath test, the officer who stops you may have probable cause to place you under arrest for operating while intoxicated or driving […]
Do you have to open the door for the police?
Most of us have grown up with the notion that you must always answer the requests of a police officer, no matter what it is. But as you grow older and come to realize more things about the world, you should also come to understand the importance of your rights in the system of law. […]
What happens when an officer knocks on your door?
Growing up, you may have learned that you should always respect officers and trust them to protect you in your times of need. But what do you do when officers are at your door uninvited, and you do not think they have shown up to offer you aid? It is important to know your rights […]
College sports events and the presence of alcohol
Most people understand that college remains a risky environment when it comes to alcohol consumption and drug use. Many studies have shown that some students engage in binge drinking at high levels. This can lead to unwise decisions and could even lead to students driving a vehicle while under the influence. To counter this, some […]
What are the penalties for a violent offense in a school zone?
Committing a violent crime usually comes with some of the harshest punishment. However, committing such a crime in a school zone enhances the charges and increases the potential penalties. According to the Wisconsin State Legislature, school refers to any educational institution for children and includes the premises, such as athletic fields or other school-owned property. […]
How credible is eyewitness testimony?
Many Wisconsin residents facing criminal charges wind up spending time behind bars. Often, it is the testimony of one or more eyewitnesses that convinces a jury of a suspect’s guilt. Yet, eyewitness testimony is not always credible. Instead, memories are often far more unreliable than one would think, and memory is also malleable. Our memories […]
