While the criminal justice system in Wisconsin is supposed to be fair and objective, the truth is that it can be difficult to predict exactly what the consequences will be for a specific criminal conviction. Judges often have some discretion when it comes to sentencing, and a previous criminal conviction may impact a judge’s willingness to be generous or forgiving with a defendant. Other factors, like gang involvement or the specific location of a crime, can require a harsher sentence. If you have been charged with criminal conduct, it is important to have a criminal defense attorney help you understand what issues may increase your punishment. 

What Factors Can Increase a Criminal Sentence? 

Before you are sentenced for a crime, you must either take a plea deal or be proven guilty by a jury of your peers. It is essential to have a criminal defense attorney with either option, because an attorney can work out a defense strategy that gets you a better plea bargain or cause the jury to doubt your guilt. 

Once you agree to a plea bargain, or a jury has decided beyond reasonable doubt that you committed a crime, a judge will decide on your sentence and this is where certain aggravating factors become important. For example, theft of retail property worth less than a certain amount may only warrant probation the first time. But, if you are convicted of theft a second time, a judge may decide to send you to jail for up to nine months. 

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The internet is a prominent part of our everyday lives. Many people turn to the internet when they have questions, want to purchase something online, or become interested in connecting with other people through various social media platforms. Additionally, with the increase in remote workspaces and work-from-home lifestyles, more and more people are using the internet on a daily basis. 

Unfortunately, some internet users find themselves facing criminal charges for electronic identity theft. If you or a loved one were charged with identity theft or another computer-related crimes, contact an attorney for help.

What is Electronic Identity Theft? 

Electronic identity theft is the act of stealing identifiable information about other people by way of the internet using electronic devices. The term refers to a criminal act in which thieves are able to access personal information, including debit card PINs and Social Security numbers, with the intention of stealing someone’s identity. 

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When parents become interested in the idea of moving elsewhere, they often have a lot to consider before finalizing their decision and relocating. Parents do not only have themselves to think about. They must also consider how moving might impact the lives of their children. 

While this is true for all parents, adults who have a child custody agreement have a few more details to keep in mind when thinking about moving to a new city, town, state, or country. There are often parameters set in place regarding the relocation of parents who share joint custody of their children. 

Today, we are exploring whether or not a parent with joint custody in Wisconsin can legally move when and where they please.

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If you are planning to get a divorce in Wisconsin, you may be wondering how long the process takes. From filing the paperwork and negotiating divorce issues, to finalizing the divorce and everything in between, there are many steps involved in divorce proceedings. While the exact timeline of your divorce will vary depending on the specifics of your situation, here is a general idea of how long a Wisconsin divorce takes. 

Filing the Initial Divorce Paperwork 

In Wisconsin, there is a mandatory waiting period of 120 days between the divorce filing date and the point at which the divorce is finalized. The purpose of this waiting period is to provide the two people pursuing a divorce with time to think about their decision. 

A waiting time ensures that spouses are not legally dissolving their marriage as part of a rash decision. The 120-day waiting period also allows each of the divorce lawyers representing the parties to prepare for settlement negotiations or trial. 

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In the state of Wisconsin, a weapons charge will likely either be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. People who are found in possession of an illegal weapon will receive either a felony charge or a misdemeanor charge based on the specifics of their situation.

For example, someone who has been convicted of a felony in Wisconsin prior to being found in possession of a weapon will be charged with a Class G felony. On the other hand, an individual who is found in possession of a weapon in Wisconsin will likely receive a misdemeanor charge if their illegal weapon possession coincides with another crime, such as failing to abide by a restraining order. 

Three Steps To Fight a Wisconsin Weapons Charge

No matter which type of weapons charge you are facing in the state of Wisconsin, there are three important steps that should be followed after being charged with the unlawful possession of an illegal weapon. 

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