Posted on April 11, 2024 in Parenting

When it comes to questions about child custody, the general rule is that Wisconsin law will side with whatever is in the child’s best interest. That being said, there are a host of factors that can affect that, which is why it is best to direct any questions to an experienced family law attorney.

One of the factors that can sometimes affect child custody arrangements is the mental health of relevant parties, including the child. This is still a very nuanced issue, however, and no Wisconsin law discriminates against a parent for having a mental disorder. If that parent’s behavior affects the child negatively, however, the diagnosis may come up in court.

It is important to note that if you already have a child custody arrangement and then are diagnosed with a mental disorder, that alone is not likely to cost you parenting time. If you are embroiled in a custody dispute, however, your co-parent may attempt to use it against you.

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 Posted on April 03, 2024 in Drug Charges

Being caught in possession of controlled substances is a serious crime that can result in prison time and/or heavy fines. Wisconsin law prescribes certain punishments for drug possession based on several factors, including:

• The type of drug

• The weight of the drug

• Whether there is intent to distribute, deliver, or manufacture

Someone who is charged with illegal drug possession like fentanyl in Wisconsin should hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the criminal justice system well.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a narcotic considered to be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pain relief and anesthesia. Fentanyl is also classified as a Schedule II substance, along such drugs as methamphetamine, morphine, and oxycodone.

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 Posted on March 28, 2024 in Divorce

Prenuptial agreements have long been a topic of interest and discussion in marriage and divorce. In Wisconsin divorce, where laws can be complex and time-consuming, many wonder if having a prenuptial agreement in place can make the divorce process faster. If you are pursuing a divorce in Wisconsin, our highly trained attorneys are ready to assist you, regardless of whether you signed a prenuptial agreement before the marriage or not.

At Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, our team of legal professionals is well-versed in Wisconsin divorce and family law. Their robust understanding of legal procedures involved in divorce cases allows clients to feel confident that their rights and interests will be protected throughout the case.

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 Posted on March 25, 2024 in Divorce

A high-asset divorce in Wisconsin is characterized by the presence of substantial wealth and complex financial holdings that require careful evaluation and division during divorce proceedings. When the marital estate includes valuable assets such as multiple properties, business interests, investment portfolios, and significant income streams, the divorce is considered high-asset. The stakes are higher in such cases, and the legal proceedings can be more complicated. If you are preparing for a high-asset divorce in Wisconsin, contact an experienced attorney for assistance. 

At Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, our attorneys have a robust understanding of Wisconsin family law. Attorney Wolff and Attorney Sonderhouse have both lived and worked in the state for decades and, as a result, know the court systems, judges, procedures, and even opposing divorce attorneys in the area. This type of knowledge can be instrumental in ensuring clients have the best chance possible at obtaining a favorable case outcome. 

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 Posted on March 19, 2024 in Fraud

 Criminal fraud is a serious offense that can have severe legal consequences in Wisconsin. Understanding the different types of fraud can help individuals take proactive legal action if they face charges.

With years of legal experience, Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP provides clients with robust legal representation in criminal matters. If you are in trouble with the law and are unsure where to turn for help, trust our skilled lawyers to get the job done.

Insurance Fraud in Wisconsin

Insurance fraud involves deceiving an insurance company for financial gain. In Wisconsin, insurance fraud can take various forms, such as filing false claims, inflating damages or injuries, staging accidents, or providing false information on insurance applications. Individuals convicted of insurance fraud can face significant fines, imprisonment, and damage to their reputation.

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 Posted on March 06, 2024 in OWI

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges in Wisconsin are a serious legal matter that can have significant consequences. It is important, especially if you have been charged, to have a clear understanding of the laws and implications surrounding OWI charges in the state to navigate the legal process effectively. If you are facing criminal charges related to OWI, contact a lawyer to get  the assistance you need.

What is an OWI in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, OWI is the term used for drunk driving offenses. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Wisconsin is 0.08 percent for drivers over 21 years of age. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can lead to an OWI charge. 

Do I Have to Take a Breathalyzer Test? 

If you are pulled over on suspicion of OWI in Wisconsin, you are required to submit to a chemical test to determine your BAC level. Refusing to take a chemical test can result in an automatic driver’s license suspension, regardless of the outcome of the OWI charge. 

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 Posted on February 29, 2024 in Divorce

A divorce does not have to be a long, drawn-out fight between feuding spouses. There are multiple ways to approach a divorce, and the correct approach will depend on your circumstances and what you hope to gain from dissolving your union.

There are four different types of divorce in Wisconsin and it may help you to learn about each before you decide to end things altogether. Even if you have a good understanding of the right approach for your case, a divorce attorney is a good advisor to consult when looking to file for divorce. They can offer invaluable advice on the best way to approach your situation.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is a more straightforward divorce than the typical event you might see on television. A couple will usually have all or most of their issues worked out before filing to dissolve their marriage. The issues in question are:

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 Posted on February 21, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Wisconsin instituted the Habitual Traffic Offender law to protect the public and other drivers from motorists who fail to consider the safety of others while out on the road. Motorists who demonstrate a lack of care for the safety of others, such as drunk drivers, distracted drivers, and other traffic offenses, are deemed habitual traffic offenders and could see their license revoked for a lengthy duration. To help preserve your driving privileges in the wake of being considered a habitual traffic offender, consult a criminal defense attorney experienced in such matters.

How The Habitual Traffic Offender Law Works

The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles tracks all traffic violations of Wisconsin driver’s license holders whether they are committed in or out of state. Drivers who do not have a Wisconsin driver’s license but who have been convicted of traffic offenses within state lines are also kept an eye on. The qualifications for a habitual traffic offender include the following:

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 Posted on February 12, 2024 in Divorce

Spousal maintenance can help one get back on track with their life after a divorce. The spouse who often receives the support is generally the one who earned less during the marriage or who has a lesser capacity to earn. An example would be a mother who gave up a career to stay home and take care of the children. Understanding how spousal maintenance is granted and why is crucial to one major issue following a divorce. An experienced divorce attorney can provide you with all the answers you need regarding such issues.

What is Spousal Maintenance?

Most often referred to as alimony, spousal maintenance is a monetary reward that one ex-spouse pays to another while the recipient undergoes job training or education in an effort to become job marketable. Maintenance can be indefinite in rare circumstances but is most often awarded for a limited time.

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 Posted on February 05, 2024 in Criminal Law

Anyone behaving in a way that disturbs the peace can be charged with disorderly conduct and face the associated penalties. Being violent, indecent, obnoxious, or loud in a public or private place is against the law and is often easy to prove. You do not need to actually disturb anyone to receive a disorderly conduct charge but an experienced attorney can help you better understand the legalities of the situation.

Disorderly Conduct Penalties

Disorderly conduct is classified as a Class B misdemeanor charge and can see an individual punished by a maximum stay in jail of 90 days along with a $1,000 fine. These crimes do not often take much to see someone charged and are one of the most charged offenses in Wisconsin.

The Role of Speech in a Disorderly Conduct Charge

Speech alone can be, but rarely is, enough to charge someone with disorderly conduct. The speech must be specifically used with purposeful intent to cause a disturbance for it to be considered disorderly conduct. 

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