During this holiday season, retailers are facing a challenge: the rise of shoplifting. The holidays can bring out both generous shoppers and those with nefarious motives, and retailers have noted that instances of retail theft have been on the rise over the past few years. The National Retail Foundation has reported that in 2021, organized retail crimes increased by 26 percent, resulting in losses of more than $94 billion. Many retailers have been fighting shoplifting rings and other criminal schemes, and because of these ongoing concerns, they are on the lookout for people who may attempt to steal items. This means that those who are accused of retail theft may be detained, arrested, and charged with serious criminal offenses. If you are in this situation, understanding the specific charges that you may face can help you determine your best options for defense.

Definition of Retail Theft in Wisconsin

Retail theft, also known as shoplifting, is generally understood to involve taking items from a retail store without paying for them. However, the criminal offense of retail theft may include other actions that would result in a person paying less than the correct price for an item. For example, a person may switch tags on items in order to purchase an item at a cheaper price, or they may conceal one item inside another item, allowing them to receive both items while only paying for one product. 

Self-checkouts have provided many people with the opportunity to commit retail theft. They may allow a person to scan one item while adding a different item to their bag or otherwise ring items up at the wrong price. Other actions may also be considered to be retail theft, such as removing theft-detection devices from products or using devices that shield sensors from triggering alarms when leaving the store without paying for an item.

In Wisconsin, domestic violence is considered a serious crime. If you are accused of domestic abuse, you could face harsh penalties, including jail time and hefty fines. You may also be subject to a restraining order or injunction that may prevent you from returning to your home or contacting your family members. By understanding the criminal laws in Wisconsin that affect these cases and the punishments that may be imposed following an arrest or conviction, you can make sure your rights will be protected as you address these issues. With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can take the correct steps to defend against domestic abuse charges and minimize the effects on your life, your family relationships, your reputation, and your freedom.

Wisconsin’s Domestic Abuse Statute

In Wisconsin, domestic abuse is defined as the intentional infliction of physical harm, injury, or impairment on an adult family member or a person who lives in the same household as the alleged offender. These charges may also apply if the alleged victim is a person's ex-spouse, someone they are dating or have dated in the past, the other parent of a person's child, or a disabled person under the care of the alleged offender. Domestic abuse charges may also apply if a person is accused of committing sexual assault, stalking, or damage to property against a family or household member or if they make threats to commit any of these actions.

Penalties for Domestic Abuse Convictions in Wisconsin

The exact penalties for domestic abuse vary depending on the offense that was committed. In Wisconsin, these offenses may include: 

In Wisconsin, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is an individual appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children in family law cases involving child custody or placement disputes. GALs are independent from both parties, and they make recommendations to the court based on their evaluation of what is in the best interests of the child. By understanding how a GAL may affect a child custody case, parents can make sure they take the correct steps to protect their rights while also preparing to provide for their children's needs going forward.

What Does a Guardian Ad Litem Do?

A GAL’s primary role is to investigate and evaluate matters concerning the welfare of minor children affected by family law cases, including those involving divorce, paternity, or custody of children when parents are unmarried. They will advocate for the best interests of the children involved in a case, and during their investigation, they may look at whether domestic abuse has occurred or whether there are any safety issues that affect children. They may also take a child's wishes into consideration.

The GAL will typically meet with all relevant parties involved in a case, including both parents and any other people who may have a significant influence on the child's well-being. They may also review documents related to the case and speak with other parties who have important information about the child’s situation, such as doctors, therapists, teachers, child care providers, or extended family members. Additionally, they may observe interactions between parents and their children during visitation or exchange times, and they may visit each parent’s home to determine if it is suitable for raising children.

Getting a divorce can be an emotionally and financially taxing process. If you and your spouse have a high net worth, the process can become even more complicated. In these situations, there are a variety of financial issues that will need to be addressed, and these issues are likely to be more complex than for couples with fewer assets. Because of the unique factors involved in a divorce involving large incomes or valuable assets, it is important to work with an attorney who understands the applicable laws and the best strategies for helping you achieve your goals. Here are five issues you may need to address if you are getting divorced and have significant assets:

1. Division of Valuable Assets 

The division of marital property is one of the most important parts of any divorce, but this process can become complex if you own high-value assets. These may not only include tangible assets like real estate, vehicles, jewelry, or artwork, but also intangible assets such as retirement savings, investments, or intellectual property. A lawyer experienced in divorce cases involving high-net-worth couples will understand how to properly value each asset and make sure that you will have the financial resources to meet your needs going forward. 

2. Business Valuation 

If either you or your spouse is a business owner, or if you have invested in multiple businesses, it is essential to determine the full monetary value of these business interests. Your attorney can help you work with business valuation experts to ensure that all relevant factors are taken into consideration and that you understand the present and future value of a business. This will not only ensure that marital assets can be divided properly between you and your spouse, but it can help ensure that you will be able to continue owning a business and generating income after your divorce has been finalized, if that is what you desire. 

Citizens of the state of Wisconsin have a right to bear arms, but there are certain restrictions in place that are meant to protect public safety, and violations of the laws related to firearm possession can lead to criminal charges. It is important to be aware of these restrictions if you are considering purchasing a firearm or already possess one. 

Illegal Possession of a Firearm 

In Wisconsin, it is illegal for certain people to possess firearms or ammunition. These people include convicted felons, juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent for offenses that would be considered felonies for adult offenders, people who are subject to restraining orders due to allegations of domestic violence or abuse, and people who have been involuntarily committed to mental health treatment facilities. If one of these individuals is found in possession of a firearm, they may be charged with a Class G felony, and if they are convicted, they may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined up to $25,000, or both.

Illegally Carrying a Concealed Weapon 

Under Wisconsin law, it is illegal for any person to carry a concealed weapon without a valid concealed carry license issued by the state of Wisconsin or another state. If an individual is caught carrying a dangerous weapon on their person without the proper license, they may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction on these charges may result in a prison sentence of up to nine months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.