By Attorney Nicole Masnica

Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even certain prescription medications is a serious offense, and a conviction for such an offense may result in a number of significant consequences. An OWI conviction can carry mandatory fines, time in jail or prison, revocation of your driving privileges, installation of an ignition interlock device, and required addiction counseling.

By Attorney Nicole Masnica

Sex crimes, also known as sensitive crimes, are treated very seriously in Wisconsin. While any criminal conviction can substantially affect your future opportunities, a conviction for a sex offense will carry with it collateral consequences that will impact nearly every aspect of your life for years to come. It is important to understand what might be at stake if you have been accused of a sex offense in Wisconsin.

The Charges

According to Wis. Stat. §301.45, an individual found guilty of any of the following offenses is required to comply with the sex offender registry:

By Attorney Nicole Masnica

White collar crimes such as fraud, money laundering, or securities and antitrust violations, bear severe punishment and a conviction for these types of charges can affect the rest of your life. These criminal investigations tend to be lengthy and complex, and a defendant may undergo a thorough sweep of their financial records. These investigations can be especially concerning if there are potential federal charges, including through the RICO Act. However, this act is not always fully understood, and defendants will want to determine how these types of charges may affect their case.

By Attorney Chris Strohbehn

If you have been involved in a trucking accident, determining who is at fault can be complicated. From the driver to the manufacturer of the truck, there can be many different liable parties that may be held responsible for your injuries. Identifying the responsible party or parties can allow you to pursue the compensation you deserve, ensuring that the damages you have experienced will be fully addressed.

By Raymond Dall’Osto, Brianna Meyer, and Jason Luczak

In June 2019, newly-elected Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers reversed the eight-year moratorium on criminal pardons imposed by the former Governor Walker, who refused to issue pardons during his two terms in office. Governor Evers issued Executive Order #30, which reversed Walker’s unprecedented shutdown of executive clemency. This Order reopens an avenue of potential relief for those who have lost some of their rights due to a criminal conviction.

By Attorney Chris Strohbehn

I represent retailers and other taxpayers across the state challenging their property taxes. The municipalities hire lawyers to defend them in court, and political figures speak out in the court of public opinion against them. They are often chastised for exercising their constitutional and statutory rights to challenge their taxes. Every taxpayer has these same fundamental rights. When those taxpayer challenges upset the status quo, you see “dark store” referendums across the state and proposed legislation designed to make their taxpayer challenges procedurally and substantively more difficult. The common refrain along the way is that these taxpayers are “not paying their fair share” and are “causing other taxpayers to have to pay more.” But who is really to blame?

By Raymond Dall’Osto and Jason Luczak

Today in America, we are regularly presented with headlines, promotions, and offers on digital and other media that tell us that by submitting a DNA sample (spit into small bottle and mail it in), this will provide a great way to connect generations, build a family tree, and find out more than just the place you’re from through Ancestry DNA and Ancestry Health. A different well-known firm, 23andme, offers equivalent services through its DNA Ancestry + Traits and Health + Ancestry. 

By Ray Dall’Osto

After passing the Wisconsin Assembly earlier this year as A.B. 33, the Wisconsin Senate adjourned this year’s legislative session, without taking action to approve the parallel bipartisan expungement bill pending before it, S.B. 39. The proposed expungement reform bill, which has long been supported by the State Bar of Wisconsin and was favorably considered in previous years and legislative sessions, would change state law involving getting a criminal record expunged. If passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Evers, the expungement reform bill will significantly help alleviate the negative impact a criminal record can have on individuals seeking employment, housing, volunteer work, and in other areas where the stigma of a conviction can pose a roadblock, even in cases where the crime was nonviolent, a misdemeanor or lower-class felony, and/or committed many years ago. 

By Attorney Chris Strohbehn

Wisconsin is known for its long, relentless winters. Wisconsinites experience more than 30 snowstorms each year, forcing us to adapt to work, play, and drive in harsh conditions. To those who are no strangers to the snow, driving in inclement weather is normal, but accidents still happen. If you have been in a collision, understanding the factors surrounding liability for a winter weather car accident claims can prepare you for how to proceed.

Determining Liability

Rain or shine, drivers are expected to follow safe driving laws. When winter weather hits, it is important to take extra precautions by taking it slow, allowing extra travel time, and remembering that sudden braking and steering can cause loss of vehicle control. Not all car accidents cause life-altering injuries, but property damage is likely to occur in even the most minor fender benders.

By Attorney Jaclyn Kallie

While most people who go into business with a partner take care to select ones who have similar goals, inevitably, there will be disagreements from time to time. Often, these issues can be solved through honest, open communication. However, sometimes a dispute can turn severe and ugly very quickly, which is when an experienced commercial litigation attorney can help. How a business is set up can also come into play.

Talking the Issues Out

First and foremost, successful business partnerships are based on the ability to communicate, at no time is this more important then when there is a disagreement between partners. Discussing these issues may demand a certain amount of diplomacy—and perhaps compromise—on both sides, but the outcome of maintaining the partnership and getting the business back on track can be worth it.