By: Attorney Cameron Weitzner

In the 21st century, people spend a significant percentage of their time online or using computer systems or electronic devices. While most computer-related activity is completely legal, certain activities could potentially lead to criminal charges. Those accused of committing computer crimes will need to understand how the law addresses these types of illegal activities and the potential consequences they could face if they are convicted.

Computer-Related Criminal Charges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law defines a number of criminal offenses related to computers. These offenses may affect computer data and programs (software) or physical computer systems or networks (hardware). Software-related offenses include illegally accessing computer systems or programs (commonly known as hacking) or modifying, destroying, copying, or taking possession of data or related documentation. Hardware-related offenses include the theft, destruction, or unauthorized use or modification of a computer system, network, equipment, or supplies.

By Attorney Cameron G. Weitzner and Paralegal Rachel A. Sweet

Getting arrested or charged with a crime can be extremely frightening and stressful, and it may feel like you have nowhere to turn for help and support. However, thanks to the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, there is always at least one person whom you can rely on: your attorney. Among other rights, the Sixth Amendment guarantees a criminal defendant the right to “the assistance of counsel for his defense.” If you are facing charges, you should be sure to understand the full extent of the protection that this clause provides.

What Does the Right to Legal Counsel Include?

The Sixth Amendment right to legal counsel means that in a trial or court hearing related to the charges you are facing, you have the right to representation from a qualified defense attorney. Your attorney can take many important actions to protect your rights and help you avoid conviction or an unfair sentence. For example, they can speak on your behalf in opening and closing arguments, help you present evidence and testimony to demonstrate your innocence, cross-examine witnesses for the prosecution, and object to inadmissible evidence and improper trial procedure.

By Attorney Ray Dall’Osto

The intoxicating effects of alcohol and controlled substances (prescription and illegal) have been demonstrated to lower a person’s inhibitions, alter behavior, and impair a person’s mental and physical abilities, including the ability to operate motor vehicles steadily and safely.  Unfortunately, alcohol and substance use sometimes lead to situations where a person is arrested on criminal charges.  For example, in State v. Christen, 2021 WI 39, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment does not protect an intoxicated person's right to possession of a firearm for self-defense, in a drunken altercation with roommates inside defendant’s residence). 

If you have been arrested while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may wonder whether your state of intoxication could be a mitigating factor or perhaps even be raised as a defense that might help avoid a conviction. At first glance, it seems reasonable that the effects of a substance on a person’s mental state would impact on specific intent and possibly absolve you of personal responsibility for your actions. However, in Wisconsin, this is only true under limited circumstances, because the legislature and courts have determined that the intoxication defense should be greatly limited on public policy grounds. Thus, it is important that you work with an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to determine whether such a defense may apply in your case.

By Attorney Cameron Weitzner

The term “fraud” is used to refer to a wide variety of criminal offenses, many of which can result in serious consequences under either Wisconsin state law or federal law, depending on the circumstances. If you are facing allegations of any form of criminal fraud, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide strong representation and guidance to help you understand your options.

Fraud Crimes in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, many forms of fraud are classified as crimes against property, specifically under the category of misappropriation, meaning the unlawful use of another person’s property, assets, or identity. Some examples of fraudulent offenses include:

By Attorney Cameron Weitzner

Domestic violence is a serious and widespread issue throughout Wisconsin and the United States, and many experts have reported that incidents and reports of domestic violence between intimate partners have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part due to families spending more time in close proximity to each other. If you are facing allegations of domestic abuse, it is important to understand how Wisconsin handles these cases and what may happen if you are arrested.

How Does Wisconsin Define “Domestic Abuse?”

Wisconsin law includes special provisions regarding how arrests and prosecution are handled in cases involving domestic abuse between adults, including violence against a spouse, a former spouse, a person who shares or formerly shared one’s residence, or the other parent of one’s child. These provisions apply in cases involving one of the following alleged acts: