By: Attorney Jorge Fragoso

Accusations of any type of criminal charges can be troubling, and those who have been arrested and charged with crimes may be unsure about their options for defense. However, charges of homicide, murder, manslaughter, or related offenses can be especially serious, and being accused of these types of offenses can be an incredibly frightening situation. It is important for criminal defendants to understand the laws that address homicide in Wisconsin and the circumstances that can lead to these types of charges. With the help of a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney, a person can determine the best defense strategies in these situations.

Homicide Charges Under Wisconsin Law

Homicide is a term that refers to the unlawful killing of another person. Under Wisconsin law, there are several different categories of homicide charges, each with its own set of circumstances and potential consequences. These offenses include:

By: Attorney Jorge Fragoso

Many people believe that the criminal justice system in the United States is broken. People are often tried and convicted of crimes and subject to harsh sentences, even for low-level crimes such as drug possession or theft. Criminal arrests and convictions can have significant effects on people's lives, since a criminal record may prevent them from obtaining employment, education, or housing, and it may disqualify them from receiving professional licenses. Many people struggle to reintegrate into society after serving their sentences, and they may feel that they have no choice but to engage in further illegal activity, which could lead to additional criminal charges, convictions, and prison sentences.

To help address this issue, the state of Wisconsin allows the governor to grant pardons to certain offenders. During his time in office, Governor Tony Evers has issued a record number of pardons, and he continues to use his authority to grant clemency and provide people with second chances. Recently, he pardoned 159 people, bringing the total number of pardons he has issued to 933. This is in contrast to the previous governor, Scott Walker, who did not issue a single pardon during his time in office, and Governor Jim Doyle, who granted fewer than 300 pardons during his two terms.

By: Attorney Nicole Masnica and Paralegal Rachel Sweet

Originally published: August 10, 2018 -- Updated: February 17, 2023

Update: In addition to understanding the types of circumstantial evidence that may play a role in a criminal trial, those who are accused of committing crimes will need to understand the ways that this evidence may be challenged. An experienced criminal defense attorney can cast doubt on the validity of certain types of evidence or witness testimony, or they can challenge the narrative proposed by prosecutors. Some methods that may be used to respond to evidence presented in a trial include:

By: Attorney Jorge Fragoso 

On November 8, 2022, Tony Evers was reelected as Governor of the state of Wisconsin. Since he was originally elected in 2019, Governor Evers has made efforts to grant clemency to people who have been convicted of crimes and are deserving of a second chance. He has granted a total of more than 600 pardons during his time in office, and he has stated that he will continue to pardon convicts during his next term. With this option available to people who have been convicted of criminal offenses, it is important for those who wish to receive clemency to understand the benefits of a pardon and the procedures followed during the pardon process.

Eligibility for Pardons

People who have been convicted of felonies in Wisconsin state courts may request a pardon, and if a pardon is granted, they will regain certain rights, including the right to own and possess firearms, the right to apply for certain types of professional licenses, and the right to run for public office. To be eligible for a pardon, a person will need to meet the following requirements:

By: Attorney Adam Schleis

It is legal to own and possess firearms in the United States and the state of Wisconsin, although there are certain exceptions, such as when a person has been convicted of a felony. However, while the laws regarding gun ownership are clear, firearms may only be used for certain purposes, and certain types of illegal uses of guns may lead to criminal charges. If you are facing charges related to the use of a firearm, you could be facing serious penalties, including jail time and large fines.

Wisconsin Laws Related to the Use of "Dangerous Weapons"

People who own and use firearms are expected to do so in a way that protects the safety of themselves and others. A person may be charged with the offense of "endangering safety by use of dangerous weapon" if they put other people at risk because they operated or handled a firearm negligently. For example, if a person did not take care while carrying or using a gun, such as by failing to use the weapon's safety settings, pointing the gun recklessly at others, or shooting at targets without making sure others were away from the line of fire, they could be charged with this offense. This charge may also apply if a person was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while carrying or using a firearm or if they were on someone else's property and fired a gun within 100 yards of a residential building without receiving permission from the building's owner.