For individuals and businesses throughout the state of Wisconsin, property taxes can be a serious issue. The requirement to pay these taxes can place a significant financial burden on property owners, especially when taxes are increased significantly or when other related fees are imposed. In some cases, cities and towns have attempted to levy additional taxes or fees in order to fund utilities, improvements, and other expenses. However, the state of Wisconsin places limits on increases in property taxes. In a recent decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court addressed attempts by the town of Buchanan to get around these limits, and it forced the town to comply with the levy limits that have been put in place in Wisconsin law.

Wisconsin Property Taxpayers, Inc. v. Town of Buchanan

In 2019, the town of Buchanan sought to increase revenue that would be used to maintain and reconstruct roads in the area. To do so, it used a referendum to allow voters to decide between raising property taxes, putting a special assessment in place, or creating a Transportation Utility Fee (TUF). Voters chose the TUF, and the town put an ordinance in place creating a Transportation Utility District that would be funded by these fees.

The town's Transportation Utility Fee was imposed in addition to the property taxes the town collected. While property taxes are based on the value of a property, the TUF was based on the usage of the town's roads that a property was estimated to generate. The annual fee ranged from around $300 for most residential homes to $8,000 for certain commercial properties.

By: Attorney Adam Schleis and Law Clerk Nancy Cattani

For those who are facing criminal charges, it is important to understand the distinction between different types of property crimes. These cases involve accusations of taking another’s property without permission..Criminal charges for theft can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class F felony with the specific penalties being based on the value and type of property that was allegedly stolen. However, if a person is accused of taking property directly from a person by using force or the threat of force, robbery charges may apply. Since robbery is considered a violent crime, more serious felony charges will apply, and a person may also face other related charges, such as assault. By understanding when an alleged offense may lead to robbery charges and the penalties that may apply for a conviction, criminal defendants can make sure they are taking the correct steps to defend themselves.

Understanding Robbery Charges Under Wisconsin Law

Wis. Stat. § 943.32 defines the offense of robbery, and states that a person can be charged with  robbery if they took money or property from someone else through the use of force or by threatening to use force. 

By: Law Clerk Nancy Cattani

Few things are more terrifying than the idea of being inside a building that collapses. People in this situation may be injured by falling rubble or could be pinned under debris, such as collapsed walls and ceilings. Collapses of large, multi-story buildings are likely to be even more dangerous, as people could experience serious or fatal injuries in falls, and rescuers may need to dig through tons of debris before a person can be extracted.

This situation has become an unfortunate reality for people who have been involved in several recent incidents. On May 28, 2023, part of an eight-story apartment building in Davenport, Iowa, collapsed, and over the next few days, nine people were rescued. Among the injured, there were 3 deaths, as well as many now left homeless. There was also an incident in Surfside, Florida on June 24, 2021 in which a twelve-story building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 98 people.

By: Attorney Jorge Fragoso

Drinking and driving is a dangerous act, and in Wisconsin, it can result in severe consequences. Those who operate motor vehicles after drinking alcohol or using drugs could potentially be pulled over and arrested, and they may be charged with the offense of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). While a single OWI charge is serious enough, multiple arrests or convictions for drunk driving will result in more severe charges. Drivers should be aware of when they could be charged with a felony due to multiple OWI convictions on their record, and they will also need to understand the penalties that will apply if they are convicted on felony OWI charges.

Felony Charges for Multiple OWI Offenses

During the warm summer months, boating is a popular activity for many Wisconsinites. However, like many other recreational activities, boating comes with some risks. There are a variety of boat accidents that can occur due to issues such as negligent operation or equipment failure, and these accidents can lead to serious injuries. Those who are injured in these situations may be able to work with an attorney to identify the parties who were responsible and pursue compensation for their damages.

Common Boating Accident Injuries

There are numerous ways people can be injured while boating. A boat may capsize, two boats may collide, or a person in the water may be struck by a boat, to name just a few examples. There are multiple types of serious injuries that can occur in these situations, including:

• Drowning - If a boat capsizes or if people are thrown overboard in a collision, their lives may be placed at risk, especially if they did not have life jackets or other personal floatation devices. Even strong swimmers may be at risk of drowning due to other injuries that occurred in a boat accident. While rescue efforts will often be made in these situations, there may not be time to provide aid. People who are boating alone or in small groups may not be able to call for help, especially if an accident occurs far away from shore.

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