By Attorneys Jason Luczak and Nicole Masnica

Embezzlement is a serious white collar crime that involves the misappropriation or theft of funds entrusted to someone's care. This offense can refer to situations where an employee is accused of stealing money or assets from their employer. In Wisconsin, embezzlement accusations can lead to charges of theft or other criminal offenses. Those who have been accused of embezzlement can work with an attorney to determine their best options for defense.

Criminal Charges for Employee Embezzlement

When an employee is accused of embezzlement, several types of criminal charges may be brought against them. The specific charges that may apply will depend on the circumstances of the alleged offense and the amount of money or the value of property that was allegedly stolen or misappropriated. Although Wisconsin does not explicitly name embezzlement as a crime in its statutes, some charges that may be related to embezzlement include:

If you have been arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin, it is important to understand the state's implied consent law and how it can impact your case. Under this law, drivers are required to submit to chemical testing if they are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and they may face consequences if they refuse to do so. For anyone who has been arrested for drunk driving, it is crucial to secure legal representation from an attorney who can help defend against OWI charges and address license suspensions or other penalties related to chemical blood alcohol tests.

What Is Implied Consent?

Implied consent refers to the legal principle that drivers automatically give their consent to submit to chemical testing from a police officer, if suspected of drunk driving, by obtaining a driver’s license and operating a motor vehicle on public roads. In other words, when you get behind the wheel in Wisconsin, you implicitly agree to comply with requests from law enforcement officers for blood, breath, or urine testing.

The purpose of implied consent laws is twofold. First, they aim to deter drunk driving by creating a legal obligation for drivers to cooperate with chemical testing. Second, they provide authorities with evidence necessary for prosecuting OWI offenses. However, it is important to understand that implied consent laws apply to tests administered to analyze breath, blood, and urine samples performed after you are arrested. Therefore, you are not required to take a roadside breathalyzer test or perform field sobriety tests during a traffic stop, but you will be required to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test after an officer has arrested you and taken you to a police station.

Getting a divorce can be a complex, difficult process. The strong emotions involved with the end of a marriage can be hard enough on their own, but they can be especially difficult when paired with financial issues and practical considerations related to living arrangements and parenting. Being prepared to address divorce-related issues can help make this process easier. If you are considering divorce in Wisconsin, it is important to understand the steps you can take to protect your interests as you prepare to separate from your spouse and dissolve your marriage. A skilled attorney can help you determine the best approach to take during your case. 

As you prepare for divorce, you will want to:

Gather Important Documents

Before initiating the divorce process, it is important to gather all relevant financial documents such as bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, mortgage information, credit card statements, and investment account statements. These documents will be crucial during property division negotiations.

Litigation involving an alleged breach of contract can be complex. When one party fails to fulfill their obligations as outlined in a contract, this can lead to disputes, and the other party may take legal action to enforce the contract’s terms. For those who are involved in civil litigation related to contract disputes in Wisconsin, it is important to understand the options that may be available. An experienced attorney can provide legal representation in these cases, ensuring that issues related to contracts will be handled correctly. Depending on the specific facts of a case, available remedies for a breach of contract may include:

1. Specific Performance

In some breach of contract cases, the court may order the party who breached the contract to fulfill their obligations as originally agreed upon. Specific performance is typically granted when monetary damages would not adequately compensate the non-breaching party for the losses they suffered due to the breach or when the breaching party has the ability to fulfill the contract’s terms.

2. Monetary Damages

The most common outcome when one party has been found to be in breach of contract is an award of damages that will be paid by the breaching party to the non-breaching party. There are different types of monetary damages that may be awarded:

Arson is a serious crime that involves intentionally setting fire to property. In the state of Wisconsin, arson is a felony offense. The severity of the charges and the potential penalties will depend on factors such as the extent of damage caused, whether there were any injuries or fatalities, and the intent behind the act. Anyone who has been accused of arson, property crimes, violent offenses, or other types of crimes can determine how to protect their rights by working with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What Is Arson Under Wisconsin Law?

In Wisconsin, arson is defined under Chapter 943 of the state statutes. According to Section 943.02, a person commits arson if they intentionally damage a building through the use of fire or an explosion without the owner’s consent. The law also covers other forms of arson, including using a fire to damage personal property valued at over $100 (Section 943.03) and setting a fire with the intent to commit fraud against an insurance company (Section 943.04).

Felony Arson Charges and Penalties

In Wisconsin, arson involving intentional destruction to a building is generally classified as a Class C felony offense due to its serious nature and the potential harm it can cause. The penalties for a Class C felony conviction includes a jail sentence of up to 40 years and fines of up to $100,000. If someone was injured due to arson, other criminal charges may also apply.

In Wisconsin, child custody cases can often be complex and emotionally charged. Parents will frequently encounter disputes over sharing custody of their children, including how they will make decisions about important issues. In some cases, a parent may believe that they should have sole custody of their children rather than sharing custody with the other parent. It is important to understand when sole custody may be considered as a viable option by the courts. A parent who is planning to seek sole custody can work with an attorney to determine how to address these issues.

What Is Sole Custody?

In Wisconsin, legal custody refers to the ability of a parent to make major decisions regarding the child, such as where the child will go to school, what doctor they will see, whether they can get a driver’s license, or what religion (if any) they might practice. Wisconsin statutes separately define physical placement, which involves how often a child will reside with one or both parents. Sole legal custody typically refers to a situation in which one parent has the  responsibility for making major decisions.. The parent with sole legal custody will generally have the right to make all major decisions about the child's upbringing without consulting with or obtaining consent from the other parent.

The Best Interests of the Child

Decisions regarding legal custody are always based on what is in the best interests of the child. In Wisconsin, it is typically presumed that joint legal custody is in the best interest of the child, unless an analysis of various factors leads the court to determine that granting sole legal custody serves the best interest of the child..

Auto theft is a criminal offense that involves illegally taking or operating someone else's vehicle without their consent. In the state of Wisconsin, auto theft is usually charged as a felony offense, and it can lead to serious penalties for those who are convicted of this crime. If you or someone you know has been charged with auto theft in Milwaukee or other parts of Wisconsin, an experienced lawyer can help you understand the potential consequences and your options for defense.

Operating a Vehicle Without the Owner’s Consent

Under Wisconsin law, it is illegal to drive or operate a motor vehicle without receiving consent from the vehicle’s owner. A person who is accused of taking a vehicle and driving it without permission may face Class H felony charges for a first offense and Class F felony charges for a second offense. Taking and driving a commercial motor vehicle without consent may result in Class G felony charges.

A person who is convicted of a Class H felony related to auto theft may be sentenced to up to six years in prison and may be required to pay a fine of up to $10,000. A Class F felony conviction for a second offense may lead to a sentence of up to 12.5 years and a maximum fine of $25,000. A Class G felony conviction for theft of a commercial vehicle can include a sentence of up to 10 years and a maximum $25,000 fine.

During the divorce process, there are numerous complex issues that will need to be addressed. While this is true in any divorce, the financial matters that will need to be addressed in a high net worth divorce can be especially complicated and challenging to resolve. Spousal support is one of the key issues that may arise in these cases. To determine the role that spousal support may play in a high asset divorce, it is important to work with an experienced attorney.

How Spousal Support Is Addressed in a Wisconsin Divorce

Spousal support, which may also be referred to as maintenance or alimony, consists of payments made by a person to their ex-spouse after the couple’s divorce. In Wisconsin, spousal support is not automatically awarded in every divorce case. Instead, the need for maintenance will be determined based on several factors outlined in state law. These factors include:

• The length of the marriage - In general, spousal support is more likely to be awarded in longer marriages, but it may be appropriate in shorter marriages as well based on the circumstances and needs of the parties.

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Civil litigation refers to the legal process followed by individuals or entities to resolve disputes through the court system. It can involve a wide range of issues, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and more. If you find yourself involved in a legal dispute, understanding the steps involved in civil litigation can help you navigate through the process effectively. 

In Wisconsin, there are several distinct stages of civil litigation. While each case is unique and may have its own complexities, here are the general steps followed when litigating disputes in civil courts:

1. Pre-Litigation Phase

A civil dispute will typically begin when the plaintiff sends a demand letter to the defendant detailing their claims. Before initiating formal legal proceedings, the parties may attempt to resolve the issue outside of court. They may engage in negotiations or mediation to try to reach an agreement without going through a full trial. If disputes can be resolved at this stage, the parties will usually be able to save time and avoid the costs associated with courtroom proceedings.

In the state of Wisconsin, assault and battery offenses are taken very seriously. Depending on the circumstances of an alleged offense, an individual may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Felonies carry more severe consequences, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.

If you are facing assault and battery charges in Wisconsin, it is crucial to understand when these offenses can lead to felony charges. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions regarding your case. By seeking legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can determine your best options for defending against a conviction.

Defining Assault and Battery

Before diving into the specifics of felony charges, it is important to understand what the terms "assault" and "battery" refer to. Assault generally involves actions that cause someone to reasonably fear they will experience imminent bodily harm or death. Battery, on the other hand, involves intentional physical contact that causes bodily harm or injury.