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Recent Blog Posts
Data Shows Growing Disparity in Drug Arrests throughout State
Since the inception of the “War on Crime,” drug arrests have steadily increased across the nation – until recently. Some states have started to lean more toward treatment, rather than punishment. And, as indicated by data from the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the number of drug arrests in Wisconsin have decreased dramatically over the last four years. Unfortunately, the decrease does not mean that the war is finally coming to an end. In fact, statistics for the rest of the state would indicate that quite the opposite may be true.
Milwaukee Arrests Down but Rest of State Is Up
Between 2010 and 20014, drug arrests have gone down by nearly 50 percent in the city of Milwaukee (6,000 to less than 3,300). But the rest of the state has actually seen an 11 percent increase over that same time period, which amounts to approximately 2,200 more arrests each year. When examining the reasons behind the decrease in Milwaukee and the potential increases throughout the rest of the state, there are a number of possible factors – but none of them include treating drug addiction like an illness instead of a crime.
Are Severe Spinal Cord Injuries More Common in Car Accidents Involving Newer Vehicles?
Automobiles have come a long way in preventing deaths over the last few decades. This is mostly due to the extensive research and work done regarding head and chest injuries, which are the most likely to cause a crash fatality. Unfortunately, a new study suggests that those very same advancements that have reduced head and chest injuries may have inadvertently caused an increased risk in spinal injuries, which can also lead to severe injury or fatality in an automobile accident.
Side Impact, Seatbelts, and Airbags Took Priority
According to the Wisconsin researchers who uncovered the increased risk for spinal injuries, the main focus of automakers has been on the improvement of side impact crash ratings through the development of better airbags and seatbelts. New technology, such as making side-impact airbags standard on all vehicles after research found high death rates for side-impacts, also emerged. But as the features were added, seat designs were changed to accommodate. The end result has been an uptick in the number of lumbar spine injuries.
Police Shooting: Dashcam Footage Suggests Hostage Shot without Warning
Each and every day, upstanding officers place their lives on the line to protect the public. They educate, inform, and guide our youths. But sometimes they lose sight of their jobs. And – just like in any other field – there are those who only took the position for power and authority over others, those who wrongfully convict, bend the rules, or even break the law themselves. It is the latter group that are often the subject of news castings on the corruption of law enforcement, but there is always an exception, and even good officers make mistakes.
No one can say for certain which of the two groups may be at the center of an investigation on the shooting of a Wisconsin hostage. What can be said is that a possibly innocent man became an unsuspecting victim. And, even if he was not innocent, that man had the right to due process and civil protections, just like every other citizen. Unfortunately, evidence suggests that he received neither.
Will the Textalyzer Reduce the Number of Distracted Driving Accidents?
More than 80 percent of drivers in the annual AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index recognize that there is a serious problem among drivers today – one that they say makes them feel less safe on the road than they did just a mere five years ago. That problem is distracted driving; more specifically, use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. It would make sense why they feel that way, considering distracted driving leads to approximately 5,000 deaths per year.
Campaigns, commercials, programs, and even cell phone promotions discuss the issue and encourage people not to text and drive. Sadly, the problem only continues to get worse, especially among young drivers. But New York is now pushing for a law that would allow police officers to check whether or not a cell phone was in use immediately before a crash. Could the device they will use be the answer to America’s distracted driver problem? Only time will tell for certain, but many are hopeful.
Man Facing Felony Charges for Sixth OWI Offense
In 2014 alone, there were more than 24,000 OWI convictions in the state of Wisconsin. Some of those convictions were for repeat offenders who had at least one other prior conviction, which likely lead to increased penalties. A man recently arrested on his sixth OWI charge and facing felony charges shows just how severe repeat OWI conviction penalties can be. In turn, his case shows the importance of high quality legal representation for any and all OWI arrests.
Felony Charges for Man Arrested on Sixth OWI
According to the Chicago Tribune, a driver called the police and reported that they were following a reckless driver. Allegedly weaving all over the roadway, the driver eventually stopped at a restaurant where police apprehended him and took him into custody. Because the man has five prior convictions (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007), prosecutors requested that his bail be set at $250,000 to reduce his risk of release before trial. If convicted on the charges he is facing – an enhanced Class 3 felony – he could face up to 30 years of imprisonment without the option for probation.
Wisconsin Introduces Bill to Ban Cellphone Use in Work Zones
Last year, more than 2,400 crashes occurred in work zones throughout the state of Wisconsin. A total of 12 people died, and another 945 were injured in those automobile accidents. To combat the issue, Governor Walker introduced a bill that would completely ban cellphone use in work zones.
Understanding the Causes of Work Zone Crashes
Construction workers, who are also placed at risk during work zone accidents, work hard to repair the state’s highways and roads. Unfortunately, many drivers get impatient when traveling through the areas being repaired and, rather than slowing down and using caution, many go above the posted speed limit. Electronic signs, rumble zones, and updates regarding construction zones on social media are meant to deter such carelessness, but lawmakers say the efforts fall short.
Bill Banning Cellphone Use Takes Aim at Distracted Driving in Work Zones
Small Business Litigation in Wisconsin
Do you own a small business? Owning a business can be a stressful endeavor for many reasons. Wisconsin business owners often rely on a “handshake” or someone’s “word” to complete day to day business. They often do not have the time, or the perhaps the funds to have a lawyer review their contracts, purchase orders or invoices. Even with the utmost attention to detail, people can make mistakes. Sometimes events outside of anyone’s control cause delay in deliveries of goods, or the failure to provide services or products at a certain price. Sometimes contracts are breached when another business owner backs out of a deal or fails to live up to their word.
Wisconsin Sex Offenders Face Serious Challenges and Stigmas for Life
Convicted sex offenders come in many shapes and forms. Some were teens, just barely of legal age, who made a poor decision. Others have been convicted of violent crimes. But all of them face the same fate once they serve their time: stigmas and challenges for life. And in the state of Wisconsin, that can extend right down to not having a job or a place to call home.
Conviction Leads to Lifelong Issues
Once convicted and released, Wisconsin sex offenders must register on the state’s sex offender list. This list is monitored by local law enforcement, who will often send out a media release when an offender moves into the area. That information, which includes the exact address of the offender, is often then reported by local media. Citizens and employers can also view the registry online, which can severely impact their employment options, living conditions, and ability to function within the community.
Daycare Reopens After Allegations of Sexual and Physical Abuse
When parents have to work, they rely on others to help with the care of their most prized possession: their children. Most of the time, these caregivers provide loving, compassionate, and competent care. But there are, unfortunately, those out there that do the unspeakable. People who put children in harm’s way or inflict physical or emotional injury. A daycare center in Mississippi is being accused of doing the latter, yet has reopened its doors. And the matter has, understandably, shaken an entire community.
Six Children Allegedly Abused
According to the Mississippi Department of Health and the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Department, six or more children may have been physically or sexually abused while in the care of the day care facility. The complaints were received from parents who said they believed the abuse happened while near or on the premises of the center, which includes a petting zoo, but no word has been given regarding who the alleged abuser or abusers may be.
How Federal Agencies Combat Criminal and Fraudulent Acts of Money Laundering
To combat criminal and fraudulent acts of money laundering evident throughout the underbelly of criminal conspiracies, multiple federal statutes have been enacted to empower several federal agencies to uncover and prosecute the offenders.
Under Title 26 of the United States Internal Revenue Code, IRC Section 61(a), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) maintains investigative jurisdiction to investigate income earned from such illegal activities as:
- Drug trafficking;
- Embezzlement;
- Extortion;
- Healthcare fraud;
- Bankruptcy fraud;
- Income tax evasion;
- False income tax forms; and
- Failure to file an income tax.
The Internal Revenue Code is supported by the guidelines of Title 31, USC Section 5331 relating to investigations of fraudulent activity. Passed in 2001, the USA Patriot Act or “The Act” extends to money laundering and the possible connection to funding of terrorist entities.
