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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In a recent decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court related to property taxes for large stores, the Court stated “[w]e do not read the Manual to strictly prohibit the use of vacant properties as comparable to occupied properties. The language of ‘should avoid’ is not mandatory.”

The long-awaited decision in Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC v. City of Delavan, 2023 WI 8, will address whether big box stores can be taxed by comparing the value of property to the value of vacant buildings. Despite what the League of Wisconsin Municipalities or other local municipalities state, this decision is not a panacea that is going to solve all their problems. In fact, it will likely create new ones for them as the law develops. 

While there were many distinct facts that led to the Court affirming the trial court’s decision, there were moments of nuance that suggest it’s not simply smooth sailing for municipalities in the future.  

 By: Attorney Max Stephenson and Paralegal Ali Jaeger

Getting a divorce can be a complicated and overwhelming process, and it will require you to address numerous financial issues and practical concerns, while also dealing with conflict with your spouse and emotional issues related to the end of your marriage. However, if you and your spouse have a high net worth, things can become even more complex. Because the decisions made during the process of dividing marital property can have a huge impact on your finances both now and in the future, it is important to understand which assets will need to be addressed and the best approach to take to protect your financial interests.

Dividing Different Types of Valuable Assets

Gaining a full understanding of the value of the different assets you own can be difficult enough, but you will also need to determine how to divide these assets fairly while ensuring that you will have the financial resources you need in the future. As you proceed with your divorce, you may need to consider assets such as:

By: Attorney Nicole Masnica 

Human trafficking is a serious criminal offense that can result in severe legal consequences in the state of Wisconsin. The state's laws on human trafficking cover a wide range of activities related to transporting or harboring people to perform labor or engage in commercial sex acts. A person found guilty of human trafficking can face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and a lifelong criminal record. If you are facing charges of human trafficking or other sensitive crimes in Wisconsin, it is essential to understand the nature of the charges and the potential penalties of a conviction.

What Is Human Trafficking?

According to Wisconsin statute 940.302, human trafficking occurs when a person intentionally recruits, entices, transports, or harbors another individual for the purpose of labor or sexual exploitation. Human trafficking can involve many different activities, including:

By: Attorney Nicole Masnica

Children are considered to be some of the most vulnerable members of society because they are unable to fully protect themselves, and they rely on parents or guardians to meet their needs. For this reason, crimes committed against children are taken very seriously by law enforcement, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Charges of crimes against children can have a significant impact on a person's reputation, freedom, and future. Anyone who has been accused of these sensitive crimes will need to understand the nature of the charges against them and their options for defense.

Criminal Offenses Involving Children in Wisconsin

Crimes against children may involve any offenses in which a person is accused of causing harm to a minor or engaging in actions that could put a child at risk of harm. These charges may include:

Drug crimes are some of the most serious offenses in Wisconsin. Many of these offenses are related to the possession of controlled substances. A person who is found to have illegal drugs on their person, in their home, or in their vehicle can face penalties such as jail time, fines, probation, and mandatory drug treatment if they are convicted of drug possession offenses. However, if a person is accused of distributing drugs to others or engaging in the business of manufacturing, transporting, or selling controlled substances, they may face more serious charges related to drug distribution or drug trafficking.

The State of Wisconsin takes drug offenses very seriously, and the penalties for a drug distribution or drug trafficking conviction can be severe. In some cases, federal charges may apply. It is important for defendants to understand the potential consequences they may face, as well as their options for defense.

State-Level Charges for Drug Manufacturing, Distribution, or Delivery

Drug distribution generally refers to any situations where controlled substances are transferred from one person to another, except in situations where drugs are administered by medical professionals or dispensed by a doctor or pharmacy. In addition to criminal charges for selling, transporting, or delivering drugs, a person may also be accused of manufacturing controlled substances. Manufacturing may include any type of production or packaging of controlled substances, and it can range from growing marijuana plants or operating a meth lab to dividing and labeling drugs in separate containers or packages.

By: Attorney Jorge Fragoso

Sexual assault is one of the most serious criminal offenses a person can be charged with in Wisconsin, and law enforcement officials and prosecutors take these cases very seriously. A conviction for this type of sex crime can lead to severe consequences that can impact your life in countless ways. If you have been charged with sexual assault or a related offense, it is important to understand the potential penalties you may face if you are convicted. In these situations, representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial, and your lawyer can advise you of your rights, help you understand your options for defense, and advocate for the best possible outcome to your case.

Please note that this section discusses sexual assault charges in which the victim is an adult. Charges involving underaged victims are not discussed elsewhere.

  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: