THE STANGL LAW BLOG

If you're facing battery charges in Wisconsin, you may need answers to important questions:

"Will I have to go to jail for battery?"

"How can I defend against battery charges?"

"Is battery a felony in Wisconsin?

"What is substantial battery vs. aggravated battery?"

With over 20 years of criminal defense experience, Stangl Law knows it's best to have your questions answered by an attorney to explore the specific details of your case to identify an effective defense strategy.

Stangl Law provides a FREE, no-obligation, 15-minute consultation to get you pointed in the right direction as you begin your fight to defend against battery, substantial battery or aggravated battery charges in Wisconsin. 

Let's explore how battery is defined in Wisconsin and discuss the potential penalties of battery, substantial battery and aggravated battery.

The question seems simple: "What is domestic abuse?"

The answer, however, varies from state to state. 

It's generally understood that acts of battery or assault committed against another member of your family or household are considered domestic abuse.

This article will focus on answering the following questions relating to domestic battery or abuse charges in the state of Wisconsin:

• What is domestic abuse?
• Will I be arrested if someone claims I committed domestic abuse?
• If I was not immediately arrested for domestic abuse am I safe from arrest?
• What are the penalties for domestic abuse?
• How can I defend against charges of domestic abuse?
  

Short answer: Yes. Just like drunk driving, operating a motorized boat is illegal if your blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit. In Wisconsin, if your BAC is .08 percent or higher, you can be charged with intoxicated boating.

Whether you’re a state resident or a visitor, mixing any kind of motor vehicle activity with our state’s strong drinking culture can turn a fun afternoon out on the water into a dangerous situation both legally and otherwise. 

Wisconsin's waterways are not outside of the law. A relaxed attitude around drinking and boating is exactly what makes intoxicated boaters prime targets for conservation wardens and police patrols who regularly scan the waters for signs of suspicious drivers.

In 2019, 132 boaters were cited for boating under the influence of alcohol in Wisconsin. Law enforcement devoted more hours to boating activities than ATVs and snowmobiles combined.

Below, we've answered the common questions about BUIs in Wisconsin and what to do if you or someone you know is facing charges.

When you're charged with an OWI offense, whether it be a first offense, a subsequent criminal OWI, or any other criminal offense, it's natural to feel anxious, scared, and unsure of what to do.

In Wisconsin, courts use sentencing guidelines unique to each judicial district when determining a sentence following an OWI conviction. These guidelines identify many of the important criteria considered when imposing a sentence, however, judges have discretion in evaluating the facts and circumstances of each case when determining a particular sentence.

Wisconsin's OWI sentencing guidelines do not require any specific sentence outside of the mandatory minimums established by statute and any aggravating or mitigating factors may impact the judge's sentencing decisions. The facts and circumstances of each case are considered before a sentence is determined.

If you find yourself facing charges involving OWI, it’s important to keep the specific circumstances of your particular situation at the forefront of your mind when preparing to make your case in court.

Your chances of making a successful argument against the prosecution are dramatically increased by hiring a skilled defense attorney with a good deal of experience in OWI, so finding suitable counsel should be your primary concern. Although it’s your lawyer’s job to craft an effective defense, being well versed in common defense strategies yourself can give you an added sense of assuredness in your team’s particular approach when it comes time to be heard in front of a judge.

With OWI prosecution often relying on tangible evidence such as blood alcohol content and other chemical tests given during traffic stops, the method by which officers administer these tests can be subject to scrutiny if officers do not conduct them adequately.

Watch this video to learn more about when and why police can pull you over.

According to Wisconsin law, a felony is a crime whose punishment could potentially result in a jail term of one year or longer. Crimes that fall within this category are assigned sentences within the Wisconsin State Prison System rather than in a county jail.

Within the broad category of felonies, crimes are further divided into a series of nine classes delineated by alphabetical titles, A through I.

Class A felonies represent the most severe punishments given in Wisconsin. Penalties include a lifetime sentence with further stipulations for repeat offenders and those with specific criminal records.

"Relax."

That's probably not the first thought in your head when you're being pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Wisconsin. But that's exactly what you need to do.

The outcome of the traffic stop, your potential legal case and even your freedom all depend on your ability to remain calm, polite, and focused throughout the stop.

Keeping your focus during on OWI investigation also helps you stay mindful of your legal rights so you can avoid making decisions which might further complicate your case.

Watch this video to learn what you should do after you've been pulled over.