In State v. McClain, 2024AP32-CR (Wis. Ct. App. Apr. 3, 2024), the Wisconsin Court of Appeals offered valuable insight into how and when law enforcement can lawfully extend a traffic stop. The case reaffirms that even after an initial justification for a stop has concluded, officers may prolong the detention if new facts emerge that […]
In Wisconsin, the issue of whether a driver’s consent to a blood draw is voluntary has significant legal implications, especially in OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) cases. The recent appellate decision in State v. Gore provides clarity on how courts assess the voluntariness of such consent, particularly in light of the Blackman precedent. Case Background On
Understanding Blood Draw Consent in Wisconsin OWI Cases: Insights from State v. Gore Read More »
In Wisconsin, law enforcement officers frequently rely on tips from citizens to initiate traffic stops. But when is such a stop lawful? A recent decision from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, State v. Solom, provides a detailed look into what qualifies as reasonable suspicion and how citizen reports, paired with officer observations, can justify a
When Can Police Stop You Based on a Citizen Report? Insights from State v. Solom Read More »
Background of the Case In State v. Sobotik, the defendant, Jeremy A. Sobotik, was involved in a traffic accident after running a red light. Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Matthew Bublitz detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from both Sobotik and his vehicle. This observation led to a probable-cause search, during which a
Understanding the Ruling and Its Impact on OWI Defense in Wisconsin A recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision in State v. Jagla, filed March 18, 2025, sheds light on a critical issue in OWI defense in Wisconsin: when can law enforcement legally stop your vehicle based solely on information about the registered owner? This case
State v. Jagla: Can Police Stop Your Car Just Because the Owner Has No Valid License? Read More »
Why This Case Matters for Anyone Facing OWI Charges in Wisconsin In State v. Alex Mark Hagen, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals recently reversed a circuit court decision that had suppressed evidence obtained during an OWI traffic stop. The ruling—issued on March 6, 2025—clarifies what observations can justify extending a traffic stop to conduct field
Wisconsin Court of Appeals Upholds OWI Stop Extension | State v. Hagen (2025) Read More »
If you’re facing an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge in Dane County, Wisconsin, you’ll likely be required to complete an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) assessment. As experienced OWI defense attorneys in Madison, we want to help you understand what to expect during this process and the potential treatment recommendations that may follow. What
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A recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision provides crucial clarity on when courts can require ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in OWI cases. This ruling has significant implications for individuals facing first-offense OWI charges in Wisconsin. Case Overview In State v. Green, the Appeals Court examined whether a circuit court could order an ignition interlock device without
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A recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision provides important insights into what constitutes probable cause for an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) arrest. As criminal defense attorneys, we frequently see cases where the legitimacy of an OWI arrest is questioned. This new decision helps clarify when police officers have sufficient grounds to make an arrest. Case
Recent Wisconsin Court Decision Clarifies Standards for OWI Arrests Read More »
Police departments in Wisconsin receive anonymous tips daily, forcing them to quickly assess their validity. Many clients ask us: Can an anonymous tip alone give police enough reason to stop or search someone? The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2014 ruling in Navarette v. California answered this question by stating that police can conduct a traffic stop
Can Wisconsin Police Stop You Based on an Anonymous Tip? Read More »