In a significant decision, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed a misdemeanor conviction for possessing intoxicating liquor without a license. The case, State v. Rowe, underscores the importance of the prosecution’s burden to prove every element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This blog post delves into the case details, the court’s reasoning, and the broader implications […]
Facing criminal charges based on controlled buys with a confidential informant (CI) can be an uphill battle. In Wisconsin, the use of informants by law enforcement is a common tactic in drug crime investigations and other felony prosecutions. If you are facing such charges, the attorneys at DK Anderson, S.C. understand how critical it is
Defending Against Controlled Buy Cases Involving Confidential Informants in Wisconsin Read More »
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
When facing felony charges in Wisconsin, one of the earliest and most pivotal stages in the process is the preliminary hearing. This procedural safeguard plays a critical role in determining whether your case will be allowed to move forward. While it does not decide guilt or innocence, it does give both the state and the
Understanding Preliminary Hearings in Wisconsin: The First Step in Felony Cases Read More »
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 »
Facing a criminal charge in Wisconsin? One of your first and most critical moments in court is the initial appearance. For many, this hearing is where the judge will decide whether you walk free or remain in custody while your case proceeds. And thanks to a recent 2023 constitutional amendment, judges in violent crime cases
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 »
Your Legal Right to Defend Yourself and Others in Wisconsin In Wisconsin, the right to self-defense and the defense of others is protected under state law, but it comes with specific legal standards and limitations. Codified in Wis. Stat. § 939.48 and § 939.49, these statutes establish when and how force—including deadly force—may be legally
Understanding Self-Defense, Defense of Others, and Defense of Property in Wisconsin Read More »