Wisconsin OWI

Recent Wisconsin Court Decision Clarifies Standards For Owi Arrests

Recent Wisconsin Court Decision Clarifies Standards for OWI Arrests

Wisconsin OWI / By

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 […]

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Can Wisconsin Police Stop You Based on an Anonymous Tip?

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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

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Understanding Your Rights During Traffic Stops: Important Wisconsin Court Ruling

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A recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision provides crucial insights into your rights during traffic stops and when police can request field sobriety testing. The case, State v. Ertl, addresses important questions about police authority and individual rights that every Wisconsin driver should understand. The Traffic Stop The case began when police received an anonymous

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Unreadable License Plate Is Grounds For A Traffic Stop

When Can Police Stop Your Vehicle? Wisconsin Court Ruling Provides Important Insights

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A recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision sheds important light on when police can legally stop your vehicle and what constitutes reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop. The case, State v. Braun, offers valuable lessons for Wisconsin drivers about their rights and the sometimes subtle reasons police may initiate a traffic stop.

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Circumstantial Evidence Can Lead To Conviction

Wisconsin OWI Case Shows How Circumstantial Evidence Can Lead to Conviction

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In a recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision, the court affirmed an OWI conviction based largely on circumstantial evidence, highlighting important lessons for drivers facing drunk driving charges. The case, City of Rhinelander v. LaFave-LaCrosse, demonstrates how courts evaluate evidence in OWI cases and the serious consequences of refusing chemical tests. The Case Facts At

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Smell Of Thc And Probable Cause To Arrest In Wisconsin

Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Vehicle Searches Based on Marijuana Smell: What This Means for Your Rights

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In a significant 4-3 decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in 2023, ruled that the smell of marijuana alone can provide probable cause for police to conduct a warrantless search. As criminal defense attorneys, we’re concerned about the implications this ruling has for Wisconsin residents’ Fourth Amendment rights. Understanding State v. Moore The case, State v.

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All Forms of Methamphetamine Count in DUI Cases – What This Means for Drivers

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In a significant February 2025 decision, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled that any detectable amount of methamphetamine in a driver’s blood – whether from prescription, illegal, or over-the-counter sources – can lead to criminal charges. This ruling has important implications for Wisconsin drivers, particularly those who use certain over-the-counter medications. Understanding the Court’s Decision

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Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Defend Me if I am Guilty?

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If you’re facing criminal charges in Madison, WI, you may be wondering: “Should I still hire a defense attorney if I’m guilty?” Or even, “Can a criminal defense lawyer really defend me if I committed the crime?” The answer is yes—and it’s not just about technicalities or legal loopholes. It’s about protecting your rights, ensuring

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Wisconsin Interlock Device Guide: What Happens After Your First OWI (2025)

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A conviction for an OWI charge has significant consequences no matter the the level or number. First-time OWI offenders face substantial costs with Wisconsin interlock devices – up to $3,500 per year. Daily monitoring, installation, and calibration fees creates a significant financial obligation for drivers with blood alcohol content readings of .15 or higher. Wisconsin

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Wisconsin Drunk Driving Laws Explained 2025

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Wisconsin’s roads tell a sobering story. Our state recorded 22,000 Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) convictions in 2022 alone. These numbers represent more than statistics – they show why every driver must understand our state’s drunk driving laws. The stakes prove serious for Wisconsin drivers. OWI penalties start with license revocation and climb to fines as

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