News

5 Ways an OWI Will Change Your Life

In the state of Wisconsin, drunk driving is a very serious crime. So is driving under the influence of drugs. Because these two crimes are very serious, convictions carry heavy penalties. In fact, some people have a tough time bouncing back after a DUI or OWI conviction; here are five ways a conviction may change your life.

5 Ways an OWI Will Change Your Life

These are some of the biggest changes you’ll experience if you’re convicted of DUI or OWI:

You’ll have a permanent criminal record
You’ll lose your driver’s license
You may go to jail
You may have to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
You could lose your commercial driver’s license

Here’s a closer look at each.

#1. You’ll Have a Permanent Criminal Record

When you’re convicted of a crime in the state of Wisconsin, it generally stays on your criminal record forever. In fact, only a small number of convictions are eligible for expungement (The process by which a court clears your record and gives you a fresh start). when you have a criminal record hanging over your head, you may find it difficult to find a job or a place to live, or even to obtain credit.

#2. You’ll Lose Your Driver’s License

Even with a first offense DUI or OWI, you lose your driving privileges in the state of Wisconsin. The length of time the state withholds your driving privileges depends on the circumstances of your case, including how many DUIs or OWIs you’ve had in the past and other factors.

#3. You May Go to Jail

The judge in your case may send you to jail or prison, depending on the circumstances of your DUI or OWI case. For example, if you’re involved in a drunk driving crash that hurts someone, you can expect to be sentenced to prison time upon conviction.

#4. You May Have to Install an Ignition Interlock Device on Your Vehicle

In many cases, Wisconsin judges order people to put ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. These devices require you to blow into a gauge that determines how much you’ve had to drink. Your vehicle won’t start if the device determines you’ve been drinking. If a judge orders you to put an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, you’re responsible for the cost of the installation and, when the time comes, removal.

#5. You Could Lose Your Commercial Driver’s License

If you hold the commercial driver’s license (CDL), there’s a good chance you’ll lose it if you’re convicted of DUI or OWI. if your commercial driving privileges are revoked or suspended, you can’t work and you’ll need to find alternate employment.

How Do You Avoid DUI/OWI Penalties?

The only way to avoid the penalties associated with DUIs and OWIs in the state of Wisconsin is to avoid a conviction. But there’s no way to predict how a judge will rule in any case. For many people, the smartest choice is hiring a drunk driving lawyer – an attorney may be able to help you get the best possible outcome.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About DUI or OWI?

If you’ve been accused of DUI or OWI, our team may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with an experienced Wisconsin drunk driving lawyer. We can answer your questions and give you the guidance you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T10:50:12-05:00October 27th, 2022|Criminal Law, Traffic Offenses|Comments Off

Is it Possible to Get Guardianship of a Sibling in Wisconsin?

By Carlos Gamino

If you’re like many people, you’ve heard of guardianship – that’s what it’s called when an adult takes responsibility for another person. The adult taking responsibility is called the guardian, and the other person is called the ward.

Sometimes, it’s possible to get guardianship of a sibling. This may happen when your parents aren’t able to properly care for your brother or sister, or when your parents are deceased. In order to get custody of your sibling, you must apply for guardianship.

Guardianship of a Sibling in Wisconsin: The Basics

There are two main types of guardianship available in Wisconsin. Guardianship for minors is only for children under the age of 18, while guardianship of incompetent adults is for anyone who’s at least age 17 years and nine months.

If your sibling is a child, you need to pursue guardianship for minors; if they’re an adult who can’t care for themselves, your attorney will suggest that you pursue guardianship of an incompetent adult.

What is a Guardian of a Minor Responsible For?

As a guardian, you are responsible for making decisions, giving consent and advocating for your sibling. It’s up to you to care for your brother or sister when you become their legal guardian. It’s also your job to enroll them in school, provide them with shelter and ensure that they’re healthy. Essentially, you take on the role of parent – at least in a legal sense.

How to Get Guardianship of Your Young Sibling

It may be in your best interest to work with an attorney to get guardianship of your minor sibling. That’s because in order for a judge to agree that your parents – if they’re living – are unfit to parent your sibling, you need to provide a significant amount of proof. Judges don’t take guardianship decisions lightly.

If your parents are deceased, your attorney will be able to give you the guidance you need on getting guardianship of your sibling.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Getting Guardianship of Your Sibling?

If you need to get guardianship of your sibling in Wisconsin, you should speak with a family law attorney who understands how the law works and how to start the process. Call us at 414-383-6700 now to schedule a consultation with someone who may be able to help you.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T11:49:56-05:00October 25th, 2022|Elder Law, Family Law, Guadianship Law|Comments Off

Who Decides on Placement When a Couple Disagrees?

By Carlos Gamino

In the state of Wisconsin, child custody and visitation – called placement – are some of the hottest issues of many divorces. often, parents have a hard time seeing eye to eye on where their children should live, when their children should visit each parent and which parent is responsible for what tasks. Usually, by the end of a divorce proceeding, couples have reached some sort of agreement – but what happens when they can’t?

Who Decides on Placement When a Couple Disagrees?

First things first: It’s typically best for children when their parents reached their own agreements about custody and placement. Parents know their children best; you know what they need to thrive.

But sometimes it’s impossible to reach an agreement with your children’s other parent. In cases like these, judges order parents to meet with a mediator at least one time. During mediation, a trained professional will try to find common ground between you and your children’s other parent.

If mediation fails, sometimes a social worker or guardian ad litem (a person working in the kids’ best interest) give their input after conducting in-depth studies. If you and your children’s other parent still don’t agree, the court will schedule a hearing.

During the hearing, the parents, social worker and guardian ad litem present evidence. The judge reviews everything and makes a decision.

Why Don’t You Want to Let the Court Decide on Placement?

Most parents don’t want the courts to decide on placement. Though you can generally rely on a judge to make a decision that’s best for the children involved, the fact is that the process is long and time-consuming. In fact, it may take several months (or more) for the entire process to play out. That’s tough on you and your children – and it’s expensive.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Child Placement?

If you and your spouse are having a hard time agreeing on child custody and placement, you may benefit from talking to an attorney. Your attorney can give you the guidance you need when it comes to compromising with your children’s other parent, as well as fight for your kids’ best interests when necessary. Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule your consultation with an experienced professional who can give you the guidance you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T11:41:04-05:00October 20th, 2022|Family Law|Comments Off

Will You Go to Prison in Wisconsin for Having an Underage Girlfriend?

By Carlos Gamino

In the state of Wisconsin, a person must be 18 years old or older to lawfully give consent – and that means if your girlfriend is underage, you may be facing criminal charges. In fact, if you engage in sexual intercourse with a minor who is 17 or younger, you could be charged with statutory rape or sexual assault of a child.

What is Statutory Rape in Wisconsin?

Statutory rape is the crime of an adult having sexual intercourse with a person who is under the age of 18, even if the sex is completely consensual.

What is Sexual Assault of a Child?

Sexual contact involving a minor younger than the age of 13, regardless of your age, is considered first degree sexual assault of a child. This crime is a Class B felony, and it can result in up to 60 years imprisonment.

Sexual contact involving a minor between the ages of 13 and 15, regardless of your age, is considered second degree sexual assault of a child. This is a Class C felony, and you could be sentenced to up to 40 years imprisonment.

Other Wisconsin Crimes Related to Having an Underage Girlfriend

When sexual contact doesn’t meet the definitions of statutory rape or sexual assault of a child, there are two other crimes that may apply:

Sexual intercourse with a child 16 or older is the crime of having intercourse with a minor who is 16 or 17 years old when the defendant is 19 or older. (This isn’t a crime if both parties are married to each other.) This crime is a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in up to nine months in jail.
Underage sexual activity is sexual contact between a 15 year old and a defendant who’s younger than 19, or sexual intercourse between a minor who is 15, 16 or 17 and a defendant who’s younger than 19. This Is a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in up to nine months in jail.

Will You Have to Register as a Sex Offender?

in some cases, people found guilty of any of the crimes listed here may be required to register as sex offenders. However, in the state of Wisconsin, there’s an exception to the registration requirement when two people are close in age and no violence or force was used.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Statutory Rape Charges?

If you’ve been accused of statutory rape or sexual assault of a child, or another crime related to one of these, you have the right to retain legal counsel. Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with an experienced professional who may be able to help you get the best possible outcome in your case.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T10:48:09-05:00October 18th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

5 Common Deportation Defenses

By Carlos Gamino

When the government wants to remove a non-citizen from the United States, it begins removal proceedings. Known as deportation, removal proceedings can result in a bar to reentry. However, many Wisconsin immigration attorneys Are able to successfully defend their clients against deportation; In many cases, they’re even able to get their client a green card. Although there’s never any guarantee on how an immigration judge will rule, this guide outlines five possible defenses your attorney may choose to use to fight your removal proceedings.

5 Common Deportation Defenses

There are a number of strategies Your attorney may choose from while determining the best course of action and fighting your deportation. However, here are five of the most common:

Adjustment of status
Asylum
Cancellation of removal
Legalization and registry
Motions to reconsider or reopen

Here’s a closer look at each.

Adjustment of Status and Removal Proceedings

In some cases, it’s possible for an immigrant to adjust their status and get a green card. However, in order to follow this path, and immigrant visa must be immediately available to the person (such as through a family connection with a U.S. citizen) and the immigrant must be admissible as a permanent resident.

Asylum and Removal Proceedings

it may be possible for you to seek asylum in the United states. If you and your attorney can demonstrate that you are unable to return to your home country because of persecution or your well-founded fear of persecution, an immigration judge may grant you asylum. However, if you’ve been convicted of an aggravated felony, found to be a danger to national security, or are outside the time limit to file for asylum, you’re not eligible for this type of defense.

Cancellation of Removal

Sometimes judges grant cancellation of removal to those who qualify. However, you must meet certain criteria, and the judge will consider how much time you’ve resided or have been continuously present in the U.S., as well as whether your deportation would result in an unusual hardship to your family members who currently live in the United States.

Legalization and Registry in Removal Proceedings

If you’ve lived in the United States since before January 1, 1972, and if you have good moral character and are not ineligible for citizenship, an immigration judge may consider giving you amnesty in the form of legalization and registry. However, you must not be deportable on certain grounds to qualify.

Motions to Reconsider or Reopen

Sometimes, attorneys can file motions with the immigration court to ask them to take another look at your case. There are specific deadlines you must meet if you intend to use either of these methods to get the U.S. government to reevaluate its decision on your case.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Deportation Defense?

If you’re facing removal proceedings, we know it can be scary. However, you have the right to hire legal representation, so call our Wisconsin immigration attorneys at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with someone who may be able to help you.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T11:03:17-05:00October 13th, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

Will You Go to Prison for Welfare Fraud in Wisconsin?

By Carlos Gamino

Commonly called public assistance fraud, welfare fraud is the crime of obtaining welfare or other social benefits by misrepresentation or failing to report changes in circumstances. A welfare fraud conviction could lead to jail time. Here’s what you need to know about this white-collar crime.

Welfare Fraud in Real Life

Wisconsin law says that anyone who intentionally makes false statements or misrepresents facts in an application for public assistance is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, the law says that if you fail to report changes in facts (such as getting a job or earning more money), you can be charged with welfare fraud.

In order to convict you, the state of Wisconsin must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you:

Intentionally made a false statement or representation of a fact when you applied
The statement or representation was false
You knew that the statement or representation was false

If the state can’t prove all those things, it can’t convict you.

What Are the Penalties for Welfare Fraud in Wisconsin?

The penalty for welfare fraud on an application is generally a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty for a Class A misdemeanor is up to nine months in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. However, failing to report a change in facts may be a felony. Often, the degree of the crime depends on the amount of benefits you obtained through fraudulent means.

What Kind of Evidence Will Prosecutors Have?

Prosecutors in your case will most likely use your benefit application as evidence in your case. They may also use financial documents, such as pay stubs or bank statements, witness testimony and a number of other pieces of evidence.

If the police want to question you about your involvement in welfare fraud, the best thing you can do is exercise your right to remain silent. Remember: If police arrest you for a crime, they already think you’re guilty. Officers will try to get you to confess, even if you’re actually innocent.

Calmly let the police know that you’d like to speak to an attorney before proceeding. At that time, they must stop asking you questions. Wait until you consult with an attorney before you decide how to proceed. Your attorney can be present with you during police questioning to prevent you from saying anything that would incriminate you in your case.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Welfare Fraud?

If the state of Wisconsin has accused you of welfare fraud, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with an experienced professional who can give you the guidance you need. We’ll work hard to help you get the best possible outcome in your case.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T10:44:25-05:00October 11th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

What Happens if You Appeal a Conviction in Wisconsin?

By Carlos Gamino

If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Wisconsin and are not happy with the outcome, you may have the option to appeal the decision. This guide will explain what an appeal is, how it works, and what may happen after everything’s said and done.

What is an Appeal?

An appeal is when a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court to see if its finding was incorrect. If you think that you should appeal a criminal conviction, it’s in your best interest to talk to a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney about your case. Your lawyer will let you know whether you can appeal and what the process will look like in your situation.

How Does a Criminal Conviction Appeal Work in Wisconsin?

Appeals are usually based on errors in the original trial, either in procedure or in the judge’s interpretation of the law. If you want to appeal a conviction, it may be in your best interest to work with an attorney. Your attorney will likely file what’s called a “notice of appeal” with the court, which starts the appeals process. After that, your attorney will work on filing briefs explaining to the higher court why they think the lower court made a mistake. In some cases, you may need to appear in front of the appeals court for oral arguments.

What Happens if I Win an Appeal?

If the appeals court decides in your favor, there are a few different things that could happen. The court may order a new trial, they may throw out your conviction entirely, or they may reduce your sentence. In some cases, the appeals court may decide that you don’t need a new trial and will just overturn the conviction.

What Happens if I Lose an Appeal?

If you lose an appeal, you will still be convicted of the crime and will have to serve your original sentence. In some cases, you may be able to file what’s called a “petition for review” with the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This is basically asking the Supreme Court to look at your case and decide whether the appeals court made the right decision. However, the Supreme Court doesn’t have to hear your case and may just let the appeals court’s decision stand.

After an Appeal

Once an appeal has been decided, that usually means that the case is over and you will have to serve your sentence. However, in some cases, you may be able to file what’s called a “post-conviction motion.” This is basically a request for the court to look at your case again and decide whether there were any errors that warrant overturning the conviction or reducing the sentence. If you’re thinking about filing a post-conviction motion, it’s in your best interest to talk to a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney about your case.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Filing an Appeal?

If you’re thinking about filing an appeal, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule your consultation with a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney today.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T10:42:09-05:00October 6th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

What Will Happen to You if You Violate a Restraining Order?

By Carlos Gamino

In Wisconsin, it’s possible for one person to get a restraining order against another person. A restraining order is a legal document that prohibits one party from contacting or seeing the other. But what happens if you violate a restraining order? This guide explains.

What Happens if You Violate a Restraining Order in Wisconsin?

A person can only get a restraining order by filing a petition with a court. A judge must agree with the petition to issue a restraining order. After a judge issues a restraining order against you, you’re legally obligated to abide by it. That means you cannot contact the other person or do anything that the restraining order prohibits.

There are two types of restraining orders in Wisconsin:

Temporary restraining orders last up to 14 days (or until the final hearing). Courts can extend these temporary orders in some cases.
Injunctions may last up to four years, and they may be extended in certain circumstances.

If you violate a restraining order, you commit a Class A misdemeanor. You could spend up to nine months in jail and pay up to $10,000 in fines.

However, in order to convict you of violating a restraining order, the state of Wisconsin must prove that you knew there was a restraining order against you and that you engaged in a behavior that was prohibited by the order. Naturally, if you accidentally end up in the same place as the person who has a restraining order against you – such as the grocery store – you didn’t intentionally violate the terms of your restraining order (though you do need to leave immediately). If you purposely went to the person’s job and waited outside for them, knowing they had a restraining order against you, it’s another story.

Note: When it comes to proving that you violated a restraining order, it doesn’t matter whether it was a temporary restraining order or an injunction. The state can convict you either way.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Violating a Restraining Order?

Have you been accused of violating a restraining order, your best bet may be contacting a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney. Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with an experienced professional who can answer your questions and give you the legal guidance you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T10:46:18-05:00October 4th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

Will You Go to Prison if You’re a Felon in Possession of a Firearm in Wisconsin?

By Carlos Gamino

If you’re like many people, your past isn’t squeaky clean. And if you have a felony on your record, you’re not supposed to possess a firearm. But will you go to prison if you’re a felon in possession of a firearm in Wisconsin? This guide explains.

Is it Legal for Felons to Have Firearms in Wisconsin?

Felons are not allowed to possess firearms in Wisconsin. But there are others who aren’t permitted to have firearms, either, including people who:

Have been involuntarily committed for mental health reasons.
Have been convicted of a domestic violence crime.
Are subject to a domestic abuse restraining order.
Are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

Will You Go to Prison if You’re a Felon in Possession of a Firearm in Wisconsin?

If you’re a felon in possession of a firearm in Wisconsin, you could face up to 10 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. If you have been convicted of a violent crime, you could face up to 20 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. There are also enhanced penalties if you are a felon in possession of a firearm and you use the weapon to commit a crime.

What Counts as a Firearm in Wisconsin – Especially As it Pertains to Felons in Possession?

In Wisconsin, a firearm is defined as “any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive.” This includes both guns and ammunition. It also includes devices that are not typically thought of as firearms, such as stun guns and tasers.

However, there are some exceptions to this definition. For example, antique firearms are not considered to be firearms under Wisconsin law. This is because they are not designed to be readily convertible to expel a projectile.

Another exception is for certain types of air guns. These include BB guns, pellet guns, and paintball guns. These are not considered to be firearms because they do not use an explosive to expel a projectile.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Being a Felon in Possession?

If you’ve been accused of possessing a firearm and you have felony convictions in your past, you may need to speak with an attorney who can help. Call our office at 414-383-6700 now to schedule a free consultation with an experienced professional who can give you the guidance you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-07-19T13:52:35-05:00September 29th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

Will You Go to Jail for Traffic Crimes in Wisconsin?

By Carlos Gamino

For the most part, traffic tickets aren’t criminal offenses – and that means you’re unlikely to spend time in jail over them. However, there are some crimes that overlap with traffic offenses; for those, the state of Wisconsin could put you behind bars. This guide explains.

Can You Go to Jail Over Traffic Offenses in Wisconsin?

The most common traffic tickets in Wisconsin involve speeding, failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign or traffic light, and failing to wear a seatbelt. Usually when the police catch someone violating traffic laws, they pull the person over and issue them a citation (ticket). You can pay the fine for the traffic offense and accept demerit points on your license, or you can dispute the ticket in court. If you choose to dispute the ticket, you may defend yourself or work with an attorney.

In most traffic cases, jail isn’t even on the table. Though a violation of the law led to your ticket, you can typically resolve it by paying a fine and accepting points on your license. (When you earn too many points on your license, the state will suspend your driving privileges.)

But in some cases, traffic offenses are tied into crimes that do lead to jail or prison time, such as:

Drunk driving
Reckless driving
Driving on a suspended or revoked license
Being a habitual traffic offender
Fleeing or eluding an officer
Driving or operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent
Vehicular homicide

If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or felony traffic offense, you could be facing time behind bars.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Traffic Offenses?

If you’ve been accused of any traffic offense – whether you received a citation or you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges – we may be able to help you. Our experienced and committed attorneys are well-versed in traffic and criminal laws in the state of Wisconsin, and we know what it takes to help your clients get the best possible outcome. Call our office right now at 414-383-6700 to schedule a free consultation; we’ll be happy to get you on the right path.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-07-19T13:50:58-05:00September 27th, 2022|Criminal Law, Traffic Offenses|Comments Off

DEDICATED TO PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS

Title