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What Are the Consequences for Attempting a Crime in Wisconsin?

If you’re like many people come on you’ve heard of attempted crimes – but how serious are they, and can you go to prison if you’re charged with attempting a crime, even if you don’t succeed? This guide explains.

Will You Go to Prison for Attempting a Crime in Wisconsin?

You can absolutely go to prison in the state of Wisconsin for attempting a crime. Even if the crime isn’t successful, or if it does succeed but your role in it failed, you can find yourself behind bars. The bottom line is that it’s illegal to even attempt to commit a crime in the state of Wisconsin, and if you’re caught doing so, the police can (and will) come after you.

What Statute Governs Attempted Crimes in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Statutes § 939.32(3) governs attempts to commit crimes in our state. The law says, “An attempt to commit a crime requires that the actor have an intent to perform acts and attain a result which, if accomplished, would constitute such crime and that the actor does acts toward the commission of the crime which demonstrate unequivocally, under all the circumstances, that the actor formed that intent and would commit the crime except for the intervention of another person or some other extraneous factor.”

That means if you do something that would lead to a successful crime, but something happens to prevent the crime from being successful, you’re still in hot water. (It’s a lot like the old Scooby-Doo cartoons; when Mystery, Incorporated caught a criminal, the criminal would always say, “And I would’ve gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for you meddling kids!”)

Penalties for Attempted Crime

Typically, the penalty for an attempted crime it’s half the penalty for a completed crime. That means if you would have gone to prison for two years if you had completed the crime, you’re subject to a one-year prison sentence for attempting the crime. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Most notably, if you attempt a Class A felony, you may spend up to 40 years in prison with 20 years of extended supervision.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Being Charged With an Attempted Crime?

If you’ve been charged with attempting a crime, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 or get in touch with us online to set up a free consultation right away. Make no mistake: The stakes are high, and you don’t want to gamble with your future.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-03-30T21:04:57-05:00May 30th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

What Happens if You Lie Under Oath?

By Carlos Gamino

When you testify in court, you swear an oath to tell the truth (and nothing but the truth). But what happens if you leave something out, or if you tell one or more outright lies? This guide explains the crime of lying under oath, which is commonly called perjury.

What is Perjury?

Perjury is the crime of lying in court. You aren’t allowed to lie when you are testifying in court; it’s such a serious offense that the state of Wisconsin (along with all other states) have made it a crime. It’s not a minor crime that courts are willing to overlook, either, because if people were able to get away with lying in court, it would upend the entire criminal justice system.

How Can You Be Convicted of Perjury?

The state of Wisconsin can convict you of perjury if it can prove that:

You made an oral statement
You were under oath or affirmation at the time you made the oral statement
You did not believe the statement was true at the time you made it
You made the statement in a proceeding before a court
The state was material to the proceeding

What if You Made a Mistake?

If you believe a statement is true at the time you say it, it is not considered perjury in Wisconsin. Additionally, if you make a mistake and don’t intend to lie, it’s not perjury. However, making a statement that you know is not true is definitely perjury.

What Are the Consequences of Lying Under Oath?

Lying under oath and committing the crime of perjury in the state of Wisconsin is considered a Class I felony. The criminal penalty for a Class I felony is imprisonment for up to 18 months in prison with an additional two years of extended supervision. You may also be ordered to pay fines of up to $10,000 if you’re convicted of perjury.

What Can You Do Instead of Lying in Court?

You should speak to your attorney about which questions you should answer if you are testifying in court. Your attorney will give you the guidance you need before your trial to help protect your rights and prevent you from lying under oath.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Perjury?

If you’ve been accused of committing the crime of perjury, you may need to speak to an attorney right away. Call our office at 414-383-6700 or schedule your free consultation online now. We can give you the guidance you need to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-03-30T21:02:58-05:00May 25th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

Can You Bring an Interpreter to Court in Wisconsin?

By Carlos Gamino

If English isn’t your first language, you may be extremely nervous about going to court for a criminal case in the state of Wisconsin. But is it possible to bring a translator or interpreter with you? This guide explains the rules for people who need translation services during criminal cases.

Can You Bring a Translator to Court in Wisconsin?

In the state of Wisconsin, the court has the authority to appoint an interpreter to help you if you have limited English proficiency. In fact, if the court determines that you have limited English proficiency and that an interpreter is necessary, the court will let you know that you have the right to a qualified interpreter at the public expense. That’s true whether you are the one on trial, you are the victim of an alleged crime, or you are testifying in a court proceeding. You may also be entitled to a qualified interpreter if you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor party in interest to the case.

How Qualified Are the Interpreters the Court Appoints?

Any person the court appoints as an interpreter must take a sworn oath that they will make a true and impartial interpretation, and that they are proficient in both English and your language. If you experience problems with translation, you need to let the court know immediately.

Should You Work With an Attorney Who Speaks English and Your Language?

In many cases, people find it helpful to work with an attorney who speaks the same language that they do. For example, our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys to benefit our clients.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About English-Language Court Proceedings?

If you’re concerned about your ability to understand what’s being said in court, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 or schedule a free consultation online. We’ll give you the guidance you need and help you ask the court for a qualified interpreter if necessary.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-03-30T21:01:32-05:00May 23rd, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

What Can You Do if You’re Wrongfully Detained by Police?

By Carlos Gamino

Unfortunately, police arrest the wrong people every day – but even worse, sometimes police detain someone when they have no legal authority to do so. Law enforcement officers can’t just go around arresting anyone they want; they must have a warrant or probable cause to legally arrest someone. So what can you do if you’ve been wrongfully detained by the police? What if your arrest is lawful at first, but then becomes unlawful? This guide explains.

What if You’re Wrongfully Detained by Police?

If you’re detained by the police, it’s important that you cooperate as best you can. That’s true even if you are completely innocent and the police are unlawfully detaining you. The first thing you should do is let the police know you’d like to speak to an attorney. Then, make the call to a lawyer who can come to your location to help preserve your rights.

What is False Arrest?

A false arrest is restraining someone without a legal reason to do so. For example, if a police officer detains you for no reason and tells you that you cannot leave but has no legal justification for withholding your freedom, it’s a false arrest. (It’s important to note that a police officer may have a reason for detaining you and has not shared that reason with you, though.)

What if an Arrest Starts Out Lawful but Becomes Unlawful?

Sometimes an arrest starts out as lawful and becomes unlawful. For example, if a police officer pulls you over because your headlight is out, writes you a ticket, and then tells you that you cannot leave the scene until a drug dog arrives without probable cause to believe that you have drugs in your vehicle, the arrest has become unlawful.

Unfortunately, that puts you in a bad position. You must still cooperate with the police officer, but you need to let the officer know that you want to speak to an attorney immediately.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Being Accused of a Crime?

If you’ve been accused of any type of crime, whether or not your arrest was lawful or unlawful, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 or schedule your free consultation online now. You are entitled to legal representation, and we may be able to give you the advice you need to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-05-20T20:49:42-05:00May 17th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

Should You Turn Yourself in if You Have a Warrant?

By Carlos Gamino

The state of Wisconsin issues thousands of arrest warrants every month, and in many cases, the police find the people they’re looking for. However, in some cases, the police are unable to find people for which they have an arrest warrant – and sometimes, those people turn themselves in. But is that something you should do? Is it ever advisable to turn yourself in to the police over an arrest warrant? This guide explains.

Should You Turn Yourself in if You Have a Warrant?

If you have a warrant for your arrest, you should consult with an attorney about when it’s appropriate to turn yourself in. You do need to know that turning yourself in will most likely lead to you being booked into jail. However, your attorney may be able to come up with alternative solutions. (That’s why it’s so important to speak to a lawyer if you have a warrant out for your arrest.)

Be aware that your attorney will advise you to turn yourself in. If you turn yourself in, your lawyer can take action to minimize the negative effects of the warrant. Your attorney can also help you deal with the circumstances that led to the issuance of the warrant in the first place.

What Happens if You Turn Yourself In?

If you turn yourself into the police because you have an active arrest warrant, you’ll most likely be booked into jail. The length of time you’ll have to remain in jail depends on several factors, including the reason the warrant was issued in the first place and whether you can bond yourself out.

Your attorney will be working to get you the best possible outcome during this time.

Related: Skipping bail in Wisconsin

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Turning Yourself in for a Warrant?

If you know you have a warrant for your arrest, it’s a good idea for you to talk to an attorney about your options as soon as possible. Call our office at 414-383-6700 or schedule a free consultation online now – we may be able to help you.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-05-20T20:50:42-05:00May 16th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

Can Police Question Your Child if You’re Not Present?

By Carlos Gamino

In the state of Wisconsin, police are allowed to question minors. In some cases, police have to get parental consent first; in others, the police may simply arrest or question a child without their parents knowledge. Regardless of the situation, children – like adults – are entitled to legal representation. If your child is in trouble, you have the right to contact an attorney who can represent them.

Can Police Question Your Child if You’re Not Present?

In some cases, it’s legal for the police to question a child without that child’s parents or legal guardians present. However, those circumstances are limited, and if the police do not follow the proper protocol, they can find themselves in trouble.

What Rights Do Children Have for Police Questioning?

Just like adults, children have the right to legal representation, as well as the right to avoid incriminating themselves. Additionally, children have the right to remain silent and to have parents or an attorney present when they’re being questioned by the police. If you have a minor child, you should let them know that they can, and should, request that their parents be notified immediately when the police attempt to question them. You should also let your minor child know that they may request an attorney before answering any questions.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About a Juvenile Offense?

If your child has been accused of a crime, we may be able to help. Call our office now at 414-383-6700 or get in touch with us online to schedule a free juvenile criminal defense consultation. Whether or not the police have questioned your child, they have rights – and we may be able to help preserve them.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-05-20T20:51:38-05:00May 12th, 2022|Criminal Law, Juvenile Law|Comments Off

How to Seek Asylum in the U.S.

By Carlos Gamino

If you’re like many people, you know that the United States admits many immigrants under the asylum process. But who qualifies for asylum in the U.S., how do you get it, and is it different from refugee status? This guide explains how to seek asylum in the United States and a few things you need to know before you apply.

How to Seek Asylum in the U.S.

Asylum is a form of protection that allows a foreigner to stay in the United States when necessary. In many cases, the United States grants asylum to people who fear persecution or harm in their home countries. However, asylum isn’t always easy to get, and if you want the U.S.’s protection, you must apply for it.

What Qualifies You for Asylum?

You may qualify for asylum in the United states if you have fled your home country because you fear persecution or harm based on your:

Race
Religion
Nationality
Membership in a particular social group
Political opinion

Can You Bring Your Children and Spouse if You’re Seeking Asylum in the U.S.?

If you have a spouse and children, They may also be eligible for asylum based on the same reasons you, yourself are eligible. Generally, you may include a child on your application if your child is under the age of 21 and is unmarried at the time you apply. Otherwise, your child must have their own application for asylum.

When Can You Seek Asylum in the United States?

You can seek asylum in the United States at a border crossing or port of entry, or within one year of your most recent arrival in the country. That means if you are already in the United States and wish to ask to stay, you can do so if your most recent entry was less than one year ago.

Is Asylum Different From Refugee Status?

Asylum is different from refugee status, but primarily only in one way: You apply for asylum when you are at a border crossing or port of entry, or when you are already present in the United States, and you apply for refugee status when you are located outside the United States.

Can You Work as an Asylee in the United States?

If you have a pending asylum application with the U.S. government, you can apply for work authorization. You can’t apply for permission to work at the same time you apply for asylum. If you’re not sure whether you qualify to apply for work authorization, you should consult with an attorney who can give you the guidance you need.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Asylum in the United States?

If you are considering filing an asylum application in the United States, you may wish to speak to an attorney about your situation. An attorney can help you fill out and file the appropriate paperwork, as well as explain work authorization and how to get it. Please feel free to call our office at 414-383-6700 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an attorney. We may be able to help you obtain asylum in the United States.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-05-20T20:52:56-05:00May 10th, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

What Happens When Senior Pranks Lead to Criminal Charges?

By Carlos Gamino

The end of the school year is right around the corner, and that means many high school seniors are currently planning the pranks they’ll pull before they leave public school for good. Unfortunately, though, many senior pranks end up being actual crimes – even something as seemingly silly and lighthearted as pulling the fire alarm can lead to criminal charges. Here’s what you need to know about senior pranks leading to criminal charges, as well as how you can help your child (or yourself) in the event that this happens.

Can Senior Pranks Lead to Criminal Charges?

Some senior pranks are actually crimes, ranging from property destruction to disorderly conduct. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a person who pulls a senior prank could end up paying fines or even spending time in jail.

But Aren’t Most Senior Pranks Harmless?

The most common senior pranks are generally harmless, such as hiding notes in library books, skipping class to gather on the football field, hiring a mariachi band to follow the principal around for a day or wrapping a teacher’s desk in plastic wrap – but some, such as those that involve actual destruction of property or require emergency services to show up at the school, are criminal offenses in the state of Wisconsin.

Penalties for Some Senior Pranks

Minors who are 17 or older are typically charged as adults – and that means they face adult penalties that can stick with them for the rest of their lives. The penalties can vary, as well. For example, pulling the fire alarm when there’s no fire can result in a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Criminal damage to property can be a felony, and it’s punishable by prison time (that’s prison, not jail) and hefty fines.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Senior Pranks and Criminal Charges?

If your child has been accused of a crime based on a senior prank, we may be able to help. Call our office right away at 414-383-6700 or schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney online. Our team can give you the legal advice you need to help protect your child’s future and get the best possible outcome in their case.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-05-20T20:54:46-05:00May 9th, 2022|Criminal Law, Juvenile Law|Comments Off

How to Terminate Your Ex’s Parental Rights in Wisconsin

By Carlos Gamino

In the state of Wisconsin, courts have the authority to terminate parental rights. However, that’s not an authority they take lightly – and it typically requires one of two things: A significant amount of proof that a parent is completely unfit or the parent’s consent to termination. In either case, it’s very difficult to terminate a person’s parental rights in Wisconsin. This guide explains.

When Will the Courts Consider Terminating a Person’s Parental Rights?

Courts in Wisconsin will only consider terminating a person’s parental rights in extreme circumstances. Even if the parent in question volunteers to give up their rights to a child, the courts don’t generally like to grant termination.

However, there are several grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights, including abandonment, child abuse, substance abuse or incarceration. If you are the parent requesting the termination, the burden of proving that the other parent is unfit lies with you.

How to Terminate Your Ex’s Parental Rights in Wisconsin

For most people, the simplest way to ask a court to terminate a parent’s rights to a child is to work through an attorney.

If you want to terminate your ex’s parental rights, your attorney will ask you several questions about why you’d like to do so – and what proof you have that supports the fact that your ex should lose rights to your child. You’ll need proof that demonstrates that the other party is unfit to parent your child. You also need to know that termination of parental rights is very rare, and the laws governing it are very specific.

In Wisconsin, every parent has fundamental rights to the care, control and custody of their children. When parental rights are terminated, those rights are destroyed; so is a child’s legal relationship with their biological parent. Termination of parental rights means that the child’s right to affiliate with extended family through that parent, such as grandparents, is also terminated because the legal connection to that family is dissolved.

Often, judges are also concerned with whether there is a fit stepparent who is willing to adopt the child if the court agrees to terminate a biological parents rights. Generally speaking, the state’s position is that it is better for children to grow up with two parents, even if one doesn’t qualify for a “Parent of the Year” award.

A Word on Abandonment

If your child’s other parent has effectively abandoned your child, you should discuss your situation with an attorney. Abandonment only occurs in very specific circumstances, and it’s often very complicated.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Termination of Parental Rights?

Now that you know it’s incredibly difficult to terminate another person’s parental rights, and that you must have significant proof in order for a court to even consider such a petition, you may wish to speak to a family law attorney who can give you the guidance you need. Please feel free to call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation; if it’s easier, you can also request a consultation online.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-05-20T20:55:04-05:00May 2nd, 2022|Family Law|Comments Off

3 Things You Should Never Wear to Court in Wisconsin

By Carlos Gamino

Most people know that court is a very formal place, and that they’re required to act and dress a certain way during a criminal case. But what type of clothing is off-limits for court, and what would be considered inappropriate – or worse, get you thrown out? This guide explains the three things you should never wear to court in Wisconsin.

3 Things You Should Never Wear to Court in Wisconsin

Because court is a formal place, and because you are supposed to show respect to the judge, jury and other people in the courtroom, there are three things you should never wear:

Sexy or risqué clothing
T-shirts with slogans, band names or drug references on them
Jeans with holes, cutoffs or shorts

Sexy or Risqué Clothing

If something is inappropriate for you to wear to church or a funeral, it’s inappropriate for you to wear in court. Avoid tight tops, short skirts, tight-fitting bottoms, toeless shoes, strappy tops or anything you’d wear to impress others on a night on the town.

T-Shirts

T-shirts are always inappropriate attire for court, but they’re even more inappropriate if they include slogans, graphics, band names or drug references. If a plain T-shirt is all you have, then it’s okay – but you should make every effort to avoid wearing a T-shirt to court.

Jeans With Holes, Cutoffs or Shorts

Jeans with holes in them, cut offs, or shorts are inappropriate for court. They are far too casual for a court’s formal setting.

What Should You Wear to Court?

You should wear clothing that’s appropriate for a formal setting, such as church or a funeral. A good rule of thumb is that if you could wear it to a family gathering where the most conservative of your family members will be present (think about great-grandmothers here), it should be okay to wear to court. However, you should consult with your attorney if there is something you are not sure about.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About What You’re Supposed to Wear to Court?

Your attorney can give you guidance on every aspect of your case, including what you should (or shouldn’t) wear to court. However, you should always use your best judgement. We’re here to help you navigate the criminal justice system in Wisconsin, so if you need legal help, call us at 414-383-6700 or get in touch with us online to schedule a free consultation about your criminal case.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino|2022-05-20T20:56:06-05:00April 29th, 2022|Criminal Law|Comments Off

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