Criminal courts in Wisconsin increasingly recognize the need for addiction treatment. That goes for drugs and alcohol.
In fact, there are currently 31 treatment courts for OWI offenders in Wisconsin, and the state's first OWI treatment court opened in Waukesha County in 2006. These courts generally have two goals: 1) to provide treatment options that are not available in jails and prisons, and 2) to reduce the chance that someone will drive drunk and get arrested again.
We work for them, worry about them, save for them, and do all we can to help them. But no matter how much we try to protect our children, they are bound to make mistakes. It's part of life.
When a child's youthful mistake leads to an arrest, there are important things that parents in Wisconsin need to know about the juvenile justice system.
It's common knowledge that alcohol and certain prescription medications are not supposed to be mixed -- particularly if you're planning to drive. Prescription drugs for pain, anxiety and depression typically have alcohol-related warnings on the bottles, as well as warnings against drowsiness and operating heavy machinery.
Still, sometimes people make mistakes and find themselves facing an OWI charge after drinking alcohol and taking a prescribed medication.
In 2017 -- the most recent year with available data -- there were 916 opioid-related overdose deaths in Wisconsin. In 2016, Wisconsin saw 865 opioid-related overdose deaths.
The opioid crisis continues to affect families throughout the state. People with addiction problems may face serious criminal charges. If you or someone you love has been arrested for possession, sale or distribution of prescription painkillers or heroin, it's important to know the available treatment options, as well as the options for mounting your best defense against the charge.
Wisconsin has a reputation as a state where beer flows freely. While that may be true in one sense, the reality is that law enforcement in Wisconsin is cracking down on drunk driving.
There are heavy penalties for operating a vehicle while intoxicated -- for repeat and first-time offenders.
If you're facing a criminal charge, you undoubtedly want to put the matter behind you as soon as possible. For many people, that means taking a plea deal rather than going to trial.
But before you plead guilty to a serious criminal charge, consider this: a criminal conviction could follow you throughout your life. A conviction could affect everything from where you work to whether you can leave the country. So, before you plead guilty, consider every available option for fighting the charge.
Most adults in Wisconsin have heard about the opioid epidemic that's gripping the United States. Over-prescription of painkillers, ease of access and high potential for addiction are just some of the contributing factors.
However, right alongside opioid addiction is another continuing epidemic: addiction to methamphetamines. Unlike opioids, which can be obtained legally with a prescription, meth may originate from home "laboratories" or other supply chains that often originate outside the country. The medical and societal effects of meth addiction can be extremely serious, which is why some lawmakers have taken notice.
The opioid epidemic in the United States is a known crisis. Perhaps you've experienced addiction firsthand, or know someone who has. If so, you're not alone. Opioid use has skyrocketed in Wisconsin and is now a leading cause of death in the state, surpassing car crashes, suicide and breast cancer.
People throughout Wisconsin have been there -- they had one too many drinks and need to drive home. Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated can lead to serious consequences, but you should know that if you find yourself in this situation, and if a police officer made a procedural mistake, your charges could be reduced or dropped.
Police by law have to follow strict procedures if they pull over someone who is believed to be driving while intoxicated, or if an officer is going to arrest this person. Police also have to follow guidelines when testing someone's sobriety.
At a time when many states are legalizing marijuana or adopting laws that are more lenient when it comes to marijuana-related drug offenses, Wisconsin continues to enforce harsh laws and penalties around marijuana.
Possession of any amount is considered a serious crime on the state level, with potentially terrible consequences. There is no safe amount of marijuana to possess that's OK in the state of Wisconsin. While some Wisconsin cities have decriminalized possession of a small amount, state-level charges come with strict penalties.
Bold labels are required.
"I never thought I would need a lawyer so when I got in trouble, I didn't know who to turn to. I decided to call Kim & LaVoy. They told me to trust them, and I did. Their lawyers gave me all of my options and were there at every step of the process. With their help, I avoided a criminal conviction. Whenever someone needs a great lawyer, I always refer them to Kim & LaVoy."
E.E. - Milwaukee
+ Additional Testimonials
Main Office
2360 N. 124th Street, Suite 200
Wauwatosa,
WI
53226
Phone:
(414) 257-2100
Fax:
(414) 257-2170
Wauwatosa Law Office Map
West Bend Office
530 Walnut Street, Suite 3
West Bend,
WI
53095
Phone:
(262) 334-1000
Fax:
(262) 334-1133
West Bend Law Office Map
Call For a Free Consultation
24 Hours a day / 7 days a week