Blog Posts By Category

The Legal Repercussions of Plagiarism It’s back to school time for most students around the nation, and whether they are attending in-person or online classes, there is one issue that applies to all: ...

Take a Knee to Take a Stance: Can Athletes Do This? Colin Kaepernick paved the way for professional athletes who aren’t happy with the state of the nation to make their voices heard. Racial ...

The concept of probable cause is rooted in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution . Observations, experience, and known information –can give law enforcement probable cause for arrests, ...

In a 4-3 decision, the majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled on June 3, 2022, that an aspect of the graduated-penalty scheme in multiple OWIs is unconstitutional. OWI (Operating While ...

“Unreasonable” Acts vs. Probable Cause for Searches & Seizures “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects , against unreasonable searches and seizures , shall ...

The Fifth Amendment’s double jeopardy clause guarantees criminal defendants that they will not be tried again for the same offense. This safeguard applies to both federal and state authorities. Today ...

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” Americans are generally aware of the right to remain silent, often from scenes in movies and ...

Nine Steps to a Possible False Confession The Reid Technique is a notorious interview and interrogation method used by police officers and investigators. It consists of three elements, with the last ...

Can You Go to Jail for Accidentally Starting a Fire? Weather is the most important factor that influences how fires start and spread , according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The ...

Violent crimes are some of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with, and often result in serious penalties. Most of these crimes fall under one of two classifications: assault or battery. ...

Air travel has never been easier, safer, or more convenient. Many people rely on frequent flights for work, to travel to their favorite getaways, or to reconnect with their distant loved ones. ...

What Is Corporal Punishment? Corporal punishment is a discipline in the form of physical punishment. Maybe you were spanked as a child when you misbehaved, but over the decades, corporal punishment ...

Wisconsin voters are set to consider an amendment to the state constitution that changes the criteria by which judges consider defendants’ eligibility for cash bail. The Wisconsin assembly endorsed ...

Recognizing the Relationship Between Bail & Bond If you were arrested, you probably want to avoid being in jail longer than you need to. Luckily, you have the opportunity to secure a release from ...

The Founding Fathers of our country were committed to individual freedom until proven guilty. In fact, they were so dedicated to this concept that they included provisions in our Constitution which ...

Violent crimes are some of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with, and often result in serious penalties. Most of these crimes fall under one of two classifications: assault or battery. ...

Air travel has never been easier, safer, or more convenient. Many people rely on frequent flights for work, to travel to their favorite getaways, or to reconnect with their distant loved ones. ...

Wisconsin Does Not Have a Stand Your Ground Law: What to Know If a person broke into your home and you needed to defend yourself, would you get in legal trouble for injuring or killing the intruder? ...

In a 4-3 decision, the majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled on June 3, 2022, that an aspect of the graduated-penalty scheme in multiple OWIs is unconstitutional. OWI (Operating While ...

Being pulled over because a police officer suspects that you are driving drunk or driving while using drugs can be scary. If you had a couple of drinks over dinner with friends but you are unsure ...

What Happens If You Get Caught Drinking Under 21? Teens and young adults are well-known for their tendencies to let loose and have fun. Getting “up to no good” is common for these age groups, and ...

You’re at your favorite big box store with the kids. It’s a hectic Saturday morning, and the kids are grabbing things off the shelves. You put them back, but don’t realize you missed one. You get ...

Milwaukee Juvenile Defense Lawyer Being arrested and charged with a criminal offense is a serious situation, whether you are an adult or a minor child. Although juvenile offenders typically go through ...

If you do an image search for the word burglar , you will inevitably get a page full of people in dark clothing hefting away a sack of money that they clearly have just stolen. If you’re a fan of ...

When faced with a violent crime charge , it can be hard to find hope in an uncertain future. It is especially difficult for those who believe they acted in self-defense and are now pleading their case ...

Facing jail time can be a scary and intimidating experience, especially if you don’t know what to expect. In Wisconsin, the concept of “good time” is important for inmates who want to reduce their ...

What Is Police Misconduct? Law enforcement officers are entrusted to safeguard their neighborhoods and uphold high ethical standards. In fact, many police officers chose to enter this profession to ...

When faced with a violent crime charge , it can be hard to find hope in an uncertain future. It is especially difficult for those who believe they acted in self-defense and are now pleading their case ...

The temptation for minors to use fake IDs to get around age restrictions is a common one, but it is important to remember that using a fake ID can have severe legal consequences. Depending on the ...

What Is Cyberstalking? Cyberstalking occurs when a person repeatedly harasses, threatens, abuses, intimidates, or frightens someone online or while using electronic communication methods. Acts that ...

What Is Police Misconduct? Law enforcement officers are entrusted to safeguard their neighborhoods and uphold high ethical standards. In fact, many police officers chose to enter this profession to ...

If you are looking to own a gun for your personal protection, hunting, or recreational use, it’s important to investigate the difference between federal and state laws. These laws can differ ...

The Fifth Amendment’s double jeopardy clause guarantees criminal defendants that they will not be tried again for the same offense. This safeguard applies to both federal and state authorities. Today ...

What Is Cyberstalking? Cyberstalking occurs when a person repeatedly harasses, threatens, abuses, intimidates, or frightens someone online or while using electronic communication methods. Acts that ...

Wire fraud is a type of white-collar crime in which an individual uses electronic communication, such as the internet or phones, to commit acts of fraud. Wire fraud can be committed by a single person ...

The average person spends at least part of their day accessing the internet, be it for work, for school, or personal use. While most people use the internet to simplify daily tasks such as banking and ...

Once a police officer arrives on the scene, they must arrest the person they perceive to be the dominant aggressor if they have reasonable grounds to believe that person is committing or has committed ...

Experiencing domestic violence is traumatic and can lead someone to reasonably worry about their long-term safety. Victims of domestic violence can seek protection through restraining orders. The ...

Violent crimes are some of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with, and often result in serious penalties. Most of these crimes fall under one of two classifications: assault or battery. ...

The penalties for drug crimes in Wisconsin vary depending on the type of offense, type of drug, and the number of offenses. This can make understanding the legal ramifications of a drug crime ...

Green Bay. Watertown. Milwaukee. These and other Wisconsin cites are locations where federal and state agents have uncovered massive drug operations. Drug kingpins are not just stereotypes found in ...

Drug crimes overtook immigration offenses as the most common federal crime in fiscal year 2021 (FY2021). Drug possession crimes saw a decrease, while drug trafficking cases went up. Overall, there ...

Recognizing the Relationship Between Bail & Bond If you were arrested, you probably want to avoid being in jail longer than you need to. Luckily, you have the opportunity to secure a release from ...

When a person is arrested, they are taken to the police station, booked, and held in custody until they are either able to post bail or are released by a judge on their “own recognizance,” known as an ...

Wire fraud is a type of white-collar crime in which an individual uses electronic communication, such as the internet or phones, to commit acts of fraud. Wire fraud can be committed by a single person ...

U.S. Department of Justice statistics shows a sharp increase in reported hate crimes based on race/ethnicity/ancestry from 2019 to 2020, going from 3,963 to 5,227 incidents. The increase is mirrored ...

President Joe Biden signed into law a bipartisan gun bill less than two months after a shooter killed 10 people in Buffalo, NY, and one month after 19 were killed in Uvalde, TX. The Bipartisan Safer ...

What Is Police Misconduct? Law enforcement officers are entrusted to safeguard their neighborhoods and uphold high ethical standards. In fact, many police officers chose to enter this profession to ...

The penalties for drug crimes in Wisconsin vary depending on the type of offense, type of drug, and the number of offenses. This can make understanding the legal ramifications of a drug crime ...

Far from a harmless prank, hoax calls about active shooters at Wisconsin schools forced thousands of students on lockdown and put innocent people in danger. On Oct. 20, 2022, more than a dozen schools ...

If you are looking to own a gun for your personal protection, hunting, or recreational use, it’s important to investigate the difference between federal and state laws. These laws can differ ...

The 2 nd amendment affords American citizens the right to bear arms for purposes such as self-protection and hunting. Many citizens in Wisconsin choose to partake in that right. However, the state ...

What Are Important Gun Safety Rules to Follow? Concealed carry is permitted in Wisconsin as long as residents have a Concealed Weapons License (CWL). While open carry is legal for any resident who is ...

Milwaukee Criminal Defense Attorney Christopher Cherella was recently interviewed by CBS 58 in Milwaukee about the recent crime-spree in Milwaukee County. You can see the full video by visiting CBS ...

Thank you for visiting the law offices of Christopher J. Cherella's new website. Cherella law focuses on Wisconsin criminal defense attorney cases, and Wisconsin Federal Criminal law cases. As time ...

Is Gambling in Wisconsin Illegal? For starters, Wisconsin’s gambling laws do not compare to those in Las Vegas. However, some types of gambling are legal in certain areas within the state. Casinos ...

Now that things have cooled down a bit since the George Zimmerman trial verdict, I thought it best to briefly reflect on the case and its impact upon America. The case really did not present itself ...

When parents decide to separate, it can be very difficult for any children who are involved. Custody battles ensue, and both parents must prove to the court why they are fit to care for their children ...

Kidnapping is a serious criminal offense that carries a lengthy jail sentence and a hefty fine, but can you face these charges for kidnapping your own child? Depending on the purpose of your actions ...

The penalties for drug crimes in Wisconsin vary depending on the type of offense, type of drug, and the number of offenses. This can make understanding the legal ramifications of a drug crime ...

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who was reelected in November and will be sworn in for his second term in early January, has promised to reintroduce legislation legalizing recreational marijuana into ...

What to Know for Memorial Day Weekend 2021 Memorial Day marks the kickoff to summer as well as one of the busiest travel times of the year, Now that more Americans are vaccinated and COVID-19 cases ...

What Is Police Misconduct? Law enforcement officers are entrusted to safeguard their neighborhoods and uphold high ethical standards. In fact, many police officers chose to enter this profession to ...

U.S. Department of Justice statistics shows a sharp increase in reported hate crimes based on race/ethnicity/ancestry from 2019 to 2020, going from 3,963 to 5,227 incidents. The increase is mirrored ...

The term “inchoate” is not used often in everyday conversation, but you are undoubtedly familiar with some inchoate crimes: attempted kidnapping, solicitation to commit murder, and conspiracy to ...

In a 4-3 decision, the majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled on June 3, 2022, that an aspect of the graduated-penalty scheme in multiple OWIs is unconstitutional. OWI (Operating While ...

Being pulled over because a police officer suspects that you are driving drunk or driving while using drugs can be scary. If you had a couple of drinks over dinner with friends but you are unsure ...

What to Know for Memorial Day Weekend 2021 Memorial Day marks the kickoff to summer as well as one of the busiest travel times of the year, Now that more Americans are vaccinated and COVID-19 cases ...

What Is Probation? If you are placed on probation – also known as community supervision – by a judge, this means you are subject to a court-ordered period of supervision by the state. Instead of going ...

Probation and extended supervision both involve community supervision, one occurs after completing a prison sentence while the other is an alternative to incarceration. Violating the terms of extended ...

Anyone convicted of a crime will have to face certain penalties as punishment for their actions. In some cases, people serving time in jail or prison can be released on probation. Probation may also ...

Each state has its own driving-related laws to keep the roads safe for daily use. When a person breaks these laws, they might face serious punishment. Reckless driving is a criminal offense in the ...

A restraining order prohibits an individual from taking certain actions against or toward another person. In Wisconsin, we have four different types of restraining orders with each having its own ...

Experiencing domestic violence is traumatic and can lead someone to reasonably worry about their long-term safety. Victims of domestic violence can seek protection through restraining orders. The ...

What Is Corporal Punishment? Corporal punishment is a discipline in the form of physical punishment. Maybe you were spanked as a child when you misbehaved, but over the decades, corporal punishment ...

Yet another athlete has taken it upon himself to disgrace his sport, himself and the city that he represents. Ryan Braun's steroid case and suspension puts a black cloud over sports in general. ...

Being pulled over by the police – even during a routine traffic stop – can be a nerve-wracking experience. Most people are instinctually compliant to officers’ requests when they are pulled over for a ...

Frequent Types of Unlawful Conduct Committed by Police Did you know that government officials, such as police officers, can be prosecuted for crimes committed on the job? This fact is of a growing ...

“Unreasonable” Acts vs. Probable Cause for Searches & Seizures “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects , against unreasonable searches and seizures , shall ...

Incest is defined as a sexual relationship between close blood relatives, and it is considered taboo in most societies. In Wisconsin, incest is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by law. ...

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888 for confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. AP News reports ...

Wisconsin’s child pornography laws make it illegal to possess or view a visual depiction of a child engaged in sexual conduct, including in a text message. Breaking the state’s child pornography laws ...

Take a Knee to Take a Stance: Can Athletes Do This? Colin Kaepernick paved the way for professional athletes who aren’t happy with the state of the nation to make their voices heard. Racial ...

Yet another athlete has taken it upon himself to disgrace his sport, himself and the city that he represents. Ryan Braun's steroid case and suspension puts a black cloud over sports in general. ...

False Imprisonment Charges in Wisconsin False imprisonment is a criminal offense in Wisconsin. It is defined, under Wisconsin Statute § 940.30 , as the intentional confinement or restraint of another ...

What Happens If You Get Caught Drinking Under 21? Teens and young adults are well-known for their tendencies to let loose and have fun. Getting “up to no good” is common for these age groups, and ...

What Is Lewd & Lascivious Conduct? A common offense that people commit during the summertime, in particular, is lewd and lascivious behavior. People of all ages, especially young people, are eager to ...

Being charged with shoplifting can be a very stressful and frightening experience. It is important to understand the theft laws in Wisconsin so that you know your rights and options if you are accused ...

Most people consider the definition of theft to be when someone steals something that does not belong to them. However, the laws surrounding theft make it more complicated, and theft crimes are ...

Difference Between Robbery and Burglary Explained A popular misconception is that robbery and burglary are the same. That is not true, because while robbery and burglary are considered theft crimes, ...

Wisconsin is one of 28 total states which have laws which impose heavier sentences for repeat offenders. These laws, often referred to as “Three Strikes” laws, are created with the intent to keep ...

Being pulled over by the police – even during a routine traffic stop – can be a nerve-wracking experience. Most people are instinctually compliant to officers’ requests when they are pulled over for a ...

The Wisconsin Driver’s License Point System Explained Many people will be pulled over by law enforcement while driving and receive a traffic ticket at some point in their life. Some people feel that, ...

Each state has its own driving-related laws to keep the roads safe for daily use. When a person breaks these laws, they might face serious punishment. Reckless driving is a criminal offense in the ...

When faced with a violent crime charge , it can be hard to find hope in an uncertain future. It is especially difficult for those who believe they acted in self-defense and are now pleading their case ...

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888 for confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. AP News reports ...

Many people believe that any alleged crimes committed by someone under the age of 18 are adjudicated through the juvenile justice system. In Wisconsin, that is not true. The adult criminal justice ...

If you are looking to own a gun for your personal protection, hunting, or recreational use, it’s important to investigate the difference between federal and state laws. These laws can differ ...

President Joe Biden signed into law a bipartisan gun bill less than two months after a shooter killed 10 people in Buffalo, NY, and one month after 19 were killed in Uvalde, TX. The Bipartisan Safer ...

The term “malice” is often used in criminal contexts. It is the factor that could make or break a person’s case, as malice is often a component of serious crimes. In criminal law, malice is defined as ...

What is Healthcare Fraud? Healthcare fraud is defined as making false claims by misrepresenting or misstating information concerning the type, scope, or nature of the treatment or service a patient ...

Wire fraud is a type of white-collar crime in which an individual uses electronic communication, such as the internet or phones, to commit acts of fraud. Wire fraud can be committed by a single person ...

White-collar crimes in Wisconsin are nonviolent crimes that typically involve deceit or concealment for financial gain or a business advantage. The U.S. Department of Justice announced a renewed focus ...