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 ...

“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 ...

You’re at home, maybe with a few friends, when you hear a knock at the door. Glancing through the peephole, you spot a police officer waiting on the other side. You begin to panic, and you’re not sure ...

The duty of all police officers is to protect their community by enforcing the law, making arrests, issuing tickets, responding to distress calls, and testifying at trial. Unfortunately, there are ...

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 ...

If you have been charged with a criminal offense but there are doubts raised about certain pieces of evidence, they may be deemed inadmissible to be used in court. An experienced criminal defense ...

A crime drama staple is a police officer or detective barking that someone has the right to remain silent while they are being arrested. If the television show or movie is particularly good, it will ...

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 ...

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 ...

Whether you’ve joined a sports team or a fraternity/sorority, hazing is part of the initiation process. Although it is generally considered harmless fun in order to help build camaraderie, hazing that ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

You are driving home after a social gathering with friends when all of a sudden you see it – flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. You calmly pull over and provide the police officer ...

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 ...

How to Prepare for Your Virtual Court Hearing Due to COVID-19, many criminal court trials have shifted to communication technology platforms such as Zoom. While this alternative is highly efficient, ...

WI Standard Rules of Supervision Probation allows defendants to complete their sentence outside of jail or prison. Rather than spending time behind bars, defendants can be placed on probation, which ...

Examining the Different Levels of Courts in WI Wisconsin’s court system consists of four levels, all of which obtain different powers and responsibilities. When you’re facing criminal charges, it’s ...

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 ...

Ways to Avoid Driving in Milwaukee on St. Paddy’s Day St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and residents throughout Milwaukee are getting ready for the lucky day. If you plan on celebrating the ...

Why You May Get Drug Charges AND Homicide Charges 2019 was a record year for fatal drug overdoses in Milwaukee County, totaling 514 deaths. From 2017 to 2019, fentanyl deaths in the county increased ...

How Serious Is a Drug Paraphernalia Charge? The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines drug paraphernalia as any equipment, product, or material that is primarily intended or designed for ...

How the CSI Effect May Affect You Jurors are tasked with determining whether or not a defendant is guilty, but are they reliable? As a refresher, a jury is a group of people from various sectors of a ...

Criminal Investigations Aren’t Always Reliable The criminal justice system is notoriously flawed. While many people argue that the justice system is, well, unjust, we examine what factors play a role ...

‘Tis the Season for Criminal Threats The COVID-19 pandemic has driven people to prepare for the holidays a little bit earlier, making it a good time to discuss the not-so-cheerful side of the season: ...

Understanding Wisconsin’s Take on Cyberbullying A 2019 poll conducted by UNICEF found that more than one-third of young people in 30 countries report being victims of cyberbullying, while one in five ...

What Is Zoom-bombing? Zoom has helped hundreds of thousands of people stay connected during COVID-19. While the pandemic continues to threaten public health and safety, schools have utilized online ...

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 ...

‘Tis the Season for Criminal Threats The COVID-19 pandemic has driven people to prepare for the holidays a little bit earlier, making it a good time to discuss the not-so-cheerful side of the season: ...

Takeaways from Domestic Violence Awareness Month 811 victims were killed in domestic violence homicides between 2000 and 2019, while 72 people — both victims and perpetrators — were killed by domestic ...

Why You May Get Drug Charges AND Homicide Charges 2019 was a record year for fatal drug overdoses in Milwaukee County, totaling 514 deaths. From 2017 to 2019, fentanyl deaths in the county increased ...

How Serious Is a Drug Paraphernalia Charge? The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines drug paraphernalia as any equipment, product, or material that is primarily intended or designed for ...

Where Guns, Drugs & Violence Meet About 33,000 violent street, motorcycle and prison gangs currently exist in the US, according to the FBI . Popular gang crimes involve robbery, drug and gun ...

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 ...

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 ...

How Do Credit Card Frauds Happen? Credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card to fraudulently obtains money or property. This crime is the most frequent type of identity theft ...

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 ...

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 ...

How Do Credit Card Frauds Happen? Credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card to fraudulently obtains money or property. This crime is the most frequent type of identity theft ...

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 ...

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 ...

Amidst the myriad of mass shootings in the United States in recent years and their increased media coverage, gun laws throughout the United States have since garnered considerable discussion and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

While other states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, Wisconsin still maintains strict laws prohibiting the possession, distribution, and cultivation of marijuana. Marijuana charges can ...

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 ...

If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor criminal offense in Wisconsin, you may be thinking that the crime isn’t as serious as a felony. So why should you hire a criminal defense lawyer? However, ...

In Wisconsin and in the rest of the United States, we celebrate our nation’s independence on the fourth of July with barbeques, parades, and especially fireworks. Although many people leave the ...

Ways to Avoid Driving in Milwaukee on St. Paddy’s Day St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and residents throughout Milwaukee are getting ready for the lucky day. If you plan on celebrating the ...

OWI Convictions May Increase Your Car Insurance Rates. Why? Got an OWI? Not only could you lose your driver’s license, go to jail, and pay fines, but your car insurance rates may increase. Insurance ...

The Nightmare Before Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends to spend quality time together and express gratitude. However, many young people have their own way of ...

WI Standard Rules of Supervision Probation allows defendants to complete their sentence outside of jail or prison. Rather than spending time behind bars, defendants can be placed on probation, which ...

For many, probation is a welcoming alternative compared to jail or prison time. However, being placed on probation does not mean that you are completely free from the criminal justice system, or that ...

When a person pleads to a crime, they will sometimes be put on probation instead of receiving a jail sentence. Under a probationary arrangement, a person will be required to abide by certain rules as ...

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 ...

Judges use restraining orders as a tool in many different circumstances, ranging from domestic violence and abuse to stalking and harassment. Those who have an order filed against them are required ...

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. ...

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 ...

Being searched by law enforcement can be an incredibly overwhelming and intimidating experience, but this is not the time to give up your rights. Keep in mind that any time a search and seizure is ...

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 ...

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 ...

‘Tis the Season for Criminal Threats The COVID-19 pandemic has driven people to prepare for the holidays a little bit earlier, making it a good time to discuss the not-so-cheerful side of the season: ...

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. ...

Key Elements of State & Federal Mail Fraud Any fraud that involves US mail is mail fraud. Whether it’s committed in the mail, by phone or online, this crime is not taken lightly in Wisconsin and the ...

When Borrowing Becomes Stealing If you borrow something, you have the intent to return it. But things come up all the time, whether they be appointments, last-minute dinner plans, homework, client or ...

How Retailers Prepare for Their Biggest Threat Shoplifting is among the most widely-committed crimes on Black Friday. Perceived as the start of the holiday shopping season, many shoppers wait until ...

‘Tis the Season for Criminal Threats The COVID-19 pandemic has driven people to prepare for the holidays a little bit earlier, making it a good time to discuss the not-so-cheerful side of the season: ...

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 ...

Speed traps are perceived by drivers as a major source of speeding tickets. Police officers may use speed traps to identify and ticket motorists, catching these drivers off-guard. This leaves many ...

Fewer Points, More Freedom In many situations, more points are a good thing. When it comes to driving points, however, more points could cost you your driving privileges. Without driving privileges, ...

If you have ever received a traffic ticket , you know they are generally not cheap and will stay on your driving record, increasing the cost of your car insurance. Many of us want this whole ordeal to ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

Where Guns, Drugs & Violence Meet About 33,000 violent street, motorcycle and prison gangs currently exist in the US, according to the FBI . Popular gang crimes involve robbery, drug and gun ...

How Do Credit Card Frauds Happen? Credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card to fraudulently obtains money or property. This crime is the most frequent type of identity theft ...

Business owners can take advantage of specific tax codes, allowing them to minimize their tax liabilities to the government. Using these methods, referred to as tax avoidance, the person can ...

Many people know the name “embezzlement” because they’ve heard it mentioned in a news report or on television somewhere. While the name sounds devious and impressive, meaning accusations often draw ...