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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 ...

“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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Evidence falls within two umbrella categories: circumstantial evidence and direct evidence. In the absence of evidence like an eyewitness account, prosecutors rely on circumstantial evidence that ...

Courtroom dramas often depict a mid-trial surprise – the finger of blame is pointed in another person’s direction. This person could have committed the crime, not the defendant. These scenes make for ...

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 ...

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 man accused of killing 6 people at the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade was granted his request to represent himself at trial. Darrell Brooks is charged with 77 counts, including 6 counts of ...

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) announced on Aug. 12 that charges had been filed in a double murder that occurred more than 30 years ago. Tony G. ...

What is the Difference Between Concurrent and Consecutive Sentencing? Are you facing charges for multiple crimes? You may be wondering what your sentence will look like. If you were charged for ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

SBA Loan Frauds 2020 to 2021: What You Need to Know The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has been offering economic stimulus programs to eligible business owners due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ...

‘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: ...

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. ...

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 ...

The word conspiracy makes any situation sound very sinister, however, its use in describing certain drug crimes is quite simple. Legally, a drug conspiracy takes place when multiple people come to an ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

An October 2022 bonfire explosion that injured up to 40 people at a homecoming party could mean felony charges against two teens and the homeowner. According to Shawano County Sheriff’s officials, a ...

The 2021 elder abuse law means a Wisconsin nurse is facing tougher penalties for allegedly cutting off the foot of an elderly man at a rehabilitation center. In November 2022, Mary K. Brown of Durand ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

For something that is sometimes illegal, sexting is popular. According to research by the Cyberbullying Research Center, about 14% of middle and high school students have sent explicit images , and ...

A 17-year-old girl allegedly shot a man in the head, set his house on fire, and stole his BMW in June 2018. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in July 2022 that state law gives her the right to argue ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As a criminal defense law firm , we are always interested in news related to our work. So, when the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) released a report detailing crime in the city, we paid close ...

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. ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

Wisconsin has several statutes that outline identity theft laws and consequences. This white-collar crime has been around for hundreds of years, but the manner in which the crimes are committed has ...

People may think of large-scale schemes and big organizations when they think of the term credit card fraud. However, credit card fraud can be committed by the average person. Many people use their ...