Wisconsin is one of only nine states where 17 year old minors, are treated as adults in the criminal justice system. Every parent knows, and science and sociological studies back them up, that teens lack the maturity and have an underdeveloped sense of responsibility which can result in poor decision making - some very consequential.… Read More »
Raising the Age for Juvenile Justice 18 to 21
There are many laws in the U.S. with age restrictions designed to protect young people who are not ready to make what could be consequential decisions such as whether to drink alcohol, use cannabis, or vape. In fact, all of these activities are now reserved for 21-year-olds, allowing 18-year-old kids in high school, or those… Read More »
Can Police Question a Minor?
Police Questioning a Child as a Witness or Victim of a Crime Kids under the age of 18 may sometimes be stopped and questioned by police as witnesses to a crime or perhaps even as victims of crime. Many parents wonder what their child’s legal rights are if they are questioned by police. There are… Read More »
Dire Consequences for Real or Perceived Violence in Schools
A few recent incidences of real or perceived violence at Wisconsin high schools have many communities on edge. In Waukesha, a high school student has been charged with second-degree recklessly endangering safety, obstructing an officer, disorderly conduct and dangerous weapons on school premises after threatening a another student with a pellet gun at school. In… Read More »
Manufacture Distribution and Delivery of THC
In Wisconsin, the single charge of intent to distribute, sell or deliver more than 10,000 grams of THC is a Class E felony that can result in a maximum $50,000 fine and/or 15 years of incarceration. Those who are charged with drug crimes often face various charges at the state and federal level, which can… Read More »
Sexting Among Teens Can Result in Serious Consequences
Sexting has become so common among teens and many do not realize they are breaking the law or that they can face serious consequences for their actions. In fact, under Wisconsin law teens could potentially face child pornography charges for sending or receiving nude photos on their electronic devices. Wisconsin Communities Try to Stop the… Read More »
Is Your Teen Using Drugs?
With some cities in Wisconsin seeing a rise in teen methamphetamine use and other drugs, school and police officials in Eau Claire are hoping to enlist the help of parents to run some interference. They recently set up a mock teenage bedroom at parent- teacher conference night to teach parents how to spot signs of… Read More »
Plea Bargaining a Slippery Slope for Juveniles?
Most criminal convictions are the result of a guilty plea rather than a trial and often are the result of plea bargaining. While adults may be able to weigh the pros and cons of pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a plea of guilty, minors are not. In fact, studies reveal teens… Read More »
Internet Crimes
In what he admitted was a “terrible joke” between friends, a Wisconsin teen has been arrested for an illegal posting on social media - a growing problem among youth who sometimes do not understand the consequences of their actions online. To avoid problems, users should be aware of common crimes linked to social media or… Read More »
Statutory Rape Charges
Child sex crimes can run the gamut. While some are the act of a perpetrator preying on non-consenting young victims, some are more in line with what is called statutory rape where someone who has reached the age of maturity has had ‘consensual’ sexual relations with someone under the age of 18. Statutory rape is… Read More »