Author: Above The Bar

How Does the Driving Point System Work in Wisconsin?

If you are convicted of a traffic violation, this conviction will result in demerit points being added to your record. If you accumulate 12 or more points during the course of 12 months, then your license will be suspended. The point system works as follows:

  • 12-16 points: 2 month suspension
  • 17-22 points: 4 month suspension
  • 23-30 points: 6 month suspension
  • More than 30 points: 1 year suspension

If you face traffic violation charges, contact Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices. For the past 10 years, our attorneys have been representing individuals accused of violating traffic laws, including criminal traffic violations, ranging from simple speeding tickets to vehicular homicide. 

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How Is Property Divided in a Wisconsin Divorce?

Wisconsin follows the community property model when it comes to division of marital property. This means that marital property is simply divided down the middle (50/50). Before this occurs, marital property must be distinguished from non-marital property. 

For guidance throughout your unique divorce case, contact Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices. We strive to find solutions that protect your rights now and provide you with a positive outlook on the future. 

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Rules To Follow During a Traffic Stop

The Wisconsin State Patrol supplies “guidelines for motorists who are stopped by state patrol”. These guidelines include ensuring your hands are in plain sight throughout your traffic stop. In order to do this, you can put your hands on top of your steering wheel. Additionally, you want to ensure you put your keys on your dashboard. View the guidelines in full here.

25 years ago, the founding partners at Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices started out as prosecuting attorneys and appeared as Prosecutors for local municipalities and the State of Wisconsin on thousands of traffic cases, including hundreds of trials. 

For the past 20 years, our attorneys have been representing individuals accused of violating traffic laws, including criminal traffic violations, ranging from simple speeding tickets to Vehicular Homicide.

What Is a Guardian Ad Litem?

A guardian ad litem is an individual, (usually an attorney), who is appointed by the court in cases that involve minors. A GAL deeply examines the details of the child’s situation, to determine what case outcome would align with the child’s best interests. A GAL then communicates to the court the outcome they believe should be put into place.

Essentially, a GAL serves as a voice for the child, when a voice advocating for the child is greatly needed. Our attorneys proudly serve as guardian ad litems. 

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How to Avoid Driving While Drowsy

It is a widely known fact that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous for drivers and others who exist on the road. However, it is not as often discussed that driving while drowsy is just as dangerous. Here are some tips on how to ensure you take on the road in an alert state of mind.

If you or a loved one becomes injured in a car accident, contact Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices. The lawyers at Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices represent individuals and their families who have been seriously injured or killed as a result of the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of others. 

Standard Field Sobriety Tests

If law enforcement pulls you over with a suspicion that you are driving under the influence, three standardized field sobriety tests may be administered. The three standardized tests are:

  • One-Leg Stand Test
  • Walk and Turn Test
  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test

These tests are used across the nation in order to establish probable cause for an OWI arrest. However, they can often prove inaccurate. In order to avoid the results of these tests being used against you, it is important to challenge your results with the help of an experienced attorney. For the past 20 years, our attorneys have been representing individuals accused of violating traffic laws.

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Traffic Tickets in Wisconsin

Many assume your first traffic ticket for a moving violation is no big deal. However, it will most likely lead to your insurance rates increasing by 27 percent, for a minimum of 5 years. This means that on average, your auto insurance will increase more than $1,600.

If a second offense occurs within 5 years, then your insurance rates will increase by 65 percent. This amounts to an average cost of $3,900. Additionally, points accumulated for moving violations could result in your license being revoked. 

The aid of an experience attorney to leverage your case if you face traffic violation charges is crucial. For the past 20 years, our attorneys have represented individuals accused of violating traffic laws, including criminal traffic violations, ranging from simple speeding tickets to Vehicular Homicide.

Age of Consent in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the age of consent is 18 years old. According to the Wisconsin Statutes, “Sexual intercourse with a child age 16 or older” is considered a Class A misdemeanor. Sexual activity with a minor is considered statutory rape, as the Wisconsin statutes dictate that minors are not old enough to consent to sexual activity. 

If you are facing sex crime charges, contact Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices. Our attorneys will guard your rights, and will be by your side each step of the way. We represent individuals in felony and misdemeanor cases throughout state and federal courts in a variety of criminal matters. 

Recommendations for Driving in Wet Weather Conditions

Did you know that 1.2 million traffic deaths are caused by wet pavements every year? When it comes to driving in the rain, there are certain precautions you should take. Inform yourself on AAA’s recommendations for operating a vehicle amid wet weather conditions. Such recommendations include if you should use cruise control or not, and how many mph you should slow down. 

If you or a loved one suffers a car accident due to the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of others, contact Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices. Our attorneys assume the responsibility of providing effective, aggressive investigation and representation, thereby allowing our injured clients to attend to personal matters in the hopes of moving on with their lives.

How to Heal After Your Divorce

At Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices, we understand that the divorce process surely is not absent of emotion. Here are some tips on how to heal from a divorce in the most beneficial way possible. These tips include recognizing your feelings, obtaining the help of other individuals and continually voicing your emotions. In the end, moving on should be your main aim.  

Divorce marks the end of one part of your life and the beginning of another. At Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices, we continually find solutions that protect the rights of our clients, to make way for a positive future.