Romeo and Juliet laws are legal exceptions that protect young people from facing criminal penalties when they engage in consensual sexual activities with partners below the age of consent. These laws acknowledge that teenagers close in age can and often do form mutual sexual relationships. Without these laws, young people can face statutory rape charges for engaging in consensual sex with their peers. Romeo and Juliet laws vary by state, but they generally reduce or eliminate the penalties for sexual activities between minors who are close in age to each other. For example, if two teenagers ar ..read more

Second-degree sexual assault is one of the most severe sex-based criminal offenses under Wisconsin law. An arrest and conviction for sexual assault can have immediate and long-term consequences, including loss of reputation, substantial prison time and fines, sex offender registration obligations, and a criminal record that will follow a person for the rest of their life.   Wisconsin’s Sexual Assault Statute The Wisconsin sexual assault statute defines second-degree sexual assault as: Having sexual contact or intercourse with another person without their consent by use or threat of force ..read more

Three attorneys from the law firm Martinez and Ruby LLP in Baraboo, Wisconsin have been named to the Super Lawyers list for 2023. Andrew I. Martinez, Cole Ruby, and Taylor M. Hart were all selected for this prestigious recognition, which is given to the top 5% of attorneys in each state. This is not the first time that Martinez and Ruby attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers. Martinez has been selected to the list every year since 2020, while Ruby has been named to the list since 2015. Hart is a first-time honoree, but he has already established himself as a rising star in the field o ..read more

The repercussions of a drug conviction extend beyond just the legal penalties. For many people, the collateral damage of such a conviction can permeate every facet of their lives, especially when it comes to their professional aspirations. Understanding these consequences is important whether you’re a student, an employee, or a licensed professional. Education Impacts Drug convictions can significantly affect your educational pursuits. Students might face: Suspension or Expulsion: Educational institutions often have strict codes of conduct, and a drug conviction can lead to disciplinary actio ..read more

If you are facing an OWI charge, it’s important to recognize that the consequences of a conviction can be dire. Adding the cost of legal guidance to the mix can be daunting, but in the end, having skilled legal guidance on your side can more than make up for the cost. Turn to an experienced Wisconsin OWI attorney for the help you’re looking for. Factors that Affect the Cost of an OWI Attorney Several factors can affect how much the OWI attorney you hire will cost. Complexity of the Case The more complex your case, the more costly your legal needs are likely to be. Your attorney’s goal is to pr ..read more

Our criminal justice system goes to great lengths to ensure proceedings are as fair as possible to victims and the accused. Discovery and exculpatory evidence are a crucial part of our criminal justice system that often makes the difference between someone going to prison or walking free. The intricacies of discovery and exculpatory evidence are one of the reasons it is so important to have a criminal defense attorney – not just any attorney – handling your defense when accused of a crime. What Is Discovery? The discovery process consists of the defense and prosecution receiving copies of the ..read more

Sexual assault charges can have a devastating impact on the accused, both personally and professionally. Despite the awful consequences of such accusations, false accusations are more common than ever. Jilted ex-spouses, jealous partners, and others may point their finger at you in a court of law, leaving you with the difficult task of defending your reputation and freedom against these terrifying charges. You should not go it alone, however. If you have been accused of sexual assault, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Your attorney will help you preserve any eviden ..read more

There is no scientific reason for the charging and sentencing disparities between crack cocaine and powder cocaine. The decision is welcomed and long overdue. https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/16/politics/crack-powder-cocaine-sentencing-disparities/index.html?utm_source=The+Marshall+Project+Newsletter&utm_campaign=0c8fb3baf0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_12_19_12_11&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5e02cdad9d-0c8fb3baf0-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D The post Garland Ends Federal Cocaine Disparities appeared first on Martinez & Ruby ..read more

An OWI conviction can result in fines, jail time, license suspension, and other life-altering consequences. While it may seem more convenient or less consequential to challenge an OWI accusation, the costs of an OWI conviction will last longer than your court ordered penalties suggest. Fortunately, these consequences are preventable with the help of a skilled OWI defense attorney. While you are not required to hire a professional attorney, choosing to represent yourself or relying on a generic public defender could result in permanent scars on your criminal record. Wisconsin OWI Penalties With ..read more

Did you know that certain cities in Wisconsin have decriminalized recreational marijuana use? Click here to find out the locations and restrictions. Remember, this was not a state-wide decision, so what is legal in one city may not be permitted in another. The post Wisconsin Marijuana Update appeared first on Martinez & Ruby ..read more