The statute of limitations establishes a deadline for when the prosecution of a crime must begin. For example, under Wisconsin law, prosecution of a felony must start within six years of the crime. However, certain crimes have different statutes of limitations. Sexual assault, for example, has a range of statutes of limitation depending on the nature of the offense.  If you face sexual assault charges, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Maciolek Law Group, our attorneys have experience with sexual assault cases and can help you navigate the Wisconsin criminal justice syste ..read more

“Credit card fraud” is an umbrella term used to describe any number of deceitful activities one might engage in concerning credit card usage. It’s a persistent and costly problem, resulting in billions of dollars in losses to American companies each year. While Wisconsin doesn’t have any legal guidelines specifically criminalizing credit card fraud, there are numerous laws on the books that penalize fraudulent practices. Four Common Anti-Fraud Criminal Laws Depending on the circumstances, one or more criminal laws may apply to punish someone who has engaged in fraud using a credit ca ..read more

In Wisconsin, people must reach a minimum age, known as the “age of consent,” before they can legally agree to participate in sexual activity with another person. What Is the Age of Consent? The age of consent refers to the minimum age that a person must reach before they can legally consent to participate in sexual activities, ensuring that a person can understand their actions and the potential consequences of those actions. Under state law, people younger than the age of consent may not legally engage in sexual activity, even if they wish to do so. Furthermore, the law prohibits people from ..read more

As of December 31, 2021, over 777,000 Wisconsin residents with current and valid driver’s licenses have been convicted of operating while impaired at least once. Despite the frequency with which Wisconsin drivers are arrested and charged with OWI, you might still harbor misconceptions about this offense. These misunderstandings about DUI law in Wisconsin can lead to errors and missteps. Four of the more surprising facts about Wisconsin’s OWI law are: 1. You Can Be Convicted of DUI Even if Your Alcohol Level Is Below 0.08 Some drivers believe a myth about DUI law in Wisconsin that says you cann ..read more

Driving under the influence is a severe offense in every state, and Wisconsin is no exception. An Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) arrest can be a life-altering experience, leading to potential fines, the loss of your driving privileges, and even incarceration in some cases. But can you fight an OWI arrest in Wisconsin? The simple answer is yes, and with the right legal team, your chances of a favorable outcome significantly increase. Understanding OWI in Wisconsin In Wisconsin, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Anyone operating a vehicle above this limit can be arrested a ..read more

Sexual assault refers to sexual, physical contact and behavior performed without consent, including fondling, forcing a person to perform sexual acts, and attempted rape. It’s imperative to understand sexual assault laws in Wisconsin, particularly if you’ve been accused of sexual assault. Accusations are severe and can change your life and future. Wisconsin Sexual Assault Laws Under Wisconsin law, there are four degrees of sexual assault, depending on the force used by the perpetrator and the resulting harm. First, second, and third-degree sexual assault charges are considered felonies, while ..read more

The stress of facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge – or, as it’s called in Wisconsin, an operating under the influence (OUI)  – can be overwhelming, and you may be inclined to accept the legal consequences. It’s important to remember, however, that just because you’ve been charged with DUI doesn’t mean that you are guilty of the charge. In addition, even if you do end up pleading guilty, an attorney can help mitigate the short and long-term consequences you are facing. Because a conviction can lead to serious fines, jail time, and lasting social consequences, bringing your st ..read more

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right of every individual to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. It serves as a protection against arbitrary governmental intrusion into our personal lives, including cases involving drug charges. Understanding the Fourth Amendment is vital for anyone facing such charges, as it allows you to assert your rights and defend against unlawful search and seizure.   By understanding and asserting your rights, you can protect yourself from potential violations and increase your chances of successfully defendin ..read more

In June of 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that a federal grand jury had indicted a Wisconsin mother and son for conspiring to distribute fentanyl in violation of federal drug conspiracy laws. What exactly is a federal drug conspiracy? Federal Drug Conspiracy Laws Federal drug conspiracy is addressed in the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, under 21 U.S. Code 846, anyone who attempts or conspires to commit any offense defined in the code “will be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense, the commission of which was the object of the attempt o ..read more

Stalking is a serious criminal offense in Wisconsin and penalties can be severe, particularly in certain circumstances. What is “Stalking”? In Wisconsin, “stalking” goes beyond mere harassment. Stalking is engaging in two or more separate acts, on separate occasions, including any of the following: Keeping physical or visual proximity to the victim Confronting or approaching the victim Showing up at the victim’s workplace Contacting the victim’s coworkers or employer Contacting the victim’s neighbors, friends, or family members Showing up at the victim’s home Entering the victim’s property Ca ..read more