Wisconsin Criminal Law Blog
Case updates, statute changes, and plain-English guides to Wisconsin criminal defense, written by the attorneys who handle these matters every week in Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth County courts.
Latest Best of Racine: Five-Time Journal Times Reader's Choice Winner (2020-2025)
Carl B. Johnson · · 4 min read
Cafferty & Scheidegger has been voted Best of Racine in the legal category five times by Journal Times readers: Patrick Cafferty as Best Attorney 2020, then the firm as Best Attorney/Law Office in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. Full record with sources.
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New 2026 Wisconsin IID Laws: Faster Licenses, But Harder Penalties for Violations
· 8 min
2025 Wisconsin Act 210 (signed April 8 2026) overhauls ignition interlock device rules. Eliminates the 30-day refusal and 45-day OWI occupational-license waits. Adds 180-day extensions for six IID-violation triggers, a new misdemeanor crime under §343.302, and a motorcycle ban. The trap defendants need to know about.
All About IIDs - What if you have a Tesla?
· 6 min
Installing an IID in a Modern and cutting edge EVs (Electric Vehicles) such as Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid. Even the GMC Hummer EV
Can You Refuse the New Roadside Saliva Test in Racine? What Every Driver Needs to Know
· 7 min
2025 Wisconsin Act 99 took effect in March 2026. Officers can now swab drivers roadside for THC, opioids, and stimulants. The single most-misreported detail: refusing the swab does not trigger automatic license revocation, because Act 99 amended the PBT statute, not implied consent.
It's 4/20. Wisconsin Is Still Surrounded. Here's What That Means in 2026.
· 6 min
Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota have all legalized adult-use marijuana. Wisconsin has not. A 4/20 update on the law, the arrest numbers, and the cross-border traps catching Wisconsinites every weekend.
Juvenile Justice
· 5 min
The Juvenile Justice Reform Act includes policy recommendations that are aimed at reducing the number of youth being incarcerated.
Mark Jensen Retrial: Vacated Conviction, 2023 Verdict, and Second Life Sentence
· 4 min
Complete case timeline for Mark Jensen of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin: 2008 first conviction, Wisconsin Supreme Court reversal, Jan 2023 retrial without the 'letter from the grave', second guilty verdict, and April 2023 life sentence.
The Civil Consequences of a Criminal Conviction - Part 1 (Employment)
· 3 min
Wisconsin Criminal Defense Lawyer
· 4 min
Speak to a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C. to learn more about your best defense against the charges you are facing.
Patrick Cafferty on TMJ4: Overturned Conviction Could Open Door for Other Defendants
· 3 min
Founding partner Patrick Cafferty was quoted by TMJ4's Lighthouse team on the legal fallout from a Racine County murder conviction that was vacated after a judge found the original jury was never told of serious credibility problems involving the lead detective.
4th Of July 2020 - The year you want to avoid an OWI.
· 2 min
4th of July 2021 - Without Driving Intoxicated
· 3 min
4t of July almost always includes alcohol. In order to avoid driving intoxicated, smart decisions should be made prior to consuming alcohol.
4th Of July – Don’t Go Out With A (OWI) Kaboom!
· 3 min
Suffice it to say celebrations across Wisconsin will include alcohol. OWI is a serious problem and holidays like the Fourth of July
5 Ways to Avoid an OWI on St. Patrick’s Day
· 4 min
Our OWI lawyers share safety tips to help you avoid getting charged with an OWI, or worse, getting injured or killed in a drunk driving crash
How Does Wisconsin Rank for Drunk Driving Arrests?
· 4 min
Kenosha Criminal Defense Lawyer - Kenosha, WI
· 4 min
Need a Kenosha criminal defense lawyer? Speak to our defense attorneys today and learn more about the options you may have. Free consultation.
OWI vs. DUI - What’s the Difference?
· 4 min
Speeding - What's Your Hurry?
· 3 min
Speeding is the most ticketed traffic offense in Wisconsin. ‘unreasonable & imprudent speed’ too fast for conditions is related
Thanksgiving Is A Terrible Time For A OWI (DUI / DWI)
· 4 min
Traffic Tickets & Costs in Wisconsin & Habitual Traffic Offender Law
· 5 min
Walworth County Criminal Lawyer
· 4 min
Have you been charged with a crime in Walworth County? Contact us for more information about how to best fight the charges against you.
Wisconsin Criminal Defense FAQ
· 1 min
20 answers to the most common Wisconsin criminal defense questions: arrests, OWI, bail, expungement, domestic violence, gun rights. Serving Racine, Kenosha & Walworth Counties since 1994.
Patrick Cafferty - Expert Legal Analyst
· 9 min
Tune into TMJ4 10 PM news tonight, and every weekday morning for an update from Patrick Cafferty on Live at Daybreak throughout the trial.
The Christmas Conflict: Navigating Domestic Abuse Charges in Wisconsin
· 3 min
A Thanksgiving Full of Gratitude for Our Racine Community
· 4 min
Voted Best of Racine 2025!
· 3 min
Best of Racine - 2025
· 2 min
Different Types of Attorneys
· 4 min
You find yourself needing legal advice. How do you know what kind of attorney to call? Here’s a shortlist of attorneys and what they do.
Fighting for Veterans in the Criminal Justice System
· 6 min
Thanksgiving Turkey: Keep the Focus on Your Feast
· 6 min
Attorney Carl Johnson secures critical dismissal
· 4 min
“The state alleges he made the threat because he lost his federal lawsuit, which was untrue.” - Attorney Carl Johnson
Dismissal of Charges for Carthage College Student
· 4 min
Kenosha Teen Jail Release: Home for Thanksgiving
· 3 min
Racine Man Sentenced to Probation for Shooting Mother’s Ex-Boyfriend
· 4 min
Welcome Attorney Ramirez
· 3 min
HoHoHo🎅 from Cafferty & Scheidegger
· 4 min
What is Attorney-Client Privilege and How Does It Work? -
· 3 min
What is Attorney-Client Privilege and How Does It Work in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth criminal legal cases?
Happy Holidays 2022
· 3 min
For the 3rd yr, we have won Best of Racine. It’s thanks to our clients who put their trust in us during the most difficult time of their life
Wisconsin Weed Legalization?
· 3 min
Criminal Convictions and Immigration Consequences
· 2 min
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
· 4 min
as Wisconsinites, we celebrate Saint Patrick's day mostly as an excuse to drink. Green beer and Irish whiskey are common at the pub crawl.
2021 - a brief lookback
· 4 min
Voted Best Law Office of Racine County for the 2nd year in a row. We earned places in the Best Lawyers in America®2012-2021
Case Dismissed?
· 4 min
Case Dismissed? The best criminal case is a dismissed one. Our own Carl Johnson recently secured a significant case dismissal.
Attorney Patrick Cafferty on WTTW PBS Chicago tonight
· 2 min
Attorney Cafferty appeared on WTTW PBS Chicago tonight to discuss the Kyle Rittenhouse trial as the Jury finishes day one deliberations
The Police & Prosecutors 💖 Social Media
· 4 min
Social media platforms such as the Big 3 (Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram) will cooperate with law enforcement on investigations
Wisconsin's Relationship with Alcohol
· 3 min
Drinking to excess is heavily ingrained in Wi culture. Attending a birthday party with an open bar, pub crawls, weddings, etc
Journal Times Best of Racine 2021 - Final Voting
· 2 min
o easy ways to vote for Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C. in the Best of Racine 2021. You can vote once per day. Simply TXT: 634 to 262-205-3199
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
· 3 min
Racine County Eye is reporting a new Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign starting today Wednesday 18th through Labor Day
Journal Times - Best of Racine County 2021
· 2 min
Voting is open for 2021! Nominate Cafferty & Scheidegger for the Journal Times Best of Racine County 2021 and help us get into the finals
You made it through a Pandemic, stay safe on Memorial Day.
· 4 min
You made it through a Pandemic, stay safe this Memorial Day. If you do get a ticket or OWI charge, call the team at Cafferty & Scheidegger
Not guilty: Former Mayor of Racine at Jury Trial
· 2 min
Cafferty & Scheidegger client the Former Mayor of Racine, WI John Dickert, found not guilty at jury trial. Represented by Patrick K. Cafferty
"I'm not a Cat" - Funny, but what if you were facing a serious charge? -
· 3 min
If you are facing serious charges Contact Cafferty & Scheidegger. *But* It's 2021... and even the most serious firm around found this funny!
Second Chance employment for ex-cons at Dave’s Killer Bread
· 6 min
Dave made it a point to give ex-convicts a second chance at a new life. Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation powers second chance employment
To Charge or Not to Charge? Possession of Marijuana in Racine County, Wisconsin
· 2 min
Possession of marijuana carries the penalty of a criminal conviction, fines of up to a $1,000, 6 months jail, and 5yr revocation of driver’s license.
Wisconsin SB 135 Permanently revokes driving privilege
· 2 min
SB 135 Person convicted of 4 or more Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) shall face a lifetime revocation of their driving privileges
Boating Under The Influence? Know the Risks
· 3 min
INFOGRAPHIC - Criminal Defense and Social Media
· 2 min
Jacob Blake
· 2 min
Probable Reasons for Police to Pull You Over
· 4 min
Support for Sentencing Reform Appears to be Growing
· 3 min
Why You Should Never Talk to the Police
· 5 min
Accused of A White Collar Crime? What You Need to Know
· 2 min
What do you do when you are accused of a white collar crime? Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C. in Racine has an experienced attorney to help reduce or drop charges.
Types of White Collar Crimes
· 2 min
What are various types of white collar crimes? Let the lawyer at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C. in Racine legally advise you. Consultations are available.
What Is White Collar Crime
· 2 min
Do you know what a white collar crime is? Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C. in Racine can provide insight about types of white collar crime. Call for a consultation.
Terms of Service
· 2 min
Are you charged with state or federal offenses in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties? Cafferty & Scheidegger attorneys have a reputation as aggressive criminal defense lawyers.
Consequences of Underage Drinking in WI
· 4 min
Disorderly conduct, criminal or ordinance violation in Wisconsin?
· 4 min
End of the Year Blog Post: 2017 in review
· 2 min
Jail for Racine Juveniles? Held based on Risk Assessment tool like Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Rock.
· 3 min
Kenosha News report on Attorney Cafferty Dismissal
· 2 min
Next Generation Smartphones in Drug Dealing.
· 2 min
Police May Use Evidence Found After Illegal Stops
· 2 min
Posting on Social Media? The Police See You
· 3 min
Racine county criminal cases, by the numbers
· 2 min
“Reckless” Domestic Abusers Lose Gun Rights
· 2 min
Spring Break and how a Drug conviction affects Federal Student Aid
· 1 min
The Civil Consequences of a Criminal Conviction – Part 2 Collateral Consequences
· 2 min
The Fourth Amendment isn’t Dead
· 3 min
The New Year is a time for reflection
· 2 min
Wisconsin Driving and Cell Phone Usage
· 2 min
Wisconsin Expungement Series Part II Arrest Records
· 3 min
Wisconsin Gun Crimes and Laws
· 4 min
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