Bank Fraud vs. Wire Fraud in Wisconsin: What Is the Difference?

Bank fraud and wire fraud can overlap, but they are not identical offenses. Federal bank fraud focuses on a scheme involving a financial institution or its property. Federal wire fraud focuses on a fraudulent scheme and an interstate wire communication used to advance it. Wisconsin also has a state offense for wire fraud against a…

Armed Robbery

August 30, 2026

Can You Be Charged With Armed Robbery Without a Weapon in Wisconsin?

Yes. Depending on the facts, Wisconsin prosecutors may charge a person with armed robbery even when police did not recover an actual firearm or the person did not possess a working gun. The charge still must fit Wisconsin law, and the state must prove every required element. This article explains how an actual weapon, a…

Firm News

August 29, 2026

Jury Finds Client Not Guilty of Sexual Assault of an Intoxicated Person

A jury has found a Hart Powell, S.C. client not guilty of sexual assault of an intoxicated person. Attorneys Michael F. Hart and Emily Kehl tried the case and won an outright acquittal. The accusation was as serious as they come. A woman our client spent the night with later said she had blacked out…

Firearm Offenses

August 15, 2026

Can You Be Charged With a Federal Gun Crime for a Weapon You Didn’t Know Was Illegal?

Yes. Federal prosecutors may charge a person even when that person did not know federal law restricted the firearm. A conviction still requires proof of every element in the specific statute, including any required mental state. The law can treat knowledge of possession, knowledge of a firearm’s features, knowledge of a prohibited status, and knowledge…

Criminal Defense

July 1, 2026

Resisting or Obstructing an Officer in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know

If you’re facing charges for resisting or obstructing an officer in Wisconsin, understanding the law and your rights is important. Wisconsin Statute 946.41 addresses these offenses and can carry significant penalties. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor or felony charge, the decisions you make now can affect your case. This guide explains what resisting and…

Criminal Defense

June 15, 2026

Disorderly Conduct Charges in Milwaukee: What Prosecutors Must Prove

When you face a disorderly conduct charge in Milwaukee, understanding what prosecutors must prove can be a key part of your defense. Wisconsin Statute 947.01 defines disorderly conduct broadly, and that breadth can create meaningful opportunities to challenge the charges against you. At Hart Powell, S.C., the focus is on one critical question: Did the…

Domestic Violence

May 15, 2026

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped in Wisconsin?

Many people believe that if an accuser wants to drop domestic violence charges, the case will be dismissed. This is a common misconception in Wisconsin. Once law enforcement becomes involved in a domestic violence situation, the decision to prosecute rests with the state—not with the alleged victim. Understanding how Wisconsin’s criminal justice system handles domestic…

OWI

March 9, 2026

Understanding Underage OWI in Wisconsin

If you’re a young driver under 21 facing an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge in Wisconsin, you’re confronting one of the most serious traffic violations in the state. An underage OWI conviction can have devastating consequences that extend far beyond the immediate legal penalties. Understanding Wisconsin’s underage OWI laws, the penalties you face, and…

Criminal Defense

March 2, 2026

Your Guide to Wisconsin Felony Classes

What Counts as a Felony in Wisconsin? What are Wisconsin felony classes? In Wisconsin, a felony represents the most serious category of criminal offense—crimes ranging from murder to invasion of privacy. Unlike misdemeanors, which carry lighter penalties, felonies carry the potential for imprisonment in state prison. Wisconsin law divides all felonies into nine distinct classes,…

Criminal Defense

February 5, 2026

How Bail Works in Wisconsin

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Wisconsin, understanding how bail works is essential to navigating the criminal justice system. Bail is a financial arrangement that allows you to be released from custody while awaiting trial, giving you the opportunity to prepare your defense, maintain employment, and stay connected to your…