Healthcare fraud is a serious offense that can result in significant penalties for medical providers. In addition to criminal charges that may lead to fines or imprisonment if a person is convicted, accusations of fraud can lead to the loss of a professional license, loss of provider status with Medicare and Medicaid, and damage to a provider’s personal reputation. If you are facing healthcare fraud charges, it is crucial to understand your rights and options for defense. An attorney with experience in healthcare law can provide legal guidance and effective representation to help you defend against these accusations and protect your career in the medical field.

A prenuptial agreement, which is commonly referred to as a “prenup,” is a legal contract that may be entered into by two people before they get married or enter into a civil partnership. This agreement outlines the distribution of assets and liabilities in the event of a divorce or separation.

While prenuptial agreements may be used by any couple, they can be especially beneficial for couples with a high net worth. Understanding the various ways that a prenup may be used and what protections it can provide is crucial in cases where either party owns significant assets or earns a substantial income. An attorney can help couples in these situations understand how a prenuptial agreement may be used and how to make sure the terms of their agreement will be enforceable should their relationship break down in the future.

Protecting Separate Property

Couples with significant assets often have acquired them individually before getting married. A prenuptial agreement allows each party to protect their respective separate property. This includes any property owned prior to the marriage that either spouse will want to keep in the event of a divorce. Inheritances received during the marriage, or gifts specifically designated for one spouse are also considered separate property.

In today’s fast-paced world, conflicts and disputes are inevitable. When individuals or businesses find themselves involved in civil disputes, they often turn to the legal system for resolution. However, civil litigation can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining.

Fortunately, there is an alternative method of resolving civil disputes that is gaining popularity: mediation. During this voluntary process, a neutral third-party mediator helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation offers several benefits over traditional litigation, including cost-effectiveness, speedier resolutions, and greater control over the outcome. An attorney who is qualified to provide mediation services can help resolve multiple types of legal disputes, including those involving:

Business Partner Disputes

Disagreements between business partners are not uncommon in the corporate world. Whether partners encounter disagreements over the direction of the company, financial disputes, or any other conflicts arising from business partnerships, mediation can provide a more collaborative and less adversarial environment for finding mutually agreeable solutions. A mediator with experience in business law can assist partners in identifying their underlying interests and facilitating productive discussions to achieve resolutions that are satisfactory to all parties involved.

Drunk driving is a serious offense that can have severe consequences. In Wisconsin, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense, and in most cases, repeat offenses are treated more severely than first-time offenses. If you have been charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin for the second time, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences, and you can defend against a conviction by seeking legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can advise you of your options for defense and help you determine the best ways to avoid a second conviction for intoxicated driving.

Prior Convictions

One major factor that determines whether a second OWI offense is more serious than a first-time offense is when a prior conviction occurred. In Wisconsin, there is a lookback period of 10 years for determining prior convictions. This means that any previous OWI conviction within the past 10 years will be taken into account when determining the penalties for a subsequent offense.

Spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is a common point of contention in divorce proceedings. In Wisconsin, spousal support is determined by different factors, including the length of time the couple was married, the amount of money each spouse is able to earn, and the standard of living experienced during the time the couple was married. Depending on what a spouse thinks they are owed for maintenance or what they believe their spouse is owed for maintenance, tensions can run very high when it comes to the topic, leading to disputes of various shapes and sizes. Suppose you are involved in a spousal support dispute. In that case, it is essential to retain the services of a competent lawyer, as this will ensure you know your rights and options as you look to achieve a favorable outcome in the dispute.

During the divorce process, a couple who has children together will need to resolve a variety of concerns related to child custody. In addition to determining where children will live, when they will spend time with each parent, and how the parents will work together to make decisions about how their children will be raised, it will also be necessary to establish child support orders. These orders will ensure that both parents are contributing financially toward their children’s needs. In cases where a couple that is not married has children, many of the same considerations will need to be addressed, and it will be important to understand how child support will be determined

Issues related to child support can be complex and challenging to address when parents are not married and are no longer in a relationship with each other. However, as is true in all family law cases, the best interest of the child will be the top priority for the court. It is crucial for unmarried parents to understand how child support will be calculated and what unique factors may arise in these situations. An experienced attorney can help ensure that these issues will be addressed correctly.

The rapid growth of online shopping has unfortunately led to an increase in package theft. Boxes left outside of people’s homes can prove tempting to potential thieves, especially during the holiday season when people may be purchasing expensive gifts. A person who is accused of stealing packages may face criminal charges for theft or other offenses, and if they are convicted, significant penalties may be imposed. By understanding the laws that address package theft in Wisconsin and the options for defending against criminal charges, a person who is charged with these offenses can take steps to defend themselves. During this process, representation from an experienced attorney is crucial.

An Overview of Wisconsin Laws Relating to Package Theft

In general, any form of theft—including stealing packages—is against the law. The specific laws and potential penalties depend on multiple factors such as the value or contents of the stolen item(s), whether force or deception was used during the crime, whether a person is accused of stealing mail delivered to others, and a person’s prior criminal record.

By Attorneys Raymond Dall’Osto, Jaclyn Kallie and Zak Wroblewski

The Federal Trade Commission FTC) announced in an October 2023 consumer alert, that Americans now have free weekly access to their credit reports, from all three major credit bureaus.  

In the 1990’s, Congress first allowed for a free annual credit bureau check.  During the trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic, several major credit bureaus changed their policies to allow for free weekly checks and access to your full credit bureau report.

When people talk about your credit, they mean your credit history. Your credit history describes how you use money. For example:

• How many credit cards do you have?

• How many loans do you have?

• Do you pay your bills on time?

How you handled your money and bills in the past will help lenders decide if they want to do business with you. Your credit history also helps them determine what interest rate to charge you.

• If lenders see that you always pay your bills on time and never take on more debt than you can pay back, they’ll generally feel more confident doing business with you.

• If they see that you’re late on your payments or owe more on credit cards or loans than you can repay, they might not trust that you will pay them back.

Lenders, landlords, insurance companies, and potential employers are a few examples of who might look at your credit history. Your credit history can make a big difference when you

• apply for a loan or credit card

• look for a job

• try to rent an apartment

• try to buy or lease a car

• try to get rental or home insurance

Because these lenders, landlords, and others care how you handle your bills and other financial decisions, you should care about your credit, too, particularly to correct inaccurate information and for early detection of identity theft.  See, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/understanding-your-credit and https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security

“Good” or “bad” credit is based on a person’s credit history. You can find out what your credit history looks like by checking your credit report.  Your credit report is a summary of your credit history. The three nationwide credit bureaus — TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian — collect credit and other information about you which form the basis for your credit ratings.

Using a statistical program, companies compare this information to the credit behavior of people with similar profiles. Based on this comparison, the statistical program assigns you a score. Usually, credit scores fall between 300 and 850. A higher score means that you have “good” credit: businesses think you’re less of a risk, which means you’re more likely to get credit or insurance — or pay less for it. A low score means you have what businesses see as “bad” credit, which means it will be harder for you to get a loan or a credit card — and you’re more likely to pay higher interest rates on credit you do get.

Be a vigilant guardian of your credit and financial information.  Don’t confuse your credit report with your credit score.  

Don’t be scammed.  Familiarize yourself with the FTC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) webpages and resources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/ and https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ 

Don’t be fooled into paying money for the free credit reports you now can obtain on a regular basis.  Go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action for your free weekly credit reports.

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By Attorney Zak Wroblewski

In the process of obtaining building permits, business owners and real estate developers may encounter situations where they need to address special use variances with the Board of Zoning Appeals. Understanding when these variances are required is crucial to navigating the complex world of zoning and land use regulations. Because the procedures that must be followed when handling these types of appeals can be complicated, it is crucial for property owners and developers to work with an attorney who has experience in this area.

What Is a Use Variance?

A use variance is a permission granted by the local government that allows a business or entity to use property in a way that deviates from the standard zoning regulations. These deviations typically involve land uses that are prohibited within a particular zone but may still be compatible with surrounding properties.

The purpose of requiring use variances is to ensure that any proposed land use does not negatively impact neighboring properties or violate established zoning standards. The Board of Zoning Appeals, also known as the BOZA, reviews applications for use variances and makes determinations based on specific criteria outlined in local ordinances.

When Are Special Use Variances Necessary?

Use variances may be necessary when there is a desire to utilize property in ways that fall outside of what is allowed under current zoning regulations. Some common scenarios where business owners and real estate developers may require use variances include:

• New construction: When planning to construct a new building or make significant modifications to an existing structure for purposes other than those specifically permitted by zoning laws, a use variance will likely be required.

• Change in land use: When transitioning from one type of business operation to another (e.g., converting an office space into a restaurant), it may be necessary to obtain approval through a use variance if such a change is not explicitly permitted.

• Expansion or addition: If a business owner or developer intends to expand an existing building or add new structures to a property, and the proposed changes do not conform to the current zoning regulations, a use variance may be required.

• Unique circumstances: In some cases, issues such as topography, lot size limitations, or historical preservation requirements may necessitate a use variance for certain projects.

The Role of the Board of Zoning Appeals

The BOZA will review applications for use variances. Its primary responsibility is to evaluate whether granting the requested variance would be consistent with the overall goals and objectives of local zoning ordinances while also considering potential impacts on neighboring properties and public welfare.

When submitting an application for a use variance, it is essential to provide detailed information about a project’s nature and how it aligns with the community’s best interests. This includes demonstrating that the planned development will protect public safety and welfare, that it will not diminish property value for neighbors or affect their ability to use and enjoy their property, that traffic and pedestrian safety will be maintained, and that the special use fits within the city’s overall plan.

The Board of Zoning Appeals typically holds public hearings where applicants have an opportunity to present their case and address any concerns raised by neighbors or other stakeholders. It is important to prepare thoroughly for these hearings by gathering supporting documentation, obtaining expert opinions as necessary, and presenting compelling arguments that demonstrate why granting the use variance would benefit both an individual property owner and the community at large.

Contact Our Milwaukee Zoning and Land Use Lawyers

If you are a business owner or real estate developer in Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin who is facing challenges related to obtaining use variances for building permits, the experienced Milwaukee, WI real estate attorneys at [[title]] can help guide you through this complex process. We understand the intricacies of local zoning regulations, and we have a successful track record of assisting clients in obtaining the necessary approvals for their projects. Contact us at [[phone]] to arrange a consultation.

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