Legal Question in Criminal Law in Wisconsin

For a person who is truly addicted to dangerous drugs, jail can sometimes literally be a life saver, since they may otherwise be on a path which is leading them to death by accidental overdose or other high risk behavior. The only time that such a person may ever become sober is while they are actually locked up, and the medical treatment system (even inpatient facilities) generally lacks the legal authority to use the tool of secure custody. That being said, however, the length of time that an addict is likely to remain in jail or prison is usually directly related to the quality of legal representation they obtain and how early after their arrest they obtain it. Prison sentences measured in decades (or otherwise much longer than is needed for any sort of drug or alcohol treatment) are common, even for minor armed robberies, so getting a good, experienced, criminal lawyer early on is one of the only things that you might be able to do for your brother at this point in his life which could really make a difference for him (in addition to assisting in any way possible with his progress in any sort of a twelve step recovery program). Attorney responses on this public website are intended only for public educational purposes rather than as legal advice for your specific situation. Responses to your questions therefore do not create an attorney client relationship between us and should not be relied upon for making any important decisions until they have been reconsidered by your private attorney. You are; however, welcome to contact my office in Racine to discuss any additional questions which you may have or to seek private advice intended for you alone. Answers on this website may also contain attorney advertising materials.