Legal Question in Criminal Law in Wisconsin

If someone is driving my car and is involved in illegal activity but there is no proof of this can i be forced or held responsible for not cooperating with the police and if so what can be the result of this??


Asked on 10/05/11, 12:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

JAY Nixon nixon law offices

Yes, any time that you allow your car to be used for any illegal activity, you can be charged with all crimes related to the activity under Wisconsin's "party to a crime" law. This subjects you to the same penalties as the main perpetrators, including life in prison if the car is used in a homicide or activity which leads to a death. All property, including vehicles, money and real estate, which is used to in any way to facilitate drug crimes, even transportation of small amounts of marijuana, becomes subject to seizure and civil forfeiture by authorities. Additionally, you can be sued civilly for all money damages caused by a person to whom you negligently entrusted your vehicle. In light of this, it is usually a very bad idea to lend a vehicle to anyone other than a member of your immediate family in whom you have great confidence and who is a named insured on your auto insurance policy. My comments in this public web forum are intended only for public educational purposes and are not legal advice tailored specifically for you. Instead, you should retain a lawyer in order to meet your legal needs since I will be taking no action on your case. You are welcome to contact my Racine, WI office at 262-633-3090 or email me at [email protected] for further information if you desire it.

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Answered on 10/10/11, 6:05 pm


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