Candidate Running for Common Council Faces Stalking Allegations

 Posted on February 17, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A candidate who is currently running for Milwaukee Common Council has a history of allegations by women in three states. The candidate is running on a platform of public safety despite facing multiple accusations of stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence from eight women in three different states.

The candidate also has a significant history of traffic violations and is one of eight candidates for the seat left vacant in November by the death of an Alderman. The candidate has consistently maintained his innocence, attributing the allegations to "flaws in the criminal justice system," along with "the type of people" he is drawn to.

Stalking charges are very serious and can have harsh penalties and repercussions. If you are facing stalking charges, speaking to an experienced New Berline, WI criminal defense attorney is definitely in your best interests.

What Is Stalking in Wisconsin?

Stalking in the state of Wisconsin is much more serious than harassment. To be charged with stalking, a person must have engaged in two or more of the following acts on separate occasions:

• Showing up at the victim’s home  
•  Staying in close physical proximity to the victim  
• Constantly watching the victim from a distance
• Approaching the victim or confronting him or her
• Entering the victim’s property
•  Contacting the victim’s co-workers or employer
• Showing up at the victim’s work
• Electronically monitoring the victim’s activities
• Photographing or videotaping the victim’s activities
• Sending gifts to the victim
• Calling the victim
• Contacting the neighbors, friends, or family members of the victim

For a conviction of stalking, the prosecutor must show that the defendant committed at least two of these actions on separate occasions and that the victim felt harassed, intimidated, or threatened by the behaviors or feared bodily injury or death at the hands of the defendant.

What Are the Penalties for Stalking in Wisconsin?

Stalking is usually a Class I felony, although, in some circumstances, the charges and resulting penalties can be increased to a Class H felony or a Class F felony. A Class I felony conviction can result in up to $10,000 in fines and up to three and a half years in prison. A Class H felony conviction can result in up to six years in prison and a fine as large as $10,000. A Class F felony conviction can result in fines as large as $25,000 and up to 12 ½ years in prison.

Stalking can be bumped from a Class I felony to a Class H felony if the defendant has previously been convicted of a crime against the victim, previously caused harm to the victim, committed identity theft against the victim, or if the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the stalking incidents.

A Class H felony can be increased to a Class F felony if a dangerous weapon was used or if the defendant has a prior conviction for domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, certain violent crimes, or certain criminal harassment crimes. A class H stalking felony can also be increased to a Class F felony if the offense resulted in bodily harm to the victim, the victim’s family, or a household member of the victim.   

Are There Valid Defenses to Stalking Charges?

Every criminal defense and every defendant is unique in some way, which means a criminal defense attorney will base the specific defense on the characteristics, evidence, and facts of the case. Some common defenses to stalking include:

• The alleged victim lacks credibility.
• The prosecution cannot prove the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Witness misidentification occurred.
• The police made procedural errors.
• The defendant’s constitutional rights were violated.

Contact a Waukesha County, WI Defense Lawyer

If you are facing stalking charges, it is extremely important that you speak to a knowledgeable Waukesha, WI stalking attorney from Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP. We will aggressively defend your charges while protecting your rights and your future. We are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Call 262-232-6699 to schedule your free consultation.