| Author | Message | ||
     Socoken  |
WI is brutal, i have got one for 27 over, and another for 25 over, and a few smaller ones, plus numerous other violations. no license suspensions, just big fines, and mere months between tickets allowing me to keep my one or two point safety margin. i even got ticketed for driving my unregistered 68 firebird around the block after i had returned from overseas. literally, around the block, cost me 77 bucks. furthermore, i got a speeding ticket on my buell on the way to the dealership to get my speedo sensor replaced under warranty. upon explaining my lack of alternatives to riding the bike there to get it fixed, and my predicament, i got another 200 $ ticket for faulty speedometer. i personally have a stretch of my favorite road that i figure i have purchased with my numerous donations to the WI DOT. sure, WI tickets are high, but state income tax is lower than some neighbors, and our highways are MUCH better maintained. 8 more months and my insurance record will be clean, i think im going to throw a party. i just watch the truckers on the freeways. if they are doin 5 or more over, rock on, but if they are sticking closer to the limit, then be cautious Ken | ||
| Swampy  |
I had a sheriff pull me over in Wisconsin once, it was at night, I was 3 hours late, I had an AK47, AR15, a 12 gauge, and wearing a couple pistols at the time, it was in Florence where US 2 goes through Wisconsin and back into Michigan. Didn't even ask my name, just told me there are alot of deer out on the roads and let me go. If it always could be that easy. I couldn't have been happier though! | ||
| Rick_a  |
I have done the stupidest things in cars...yet despite all that madness I've only been cited for one thing...a seatbelt ticket as a passenger! The bike is a different story. | ||
| Court |
Well, I thought I had the trick in Wisconsin. I see him coming up fast...lights go on....as he strolls up, I start first...."Afternoon Officer....this is an unmarked RCU (Radar Calibration Unit), you should have shown me at about 77. Mark the unit calibrated and you can put it back in service" For the record.....doesn't work. Oh yeah....and THREE...count'em THREE times in Ohio, with a "handheld laser"....twice by the same officer. I told him "hey, handheld laser doesn't exist". He replied.."it didn't used to". He was right, but the upside was he let me sit in the car with him and play with the laser while he wrote. By the way....I skated on all THREE and that's an even funnier story. You guys....you heathens! | ||
| Bomber  |
it's easy to think of Wisconsin as a peaceful, bucolic state, populated by orderly folks of Germanic descent who sweep their sidewalks and polka happily, in which the dairy industry and the Dells are the only things worht remarking on -- WIsconsin has also given us Tail-Gunner Joe McCarthy, the center of the Impeach Earl Warren movements, and the epicenter of what's left of Hippie-dom, Madison. Like most places, it is multi-faceted almost beyond understanding, and has a real love-hate relationship with the surrounding states -- traffic enforcement is struggling to replace industry as a revenue generator -- you can romp and have big-time, high-speed fun in the Dairy State (who is apparantly thinking about taking Californis to courst over the happy cow ads<!>  , but ya gotta know the neighborhood | ||
| Outrider  |
Yep, the folks here have some real confusing management but at least they have a sense of humor. Best example I can give is the new Wisconsin Quarter Dollar. They put an image of our women and their favorite sex toy on the back. Ahhh...That would be a Cow and an Ear of Corn. Yeah, I know that is really sarcastic and not all that true, but you have to realize that the women in Wisconsin started a movement that got a dairy cow removed from our license plate a while back as they were tired of the jokes about the cow representing the female population. Considering that didn't happen all that long ago, I find it interesting that the same politicians allowed the new quarter design to represent the State. Not to mention, California is the nations largest dairy producing State and I am sure there are a number of States that produce more corn as well. Go Fish! | ||
| Littlebuggles  |
Something about corn fed women comes to mind... I got clocked in Idaho near McCammon (north on I-15) doing 105 in a 75, the cost was $109. I had actually slowed down, realizing I was going pretty fast even though the speedo only went to 85. Wow, I got off pretty good on that one. Pretty close to some jail time according to the trooper, who was not terribly unpleasant even though I was 30 mph over the ported limit. I read "A Speeder's Guide to Avoiding Tickets" not long after that. Excellent read. I have to say it gets me a bit heated hearing officers referred to as "Nazi's". Mostly they are just cops doing their jobs. You want Nazi's, come talk to the skin heads and white supremacists here in the lockup. I deal with those turds regularly and the comparison is wrong. Most officers are following their policies and orders from those that pay them (generally elected by your local tax payer, unless they neglected to vote). Generally if you do something wrong, you run the risk of getting caught. You shouldn't get upset with the one that caught you, it was your choice to begin with. -Mike P.S. Never seen a $500 dollar speeding ticket here in UT, even when it becomes a warrant it's generally only about half that amount. | ||
| Outrider |
Generally if you do something wrong, you run the risk of getting caught. You shouldn't get upset with the one that caught you, it was your choice to begin with. Mike...I could not agree with you more concerning that statement. However, without publishing a neutered thesis, (neutered not to protect the guilty, but rather to save my butt) on the subject of the Nazi's in NaziLand, just think about where you live and the people that established and run the State. Most likely it's somewhat different than in other States and Communities throughout the Country. When referring to Wisconsin as NaziLand, it has to do with it's German heritage and the fact that regardless what ethnic origin wields the power here, they still conform to the old ways which don't conform to modern society. You may experience a similar thing in your State with some differences. However, the fact remains that it is up to the powers-that-be concerning what is or is not done. Plus, within all societies you will find cells that will take it upon themselves to "improve" the system regardless what the society dictates. I make no comments about your State and I have spend quite a lot of time there for both business and recreation and have found it to be quite enjoyable. However, I am qualified to do so about both Wisconsin and Southern California where I have had a close relationship with the judicial and enforcement branches of the government in both States as well as folks on the other side of the fence. I was born and raised here, left early on for career reasons and better quality of life. The only reason I returned a few years ago was to care for my Dad. Guess what...It is still the same place, only it is more ethnically balanced which is a good thing considering how it used to be here. FYI, my record is clean and, with the exception of a few speeding tickets, I have never been arrested. I just have lots of friends, including one wife, that are/were in power positions in both States and have confided a lot of insider information in addition to all that I have witnessed. | ||
| Daves  |
I wasn't complaining about being caught. It's just the fine seems a little harsh. And, If they are going to pull me over for driving that fast then I think it's only fair for them to start pulling over the dumb SOBs that drive right at or under the speed limit in the left lane. Is that a Wisconsin thing too? | ||
| Buelliedan  |
Come to San Antonio, TX if you want to get really pissed about the slow drivers in the left lane. They even have commercials on the radio saying "if you are in the left lane and people are passing you on the right, then you are going to slow" Duh!! We need commercials to tell people that? I guess here in TX we do!! | ||
| Outrider |
If they are going to pull me over for driving that fast then I think it's only fair for them to start pulling over the dumb SOBs that drive right at or under the speed limit in the left lane. Is that a Wisconsin thing too? Don't know about Wisconsin but that is what we call a "Self-Appointed Sheriff" in So Cal and I have seen folks get tickets for blocking traffic when going below the limit in both the #1 and Car Pool Lanes. Also, failure to yield (read: keep to the right) when cruising at the limit in the fast lanes. Is sort of a "Go with the Flow" strategy out there. Only if you get a ticket, that isn't a valid defense in court and you will get traffic school if you qualify. It's the folks that are weaving in and out to get past the flow that are targeted. Quite often when the flow is a little too fast, the officer will start weaving his way though it, sans lights and siren, just to scare the hell out of anyone not paying attention. Trust me, that works wonders on slowing down the herd on a fast heat to work in the morning to more sane speeds. FYI, I learned the above in California's Traffic School. That is one of the reasons I like the concept. You pay for the ticket and the traffic school but the ticket stays at the court and not on your record. Additionally, it provides a refresher course that not only advises of the laws, many of which are new since folks received their licenses, it also saves lives buy alerting them of habits they may have fallen into. Incidentally, Wisconsin has a Traffic School but it is not used in the same way. First, it is used for newly licensed drivers (usually under 18) so they can keep their license. Second, Adults can attend it to get 3 points removed from their license. I don't know if the kids are spared the points from hitting their records, but the adults aren't which means your insurance carrier will most likely increase your rates if and when they check your record. As most insurance carriers do not check your record unless you make a claim, there is little incentive for the adults to attend traffic school and receive the benefits of it. So the next time you see some Self-Appointed Sheriff holding up traffic, think about how a refresher course would help that individual as well as the others in the immediate vicinity, not to mention attending the school might even prevent an accident or road rage incident. | ||
| Outrider |
Buellidan...I like the idea of the commercials, but would like to see traffic school in all States as well. If they did the commercials during the road rage years where we had all the freeway shootings in LA, they might have prevented a lot of incidents. At the time, I was averaging 200 miles a day in the LA area selling to the real estate developers and had to commute through some really hairy areas. Needless to say, I was illegally carrying a firearm. However, everyone relied on the news broadcasts and newspapers to report the incidents after the fact and all that did was give folks an excuse to carry a loaded weapon in their vehicles which could have landed them with a felony, big fine and jail time. Incidentally, Wisconsin's enforcement of the concealed weapons laws is one of those overworked areas. Just about everything qualifies as a concealed weapon and if found during a routine stop, you will be up the proverbial a creek. Is sort of interesting how they get around the "Probable Cause" reason for searching you, you vehicle and even your luggage. In my case, my car has always been searched when I was stopped for a traffic offense or even parked on Lover's Lane. Hell, I even had to go through the drill while parked at the local post office. Seems the police didn't like my out of state plates. Granted each time I gave them permission but it was field expedient as I didn't have the time to waste arguing the point. And you wonder why I call this NaziLand and I am German with some Swede and Norwegian tossed in to improve my outlook on life. LOL | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
Shouldn't you be giving sales classes to the crappy salesmen, not the good ones? | ||
| Outrider |
Hmmm...don't know any crappy salesmen that lived. | ||
| Doughnut  |
Please don't get me started on concealed weapons in WI. "But officer, where was I hiding a 36 inch katana, I'm in shorts and a tee shirt, on my own porch" | ||
| Outrider |
Doughnut...Since you are an aspiring police officer, what's the status of of key chain flails and kubaton's (SP?) in Wisconsin? Personally, I still like my .38 and .45 caliber pens metal pens. They have served me well throughout the country during my traveling years. | ||
| Mikej  |
There is much to subjective interpretation of intent based partly upon the cognitive skills of the attending officer and the persuasive/disuasive skills of the detainee/perp/citizen and coupled closely with events in the immediate prior hours or days both parties have had to transgress. re: .38/.45: you talking zip-guns or are you being somewhat generous in the definition of a "pen"? Remind me to show you my flashlight sometime and the "keyfob" hanging from it, if I happen to have it with me at the time. | ||
| Outrider |
re: .38/.45: you talking zip-guns or are you being somewhat generous in the definition of a "pen"? I gave up zip-guns when I was 15. Were fun to pop a cap in the woods but something you just didn't ever want to get caught with in public. Not to mention, I scared the hell out of myself when I made one that shot a 12ga shot shell. It worked, but I swore never again! The pens have perfect utility in working the pressure points as well as make a nice stabbing device if things go south on you. The reference to the caliber has to do with the size hole they make. When involved in conversation with some anit-gun advocate, you can easily scare the feces out of them by merely pulling your pen out of your pocket in a non-offensive manner and telling them "here is my X-caliber gun. Heck, you can honestly say it really gets the "point" across. Seems a lot of them are more afraid of confronting a perp up close and getting stabbed than shot at from a distance. Lots of interesting self-defense items on the market that don't attract that much attention. That is the reason, I was asking Doughnut the question. Of interest, Chicago has a law where anything you use to inflict harm on another, even in self defense, is classified as a weapon. Bricks, clubs, pens, umbrellas, canes and probably briefcases are all in this category. I well imagine that there are similar interpretations of the law elsewhere but not as well documented. | ||
| Mikej |
Question: when is it illegal to carry a credit card? Answer: when it is classified as a burglary tool based upon the holders intent to use it as such. Vermont should have more jobs available. | ||
| Aesquire  |
Don't get me started about New York. lol. It is worth the money to pay a lawyer, and get the charge down to "failure to obey a traffic device" or some such, with no points & no insurance hassle. I never noticed the $ outlay being much different. You pay, one way or another. It is well worth it, in small towns, to use a local lawyer. The Judges don't like some kid bringing in a "fancy city law-yer" and you will NOT get the same treatment. The last time I was in Court, my new (local) lawyer went in ahead of me ( small town, lawyers first, then court. ) came out with the deal, after pleading guilty to a lesser charge, while paying the clerk, the Judge & my Lawyer was swapping jazz tapes & making a date for golf. Use local talent. | ||
| Blublak  |
For what it's worth, I've seen and fired .22lr and .32 pens before and know of a .45ACP version as well..  Pen guns are a long time 'gadget' gun that some folks carry as a last resort (let's face it, they really can't be aimed and only carry a single round) .. You'd be surprised at what IS a firearm nowadays. OH and Outrider.. If you feel threatened while in Calli, just hang out with D. Fienstein.. She may not want YOU to own a gun but she's got a permit and was reported to carry at all times, even when her protective detail is with her. She was however asked to not carry in the capital (US) as the Secret Service didn't like the idea. Remember, in CA there are some really, really goofy laws regarding firearms and self defense. But then, laws very from jurisdiction to jurisdiction (if any of you remember the discussion Blake and I had about them a while back) .. But most reasonable states have reasonable laws.. then there are states like ________ (fill in the blank) .. Later,} | ||
| Mikej |
Blu, Unconfirmed rumor has it that many legislators in D.C. are sworn in as licensed U.S.Marshals allowing them full carry priviledges, but not expecting them to act as an officer. DiFi does not use the same rule book as the rest of us do. Hmmm, I wonder if Jim March still has his Buell, or if his ConcealedCarry web site and legal battle reports are still on-line and active. | ||
| Doughnut |
941.23 Carrying a concealed weapon. Any person except a peace officer who goes armed with a concealed and dangerous weapon is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. (To "go armed" does not require going anywhere. The elements for a violation of s. 941.23 are: 1) a dangerous weapon is on the defendant's person or within reach; 2) the defendant is aware of the weapon's presence ; 3) the weapon is hidden. State v. Keith, 175 w (2d) 75, 498 NW (2d) 865 (Ct. App. 1993). 939.22 Words and phrases defined. (10) "Dangerous weapon" means any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm; any electric weapon, as defined in s. 941.295 (4); or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (96 WI Statutes, sorry, could not find my newer edition. Does this help Outrider?) | ||
| Johncr250 |
Wow I think WI has very relaxed laws when it comes to firearms. In NY a handgun is considered a Deadly Weapon, not a dangerous weapon. Possession is a felony, not a misd. and if it is within your "lungable/Reachable area" will get you a year in Prison min. for 1st offense. Having quoted the law in NY, i definately feel that any law abiding citizen should have the right to own a handgun, but to carry concealed i`m not so sure is a great idea. | ||
| Outrider |
Doughut...Thanks. Is good to see the wording. If you don't mind, I have one more question. What is Wisconsin's position concerning pepper spray, mace and the like. You know the stuff that is legal in almost every State in the Union. Although some States require/required attending a class. Thanks (Message edited by Outrider on February 19, 2005) | ||
| Outrider |
Johnny...Note that the use of the word "Dangerous" is used as it covers a broad list of items including knives, batons, key chain things and other concealable items that can be considered either offensive or defensive weapons. Incidentally, the same applies to weapons of opportunity, including my .45 caliber pen. Heck, from what I can tell from the local newspapers and a few bar owners, even if you defend yourself with your hands and win,lose or draw, you lose. The reason I asked about the pepper spray is I believe that is illegal here as well. I know I can just go to the local cop shop and get some answers, but my primary purpose of asking them here on the BWB is so that those planning on attending the Homecoming aren't caught with something that is legal in their home State. | ||
| Daves |
What about knives? I carry 3 all the time. | ||
| Outrider |
Dave...Doughnut should be able to provide the State's perspective. However, interpretation and enforcement is done at the local level for their convenience. I have looked up knife laws on the internet and most appear to be intentionally written with vague terminology in order to provide the LEO's the latitude they need. From what I understand, it just depends on the circumstances at the time concerning whether or not you will be searched and what they will consider a weapon. For example, we recently had a fellow from Illinois stopped in the parking lot exiting a Jazz Club in Elm Grove. They used some probable cause excuse and searched his vehicle. They found a loaded .22 pistol in his trunk and busted him for that as well. In WI, loaded means gun and loaded magazine in the same compartment of your vehicle. Not necessarily having the loaded magazine in your weapon. Concerning knives and a lot of other self defense items, they are "always loaded" and it will have a lot to do with size, style, method of concealment and why you were carrying it in the environment where caught. A tool type knife or a camping knife should be a relatively safe carry and a basic folder can be excused as an emergency tool for a biker, but the tactical types and fixed blade hunting knives would be a little hard to explain. For some reason, I get the feeling that "Self Defense" will not be accepted as a viable excuse. All that means is your demeanor is such that you are subject to personal problems that put you in the wrong place at the wrong time or indicate a passive/active personality with a weapons fixation. I have a wide collection of tactical items I accumulated over the years for self defense purposes while traveling by air through this lovely country of ours. Little by little, they all became illegal to carry, which is when I settled for the .45 Cal Pen thing. At least I won't get busted for it until I get caught using it in self defense. Oh yeah, don't dismiss the value of your belt and your jacket. You can do wonders with both. Same goes for a sock with a few (clean) rocks in it while camping. Just a few ideas to start you thinking about self defense without the use of items that are normally considered weapons. | ||
| Doughnut |
Sorry, limited time on computer. But I can tell you that mace is a big no-no. Key chain spray I have never seen an issue with, Cop strength in the "big" cans might get you in a little trouble. Outrider is pretty on with the knife thing. I have one or two multi-tool knives I will carry as well as a approx. 3-4 inch folder I will carry. Looks bad if you carry an arsenal. I avoid fixed blades for carrying. A lot comes down to the officer, and how you behave. Have found that most police don't like katanas in public. If I didn't answer the question(s), please re-ask. Keep in mind I am not a cop, (yet), or a lawyer. | ||
| Buells Rule! (Dyna in disguise) |
In Wisconsin pretty much anything & everything is illegal. Stun guns Pepper spray Mace Black jacks Knives with over a 3" blade Knives with a flip open blade such as a switchblade of butterfly knife Brass knuckles Batons Socks with 3 cans of soda in them  Doesnt mean a lot of us dont have such items tho. I have a sweet scuba diving knife that can be strapped to either a leg or arm & is super easy to conceal under clothing. Im not sure about transporting guns & ammo though. Usually when I take my 9mm with I will have it in a case & then the 2 magazines are in another case although they are loaded. Hell I found out I wasnt even legally supposed to take my compound bow to the range unless it was in a case. I would just toss it in the back seat of my truck along with the arrows. |
