MADISON, WI… A new law, authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) and Representative Brent Jacobson (Mosinee), grants greater protections to potential victims of domestic abuse and gang violence.
The bi-partisan measure passed both legislative chambers unanimously on a voice vote earlier this year, and was signed by Governor Tony Evers today as Act 44.
Under previous law, entering someone’s residence with the intent to steal was punishable with a Class F felony, carrying a maximum penalty of $25,000 and up to 12½ years in prison, with increased penalties based on circumstances. Entering the same location with the intent to commit bodily harm was generally only chargeable as a misdemeanor. As a result, district attorneys were often faced with having to pursue lesser punishments for attempted batterers than for robbers. This new law corrects the inequity by elevating the penalty for breaking into someone’s property with the intent to commit bodily harm to a Class F felony.
“Everyone deserves to be safe in their own home, and certainly the same legal penalties which are imposed against an individual for entering and threatening the physical possessions of a person should apply to a person threatening the actual physical safety of a renter or home owner,” said Jacque. “Act 44 is a common sense, bipartisan law that will grant prosecutors enhanced tools to deter future cases of domestic abuse and gang related crimes, and creates a fairer system for these more serious crimes.”
A large number of law enforcement groups throughout the state came out to support the change in law, including the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, the Badger State Sheriffs’ Association, the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association and the Wisconsin State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.
Brown County District Attorney David Lasee extended his thanks to public officials on the enactment of the law.
“I would like to thank the legislature and Governor Evers for passing and signing into law this common-sense piece of legislation, which gives law enforcement officers and prosecutors an additional tool to keep our communities safe,” said Lasee. “I’d particularly like to recognize Senator Jacque for his continued efforts to bring forth this bill, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to public safety and prioritizing the right of Wisconsinites to feel secure in their own home.”
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door, Kewaunee and Calumet Counties and portions of Brown, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
