What Happens If You Violate The Wisconsin Safer At Home Order?
Some things in life are pretty cut and dry. If you get caught speeding you will get a speeding ticket. If you are arrested for DUI you will spend the night in jail. But what happens if you violate Governor Tony Evers’ coronavirus safer-at-home order?
It’s a question many are curious about as they come to grips with the safer-at-home order being extended through May 26 along with schools being closed for the rest of the academic year. With the social effects of the order weighing heavily on people and the weather improving, it’s only natural for people to experience a bit of cabin fever as they look forward to better days.
For the most part, adherence to the order is on the honor system. People are only allowed to leave their homes to complete essential tasks such as grocery shopping and attending doctor’s appointments but do not have to seek permission to leave their homes.
Law enforcement officials do not want the order to become a law enforcement issue. They have largely been relying on people to voluntarily comply with the order for the good of the public. They do have sticks at their disposal in the event the carrot of public health isn’t enticing enough to keep people in compliance.
As reported by WPR, a state health officer said “If we have a person who is flagrantly ignoring that request, we would look at our other legal options.”
There are strict consequences possible for violating quarantine orders; a law on the books could result in punishment of up to nine months in jail and a fine as high as $10,000 for violating a quarantine order.
Your best bet for staying on the right side of the law is to adhere to the terms of the order and keep your activities limited to the essentials. This too shall pass.
