Q. How Can I Speak With A Lawyer For Free?

A. In celebration of National Law Day, the Milwaukee Bar Association (MBA) will be providing FREE legal information clinics Saturday, May 4, 2013, from 1:0 0 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The free legal information clinics will be held at four metro Milwaukee locations: - South Side – Bay View Library 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Milwaukee, WI - Downtown – Central Library 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI - North Side – Center Street Library 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Milwaukee, WI - West Side – Atkinson Library 1960 West Atkinson Avenue Milwaukee, WI Each location’s “legal team” will be made up of members of the MBA as well as other volunteer lawyers from the Milwaukee area. The attorneys will be available to answer general legal questions, provide insight into the practice of law, and answer general questions on the judicial branch of our local, state and federal government. For situations requiring further assistance, the attorneys will be giving out appropriate resource referrals.

Q. How long should I keep a copy of my return and other tax documents?

A. A general rule is to keep your return for three years after filing. However, depending on your circumstances the IRS expects you to keep your return (and related records) for up to seven years. That said, if the IRS believes you have filed a fraudulent return, there is no limit to how many years back they may audit you. So, unless you need the space, I recommend you keep your return and supporting documentation for as long as possible. Joseph Cohen is the attorney at Cohen Counsel LLC. Cohen Counsel offers business, divorce, estate planning, real estate and other legal services to clients throughout the Metro Milwaukee area from its office at 2829 N Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53212 (just South of the intersection of MLK and Locust). www.findmilwaukeelawyers.org

Q. Should I get help preparing my return?

A. The tax code is so complicated most tax professionals look things up from time to time. Even if your return is simple (one income source, no significant deductions, etc.) you should consult a tax professional before filing your return. Many tax preparation companies offer free preparation of simple federal returns (Form 1040EZ). However, they typically charge an additional fee to complete your state return, so be sure to shop around! That said, price should not be your only consideration. Be sure to consult with a tax professional you trust, who has experience helping clients in your situation. www.findmilwaukeelawyers.org Atty. Joseph Cohen Cohen Counsel LLC 250 E Wisconsin Ave 18th Fl Milwaukee, WI 53202-4232 Phone: (414) 409-7129 Email:joseph.cohen@cohencounsel.com

Q. Should I file a tax return this year?

A.Generally speaking, you should file an income tax return, even if you have low or no income. There are several reasons why: • You may qualify for tax credits based on your income, age, and other factors. • You may qualify to have money withheld from your paycheck returned to you. • Many income-based loan and grant programs require you to prove your income using your prior year tax return. • You can’t get a tax refund without a tax return! When you file a tax return, the worst that can happen is you pay the taxes you owe and stay in compliance with the law. The best case scenario is a check from Uncle Sam. www.findmilwaukeelawyers.org Atty. Joseph Cohen Cohen Counsel LLC 250 E Wisconsin Ave 18th Fl Milwaukee, WI 53202-4232 Phone: (414) 409-7129 Email: joseph.cohen@cohencounsel.com

Q. What’s new in taxes in 2013?

A. It’s hard to capture every change made to the federal income tax laws in the last year. The following are some of the major changes. They shouldn’t affect your tax return, but they may already be affecting your paycheck. • Your take home pay may have decreased this year. Congress let a 2% social security tax break expire. Employees are once again contributing the full 6.2%. • The wage ceiling on the social security tax has been increased to $113,700. • An additional 0.9% is being withheld for Medicare on earnings over $200,000. • Additional deduction restrictions and increases have been put in place for individuals earning over $250,000. Atty. Joseph Cohen Cohen Counsel LLC 250 E Wisconsin Ave 18th Fl Milwaukee, WI 53202-4232 Phone: (414) 409-7129 Email: joseph.cohen@cohencounsel.com

Q. What should I do if the police pressure me to make a confession?

A. Ask to see a lawyer immediately. Many times, the police will attempt to coerce a confession or get your cooperation by telling you about the penalties you are facing or what it will be like in prison. It is also a common police practice to exaggerate or even lie about the strength of their case against you. Do not be deceived. Atty. John A. Birdsall Birdsall Law Offices SC 135 W Wells St Ste 214 Milwaukee, WI 53203-1807 www.findmilwaukeelawyers.org

Q. Can the police search my cell phone?

A. If you are placed under arrest, do the police have the legal authority to search your cell phone? The answer is that the cell phone is considered as container within the law and if it is on your person or within your reach they can legally look into your email, texts and your contact list to investigate for criminal activity. A more complicated question is: If the phone is password protected, do they have the authority to try and crack the code or compel you to give them the code? The answer to the first question is: Yes, they can make some limited attempt to crack the code but that cannot go on for hours or days. The answer to the second question is: They have no ability to compel you to give them the code. They will try to make you think that you have a duty to give them the code because you are under arrest. Under the Fifth Amendment you have the absolute right to remain silent which includes giving up the code. If you give it to them you are going to waive any chance you have to attack the search in court and suppress any of that evidence. Don’t do it.