{"data":{"id":"us-wi/wis.-stat.-440.21","jurisdiction":"us-wi","citation":"Wis. Stat. § 440.21","heading":"Enforcement of laws requiring credential.","body":"(1) The department may conduct investigations, hold hearings and make findings as to whether a person has engaged in a practice or used a title without a credential required under chs. 440 to 480.\n(2) If, after holding a public hearing, the department determines that a person has engaged in a practice or used a title without a credential required under chs. 440 to 480, the department may issue a special order enjoining the person from the continuation of the practice or use of the title.\n(3) In lieu of holding a public hearing, if the department has reason to believe that a person has engaged in a practice or used a title without a credential required under chs. 440 to 480, the department may petition the circuit court for a temporary restraining order or an injunction as provided in ch. 813.\n(4)\n(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of chs. 440 to 480 relating to fines, forfeitures, or imprisonment, any person who violates a special order issued under sub. (2) may be required to forfeit not more than $10,000 for each offense. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense. The attorney general or any district attorney may commence an action in the name of the state to recover a forfeiture under this paragraph.\n(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of chs. 440 to 480 relating to fines, forfeitures, or imprisonment, any person who violates a temporary restraining order or an injunction issued by a court upon a petition under sub. (3) may be fined not less than $25 nor more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year in the county jail or both.","path":["Chs. 440-480, Regulation and Licensing","Chapter 440 Department Of Safety And Professional Services","SUBCHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS"],"source_url":"https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/440.21","current_through":"2023-24 Wisconsin Statutes updated through 2025 Wis. Act 247 (published 9-4-26)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-05T12:01:24Z","sha256":"e36152b91a41918d44bad7415918f6c6bedc19c8dd5b0e30ad78ffc3264c2910","source_id":"us-wi","stale":false,"prev":"us-wi/wis.-stat.-440.205","next":"us-wi/wis.-stat.-440.22"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}