Rothschild's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Rothschild, Wisconsin, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Loud Party Ordinance

Rothschild's social host ordinance makes it unlawful to host or allow a gathering of three or more people at any residence or property, public or private, where underage possession or consumption of alcohol occurs, even if the host never supplied the alcohol. A host does not need to be present to be held responsible.

Key details: Minimum group size: 3 or more persons. Forfeiture range: $1,000 to $5,000 per violation. Host presence required: No, control is enough. Adopted: March 26, 2012. Underage threshold: Under 21 years old.

Anyone who hosts, allows, or fails to take reasonable steps to stop an underage drinking gathering on property they own or control faces a forfeiture of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation under § 357-12, plus costs of prosecution. The host need not be present at the event to be charged.

This is one of the stricter rules in Rothschild's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Public Marijuana Use

Rothschild bans possessing 25 grams or less of marijuana or THC anywhere in the Village, public or private, unless it came from a valid prescription. Violators face the Village's general forfeiture, and minors under 18 face a separate juvenile disposition under state law.

Key details: Possession threshold: 25 grams or less. Governing section: Village Code § 422-3.B. Adult first-offense fine: $10 to $100. Minor disposition: Wis. Stat. § 938.344(2e). Exception: Valid prescription only.

Possessing 25 grams or less of marijuana or THC without a valid prescription violates § 422-3.B and is subject to the § 1-2 general penalty of $10 to $100 for a first offense, $50 to $500 for a repeat offense within a year, plus costs. A violator under 18 instead faces disposition under § 938.344(2e), Wis. Stats.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Rothschild actively enforces its public marijuana use requirements.

Loitering Rules

Rothschild's ordinance bars loitering or prowling in a way that alarms a reasonable person for the safety of people or property nearby, and separately bars lingering on private property posted "No Loitering" or "Patrons Only." An officer must ask the person to identify himself and explain his presence before making an arrest under Village Code § 422-15.

Key details: Governing section: Rothschild Village Code § 422-15. First-offense fine: $10 to $100 under § 1-2. Repeat offense (1 yr): $50 to $500 under § 1-2. Posted-sign size: At least 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Covers parked vehicles: Yes, expressly included.

Violating either loitering subsection is enforced under the Village's general penalty clause, § 1-2: a first offense carries a fine of $10 to $100, and a repeat conviction of the same ordinance within one year jumps to $50 to $500, plus costs of prosecution. Nonpayment can mean up to six months in the county jail, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Rothschild is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Rothschild, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Rothschild's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.