WI · jury_instructions
Wis JI-Criminal 1317
Interfering with a Fire Alarm System - § 941.12(1)
Statutory Definition of the Crime
Interfering with a fire alarm system, as defined in § 941.12(1) of the Criminal Code of
Wisconsin, is committed by one who intentionally interferes with the proper functioning
of a fire alarm system.
State’s Burden of Proof
Before you may find the defendant guilty of this offense, the State must prove by
evidence which satisfies you beyond a reasonable doubt that the following three elements
were present.
Elements of the Crime That the State Must Prove
1. The defendant interfered with the proper functioning of a fire alarm system.
2. The defendant intentionally interfered with the proper functioning of a fire
alarm system.
“Intentionally” requires that the defendant acted with the mental purpose1 to
interfere with the proper functioning of a fire alarm system.
3. The defendant knew that the system was a fire alarm and that (his) (her) actions
interfered with the proper functioning of the system.2
Deciding About Intent
You cannot look into a person’s mind to find intent. Intent must be found, if found at
all, from the defendant’s acts, words, and statements, if any, and from all the facts and
circumstances in this case bearing upon intent.
Jury’s Decision
If you are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that all three elements of this offense
have been proved, you should find the defendant guilty.
If you are not so satisfied, you must find the defendant not guilty.
History
Wis JI-Criminal 1317 (12/2024). Release No. 66. Wisconsin Court System, 12/2024. Prepared by the Wisconsin Criminal Jury Instructions Committee of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference with the University of Wisconsin Law School; posted by the Wisconsin State Law Library with the University's permission.
Provenance
- Source
- wilawlibrary.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-24
- Edition
- 2026-09-24
- Content hash
b71b9a669214927ae697b8f0f111a7c5d88090cdb7f220b19b87a01198bc47ec
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