Wis JI-Criminal 2176

Statutory Definition of the Crime

Possession of a dangerous weapon by a child, as defined in § 948.60(2)(a) of the

Criminal Code of Wisconsin, is committed by any child who possesses or goes armed

with a dangerous weapon.

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 possessed an object.2

“Possessed” means that the defendant knowingly had the object under (his)

(her) actual physical control.3

Deciding About Knowledge4

You cannot look into a person’s mind to find knowledge. Knowledge 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 knowledge.

2. The object was a dangerous weapon.

A ________ is a dangerous weapon.5

3. The defendant had not attained the age of 18 years6 at the time (he) (she)

allegedly possessed a dangerous weapon.

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.