553.55 Investigations and subpoenas.
(1) The division may make such public or private investigations within or outside of this state as the division deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate this chapter or any rule or order hereunder or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in the prescribing of rules and forms hereunder, and publish information concerning the violation of this chapter or any rule or order hereunder.
(2) For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the division or any officer designated by the division may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements or other documents or records which the division deems relevant or material to the inquiry. Failure to obey a subpoena or give evidence may be dealt with under s. 885.12.
(3)
(a) No person is excused from attending and testifying or from producing any document or record before the division, or in obedience to the subpoena of the division or any officer designated by the division, or in any proceeding instituted by the division, on the ground that the testimony or evidence required of the person may tend to incriminate the person or subject the person to a penalty or forfeiture. No individual may be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of his or her testimony or evidence, after claiming his or her privilege against self-incrimination, except that the individual testifying is not exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury or contempt committed in testifying.
(b) The immunity provided under par. (a) is subject to the restrictions under s. 972.085.
History: 1971 c. 241; 1981 c. 54 ss. 21, 32; 1989 a. 122; 1995 a. 27; 1997 a. 35.
Structure Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 553 - Wisconsin franchise investment law.
553.21 - Registration requirement.
553.23 - Private franchisee and subfranchisor sales exempted.
553.235 - Experienced franchisee exempt transactions.
553.24 - Exemption proceedings.
553.25 - Exemption by division.
553.26 - Registration by notification.
553.27 - General registration provisions; offering circular; consent to service of process.
553.28 - Denial, suspension or revocation of registrations.
553.31 - Amendment to registration statement.
553.41 - Fraudulent and prohibited practices.
553.51 - Civil liability; sale in violation.
553.55 - Investigations and subpoenas.
553.56 - Hearings and judicial review.
553.57 - Enforcement of criminal penalties.
553.58 - Rules, forms and orders.
553.60 - Miscellaneous powers.
553.605 - Administrative assessments; investor education.
553.74 - Open records; publication.
553.75 - Administrative files and opinions.