Van Hollen Announces Settlement of Ozaukee County Driving School Case

CEDARBURG - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that Peter Schmirler and A-Plus Driving School of Ozaukee County, have agreed to a special order prohibiting Schmirler and the school from engaging in unfair trade practices.

"I am pleased that we have been able to resolve this case in a way that will benefit parents and young drivers,"  Van Hollen said.  "We need to ensure that all competition is fair competition, and that any attempts to form a cartel are stopped."

The Attorney General's office became involved in this case after a confidential tip that Mr. Schmirler had attempted to fix prices with his rivals.  After an investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation, the case was brought as an administrative action before the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.  Once referred to the Division of Hearings and Appeals, the parties reached an agreement on a Special Order that was signed by Administrative Law Judge Jeffrey D. Boldt.

The Special Order requires Schmirler and A-Plus to refrain from unfair trade practices, including attempts to fix prices, allocate territory or threaten rivals with predatory pricing for five years. 

Assistant Attorney General Gwendolyn Cooley represented the State of Wisconsin in this matter.

A copy of the complaint is available at: