On Point

View all >

COA holds blood draw results admissible under independent source doctrine

State v. Michael R. Meton, 2025AP141-CR, 8/27/25, District II (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity

Meton challenges the judgment convicting him of operating with a prohibited alcohol content, 2nd offense. He argues that the circuit court erred in denying his motion to suppress the blood result after police administered a preliminary breath test without first asking for his consent. COA agrees with the circuit court that suppression of the blood draw because police had independent grounds apart from the PBT to arrest Meton on suspicion of operating while intoxicated.

Read full article >

COA: Defendant forfeits argument for discovery violation because no objection made at trial

State v. Rebecca Lea Kamm, 2024AP1944-CR, 8/28/25, District IV (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA held that the defendant forfeited her argument that the State did not comply with Wis. Stat. § 971.23(1) by not disclosing to her counsel video evidence within a reasonable time before trial.  Although the evidence was not provided to counsel until the morning of trial, the issue was forfeited because counsel did not object to its admission.

Read full article >

COA rejects challenges to involuntary commitment and medication orders

Brown County v. M.J., 2025AP116, 8/26/25, District III (ineligible for publication); case activity

In a Chapter 51 appeal presenting familiar legal challenges, COA avoids some of the stickier legal issues on a path toward affirmance.

Read full article >

COA rejects challenge to protective order in TPR under forfeiture doctrine

State of Wisconsin v. S.L.L., 2024AP551, 8/26/25, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

S.L.L. failed to preserve an objection to a protective order as to the identity of the proposed adoptive resource, leading to a quick affirmance from COA.

Read full article >

Press Releases

View all >

SPD Statement on Bill LRB-0779

Read full release >

Tom Reed Retires from SPD After More Than 40 Years of Service

Read full release >

Gina Pruski Presented with 2024 Lifetime of Service Award

Read full release >

Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office Announces 2024 Award Recipients

Read full release >