On Point

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SCOW affirms defense win in revocation case on deferential standard of review

State ex rel. Wis. Dep’t of Corrs., Div. of Cmty. Corrs. v. Hayes, 2023AP1140, affirming a per curiam court of appeals decision, case activity (including briefs) The Division of Hearings and Appeals decided not to revoke Sellers’s probation. DOC, on writ of certiorari to the circuit court, prevailed, and DHA appealed. On appeal, DHA and […]

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COA affirms TPR disposition, holds circuit court properly exercised discretion as to substantial relationship factor

Oneida County v. J.B., 2025AP213, 7/1/25, District III (one judge opinion, ineligible for publication); case activity J.B. (“Joseph”) appeals the disposition terminating his parental rights to his son, “Isaac,” arguing that the circuit court failed to explicitly consider whether Isaac had substantial relationships with Joseph and members of his family. COA rejects Joseph’s arguments and […]

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COA: In TPR case, trial counsel’s performance was deficient for not timely filing affidavits opposing summary judgment, but respondent not prejudiced.

Jackson County Dept. of Health & Human Services v. A.M.N., 2024AP1166, 7/10/25, District IV (ineligible for publication); case activity COA finds counsel’s performance deficient for failing to timely file affidavits opposing Jackson County’s motion for partial summary judgment regarding its petition to terminate A.M.N.’s parental rights. But A.M.N. was not prejudiced because there is no […]

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COA affirms order continuing protective placement

Washburn County v. D.C.R., 2024AP2443-FT, 7/8/25, District III (ineligible for publication); case activity While D.C.R. wins some minor victories in this appeal, ultimately COA rejects his sufficiency challenges and affirms. In this appeal from an order continuing a protective placement after an annual review, COA addresses two sufficiency challenges: Primary Need for Residential Care and […]

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Press Releases

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SPD Statement on Bill LRB-0779

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

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Gina Pruski Presented with 2024 Lifetime of Service Award

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Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office Announces 2024 Award Recipients

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