On Point

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COA rejects sufficiency challenges to ch. 51 commitment and medication orders

Fond du Lac County v. K.L.W., , 2026AP87, 7/15/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

COA concludes that the county presented sufficient evidence to establish “Karrie’s” dangerousness and incompetence to refuse medication. Accordingly, it affirms both orders.

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COA rejects venue-based challenge to juvenile waiver and affirms

State  v. D.R., 2024AP2196 & 2198, 7/8/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

“Drew” appeals orders waiving juvenile court jurisdiction, arguing that the circuit court erred when it rejected his claim that the criminal venue statute prevents the court from considering waive and in applying the standard. COA rejects both claims and affirms.

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COA finds reasonable suspicion to extend traffic stop to investigate for OWI and probable cause to arrest.

Village of Grafton v. Blake S. Barnes, 2026AP160, 7/15/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA affirmed the circuit court’s order denying the defendant’s motion to suppress the fruits of his stop and arrest for speeding and operating while intoxicated where the defendant drove 48 miles per hour on a road posted for 25 miles per hour at 12:30 a.m., the officer smelled alcohol in the vehicle, the defendant exhibited glassy eyes, admitted he drank alcohol that night, and failed field sobriety tests.

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COA once again creates questions about the proper application of D.J.W. in recommitment appeals

Winnebago County v. J.S., 2025AP1865, 7/8/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

In a recommitment appeal alleging a lack of sufficient findings, COA invokes a somewhat novel legal theory to excuse an oral ruling that it agrees could have been more thorough.

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Press Releases

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Wisconsin State Public Defenders applaud Evers for establishing commutation board

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On the eve of Public Defense Day, Senate inaction leaves Wisconsin’s constitutional promise underfunded and under-resourced

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Public defenders back bill that would create new positions and decrease delays

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Wisconsin State Public Defenders and UW Law announce revamped Public Defender Project, bringing real-world experience into the classroom

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SPD recognizes outstanding attorneys and advocates at 2025 awards ceremony

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SPD Statement on Bill LRB-0779

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