On Point

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Defense win: COA affirms circuit court order for plea withdrawal in yet another TPR burden of proof appeal

State v. D.H., 2025AP2668, 4/10/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

Potentially reviving an issue many may have thought already settled, COA upholds the circuit court’s order for plea withdrawal in a case involving a deficient colloquy regarding the dispositional burden of proof in a TPR case.

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COA rejects attempt to apply Cronic to TPR IAC claim and affirms

State v. V.T., 2025AP1338-40, 3/23/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

In an interesting ineffectiveness appeal, COA confronts clear-cut deficient performance but declines V.T.’s invitation to depart from the Strickland prejudice standard.

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COA applies J.J., again holds failure to file petition and report doesn’t deprive circuit court of competency

Milwaukee County DHHS Aging and Disability Services v. B.C., 2024AP2521, 4/7/26, District I; case activity

Applying its recent decision published decision in Department on Aging v. J.J., COA again holds that the county’s failure to timely file the required petition and report to initiate the annual review does not deprive the circuit court of competency.

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Seventh Circuit finds Wisconsin did not violate plaintiff’s civil rights by denying permit to carry a concealed weapon after court martial conviction for a misdemeanor drug offense.

Kenneth Karwacki v. Josh Kaul, No. 25-2361, 4/2/26

In a brief opinion affirming the district court’s order dismissing the plaintiff’s claims that Wisconsin violated his constitutional rights by denying his application for a permit to carry a concealed firearm, the Seventh Circuit Court provides a primer on the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution and summarizes recent federal cases addressing Second Amendment challenges to laws prohibiting possessing firearms due to criminal convictions.

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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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