On Point

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COA affirms dismissal without prejudice where State did not comply with Interstate Agreement on Detainers.

State v. Larry J. Rush, 2024AP522, 10/6/26, District III (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA affirmed the circuit court’s order dismissing three misdemeanor charges without prejudice when the State did not comply with the Interstate Agreement on Detainers.

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In decision recommended for publication, COA holds that investigating criminal record of a passenger is part of traffic stop “mission”

State v. Erik Howard Pantle, 2025AP2003-CR, 10/14/26, District II (recommended for publication); case activity

In a decision recommended for publication, COA reiterates that a dog sniff is not a search and that police do not unreasonably prolong a traffic stop by running a record check on the passengers in the car.

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COA affirms denial of motion to suppress search of individual based on K9’s alert to driver’s car door

State v. Alan Joseph Lecher, 2026AP90-CR, 10/7/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

COA affirms circuit court’s denial of Lecher’s motion to suppress law enforcement’s discovery of alprazolam tablets after a warrantless search, concluding that probable cause existed to search Lecher’s person.

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COA holds that circuit court did not erroneously exercise discretion in refusing to reopen forfeiture case

Village of Whitefish Bay v. Ross Bolingbroke, 2025AP2547-52, 10/15/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

COA affirms the court’s ruling that Bolingbroke’s audio-only Zoom appearance merited a default judgment and determines that medical evidence provided by Bolingbroke did not justify reopening the matter after a second missed court date.

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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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