On Point blog, page 1 of 492

COA affirms extending involuntary commitment based on history of not taking medication and suicidal ideation.

Walworth County v. D.J.F., 2025AP2522, 5/6/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA affirmed the circuit court’s order extending D.J.F.’s involuntary commitment because there was a substantial likelihood he would be a proper subject for commitment if treatment were withdrawn given his history of not taking medication for schizoaffective disorder unless court ordered.

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COA finds motorist not in Miranda custody during traffic stop

State of Wisconsin v. Kara S. Kluck2023AP952-CR, 5/7/26, District IV (ineligible for publication); case activity

Despite the presence of multiple officers, COA finds the test for custody is not satisfied by this interaction and affirms.

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Catching up on COA’s publication orders

Without further ado, here are COA’s publication orders for the last several months:

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COA rejects challenges to TPR dispositional order

Brown County Health &Human Services v. J.L., 2026AP176, 5/1/26, District III (ineligible for publication); case activity

“Julie” challenges the circuit court’s exercise of discretion at disposition as to two factors of consideration. However, the deferential standard of review applicable to dispositional decisions results in affirmance.

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COA: Community caretaking function does not justify seizing a witness to a traffic accident.

State v. William A. Anderson, 2025AP796, 4/29/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA reversed the circuit court’s order denying the defendant’s motion to suppress because law enforcement’s community caretaker function did not justify seizing a possible witness to a motorcycle accident.

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COA affirms commitment order under third standard and finds Ch. 55 exception does not apply

Washington County v. J.E.C.2025AP2798, 4/29/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

COA relies on the respondent’s frequent absconding from her group home to find dangerousness and also holds that the existing Ch. 55 order is insufficient to meet J.E.C.’s needs.

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COA concludes consent to blood draw was free and voluntary despite defendant’s aversion to needles.

Winnebago County v. Michael Jon Potratz, 2025AP1059, 4/29/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA affirmed the circuit court’s order denying the defendant’s motion to suppress the results of his blood draw based on the factors established by SCOW in Artic .

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COA holds officers had reasonable suspicion to justify Act 79 search of vehicle

State v. Shawn Clarke Spottswood, 2023AP1763-CR, 4/28/26, District III (ineligible for publication); case activity (including briefs)

Spottswood appeals the circuit court’s denial of his suppression motion after having entered a plea to receiving or concealing stolen property. On appeal, he again challenges the warrantless search of his vehicle, contending that law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion that he had committed, was committing, or was about to commit an offense sufficient to justify the search under 2013 Wis. Act 79 and WIS. STAT. § 973.09(1d).

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COA interprets deferred judgment agreement and finds State was permitted to move to revoke outside of deferral period

State of Wisconsin v. Derrick John Grignon, 2024AP1595-CR, 4/28/26, District III (recommended for publication); case activity

In a decision recommended for publication, COA applies contract law principles to a deferred judgment agreement and finds that the State properly moved to revoke the agreement following Grignon’s noncompliance with its terms.

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COA rejects multiple challenges to TPR and affirms

Monroe County Department of Human Services v. A.S., 2026AP65-66, 4/23/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

Although A.S. raises multiple challenges to this TPR, COA uniformly finds her arguments unavailing.

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