On Point blog, page 1 of 493

COA: Driver suspected of operating under the influence not entitled to alternative test to measure intoxication until arrest.

Portage County v. Adam N. Dombrowski, 2025AP204, 5/21/26, District IV (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA held that a driver suspected of operating while intoxicated was not entitled to an alternative test to measure the driver’s blood, breath, or urine until he was arrested.  The circuit court’s order denying the defendant’s motion to suppress the results of his blood test were therefore affirmed.

Read full article >

COA affirms TPR orders over sufficiency challenges

State v. M.G., 2025AP2883-2888, 5/15/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

M.G. appeals orders terminating her parental rights to her six children on the basis that the circuit court erred when it found that the state had proven by clear and convincing evidence that child protective services made reasonable efforts and she failed to assume parental responsibility for the three youngest children. COA affirms.

Read full article >

COA addresses multi-pronged attack on TPR orders and affirms

State v. J.G., III,, 2025AP469-474, 5/15/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

Although J.G. levies a number of appellate attacks, COA finds his arguments uniformly unavailing and affirms.

Read full article >

COA affirms convictions for election fraud and misconduct in public office by Milwaukee Election Commission’s deputy director.

State v. Kimberly D. Zapata, 2025AP425-CR, 5/12/26, District I (recommended for publication); case activity

The Deputy Director of the City of Milwaukee Election Commission was convicted at trial of election fraud and misconduct in public office after she had fictitious military absentee ballots sent to a state legislator to publicize the potential for election fraud with such ballots.  In a decision recommended for publication, the COA affirmed her convictions because the evidence was sufficient for the jury to find she “obtained” the ballots for purposes of election fraud and acted in her public capacity.

Read full article >

COA affirms recommitment and concludes challenge to medication order is moot

Winnebago County v. E.R.B., 2025AP2522, 5/14/26, District IV (ineligible for publication); case activity

COA affirms the circuit court’s orders extending ERB’s commitment and authorizing his involuntary medication and treatment, concluding that there was sufficient evidence to sustain the commitment order, and that the medication order is moot, as it previously expired.

Read full article >

COA reverses circuit court’s order denying transcript fee waiver

Village of Hales Corners v. Aman D. Singh, 2024AP2055 & 2024AP2056, 5/12/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA reversed the circuit court’s order denying the defendant’s request to waive the transcript fee for his appeals.

Read full article >

COA affirms order continuing protective placement

Waukesha County Department of Health & Human Services v. C.O., 2025AP2640, 5/6/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

COA affirms an order continuing “Cathy’s” protective placement based on concerns about her lack of independence and alcoholism.

Read full article >

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.

Read full article >

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.

Read full article >

Catching up on COA’s publication orders

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

Read full article >