On Point: B. Chs. 343-346: Traffic offense

State v. Traci L. Scott, 2011AP2115-CR, District 2, 3/21/12

court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Scott: Rex Anderegg; case activity

The court rejects Scott’s challenge to a prior OWI conviction, concluding that she aware of the range of punishments, dangers of self-representation, etc. General test recited:

¶2        A defendant facing an enhanced sentence based on a prior conviction may only collaterally attack that prior conviction based on the denial of the constitutional right to counsel.  

State v. Heidi L. Fleischmann, 2011AP2558-CR, District 3, 3/20/12

court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Fleischmann: Sarvan Singh; case activity

The State satisfied its burden of proving that Fleischmann operation of a motor vehicle, in a parking lot adjacent to an empty business building, was on “premises held out to the public for use of their motor vehicles,” § 346.61.

¶8        Whether a premises is held out to the public depends on the owner’s intent.  

State v. Todd M. Anderson, 2011AP1499-CR, District 2, 3/14/12

court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Anderson: pro se; case activity

Frozen Lake Winnebago is a public “premises” within § 346.61, therefore supports prosecution for operating a vehicle on the lake while intoxicated. City of Kenosha v. Phillips, 142 Wis. 2d 549, 419 N.W.2d 236 (1988), discussed and applied.

¶9        Unlike the Phillips court,

State v. Michael A. Imbruglia, 2011AP1373-CR, District 2, 2/8/12

court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Imbruglia: Rick Ramirez; case activity

In circuit court, Imbruglia successfully challenged use of a Colorado conviction as an OWI enhancer (on the ground that statute isn’t “substantially similar” to Wisconsin’s). However, after another OWI arrest the very next day, the State reasserted that same conviction to enhance the new charge.

State v. Daniel H. Hanson, 2012 WI 4, affirming 2010 WI App 146; for Hanson: Robert R. Henak, Chad Lanning; case activity

Fleeing, § 346.04(3) – Elements: “Willful or Wanton Disregard” 

Fleeing does not require “an evil or malicious state of mind” when disregarding an officer’s signal:

¶22  In Wis. Stat. § 346.04(3), “willful” modifies “disregard.”  In that context,

on review of published opinion; for Anagnos: Barry S. Cohen; case activity; prior post

Traffic Stop – Reasonable Suspicion – OWI Refusal Hearing Challenge to Arrest

Issues (composed by On Point): 

1. Whether the officer could lawfully stop Anagnos’ vehicle for failing to use a turn signal where neither traffic nor pedestrians were present, § 346.34(1)(b).

2. Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop Anagnos’

State v. James W. Warren, 2012AP1727-CR, District 2, 1/16/13

Court of appeals decision (1 judge, not eligible for publication); case activity

OWI — admissibility of opinion based on field sobriety tests

Police officer testimony that, based on his training and experience, “the field tests are a reliable indicator of whether someone is .08 or higher” and that the HGN test alone is sufficient to detect a BAC over .08,

City of Beloit v. Steven A. Herbst, Sr., 2010AP2197, District 4, 1/12/12

court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Herbst: Tracey A. Wood; case activity

Evidence held sufficient to support OWI conviction, where Herbst was found in parked car, slumped over the steering wheel with the engine running, along with evidence that the designated driver gave Herbst the keys to the vehicle so he could go to sleep. 

court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Gracia: Tracey A. Wood; case activity; petition for review granted 5/14/12

Warrantless Entry – Community Caretaker 

Entry into Gracia’s bedroom by police, who had linked him to a serious traffic accident, was justified by the community caretaker doctrine; State v. Ultsch, 2011 WI App 17, 331 Wis. 2d 242,

State v. Luke T. Nirmaier, 2011AP1355-CR, District 3, 12/28/11

court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Nirmaier: Michael M. Rajek; case activity

The odor of alcohol on Nirmaier following a traffic accident resulting in substantial bodily injury triggered the implied consent law, notwithstanding absence of probable cause to arrest at that point:

¶9        Wisconsin Stat. § 343.305(3) outlines different scenarios in which an officer may invoke the implied consent law and request a chemical test of an individual’s breath,