On Point blog, page 1 of 2
SCOW accepts state’s petition on COA’s new trial grant for IAC in Len Bias case
State v. Samuel R. Osornio, 2024AP2368-CR, petition for review of a published court of appeals decision, granted 5/20/26; case activity
This is a Len Bias case in which the COA granted a new trial on the basis that Osornio showed there was at least a reasonable probability that he would not have been convicted of reckless homicide if the jury had been properly instructed from the start. SCOW will determine the burden of proof and whether COA diluted the reasonable probability standard for the prejudice prong of Osornio’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim.
SCOW to determine constitutionality of reverse waiver statute
State v. Noah Q. Mann-Tate, 2024AP2585-CR, petition for review of a published court of appeals decision, granted 5/20/26; case activity
In a blockbuster case, SCOW will determine whether Wisconsin’s treatment of children charged with serious crimes passes constitutional muster under a long of line of SCOTUS authorities establishing the unique characteristics of children.
SCOW accepts review to determine admissibility of allocution statements
State v. Daniel J. Rejholec, 2023AP2192-CR, petition for review of a published court of appeals decision, granted 5/20/26; case activity
In a case that pits the common law interpretation of a statute against what appears to be a straightforward textual interpretation, SCOW will have the opportunity to issue one of its most consequential criminal law decisions of the term.
SCOW to assess the statutory authority of DNR wardens
State v. John R. Phelan, 2024AP777-CR, petition for review of an published court of appeals decision, granted 4/22/26; case activity
In a unique statutory construction case, SCOW will determine the scope of authority allocated to DNR wardens in enforcing the criminal law.
SCOW accepts review of important CHIPS case
S.G. v. Wisconsin DCF & Waupaca County, 2024AP472, petition for review of a published decision of the court of appeals, granted 3/11/26
In a case that will impact an important procedural aspect of certain CHIPS cases, SCOW accepts review of Waupaca County’s petition seeking to reverse (something of) a defense win.
SCOW accepts original action petition to determine power of sheriffs to enforce immigration laws
Voces de la Frontera, Inc. v. Gerber, 2025AP2121, petition for original action granted 12/3/25; case activity
In yet another case involving a hot-button issue sure to garner lots of press and national attention, SCOW agrees to review under what circumstances local sheriffs may participate in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
In surprise PFR grant, SCOW indicates it will review requirements applicable to annual protective placement reviews
Racine County v. R.P.L., , 2025AP813-FT, petition for review of a unpublished decision of the court of appeals, granted 11/17/25
In a surprise grant outside the usual petition conference cycle, SCOW accepts review of a case involving the evidentiary requirements for an annual review of a protective placement issue.
SCOW accepts review in two cases focusing on the Fourth Amendment in context of internet surveillance targeting alleged child pornography
State v. Gasper, 2023AP2319, petition for review of a published decision of the court of appeals, granted 3/13/25; case activity
State v. Rauch Sharak., 2024AP469-CR, accepting review of a certification, granted 3/13/25; case activity
SCOW agrees to review another defense win with respect to involuntary medication
State v. N.K.B., 2023AP722-CR, petition for review of a published decision of the court of appeals, granted 2/12/25; case activity
In yet another involuntary med appeal arising from pretrial competency proceedings, SCOW is asked to clarify whether dangerousness alone is a sufficient basis on which to order involuntary medication.
SCOW to review requirements for involuntary medication orders pertaining to incompetent criminal defendants
State v. J.D.B., 2023AP715-CR, petition for review of a published decision of the court of appeals, granted 2/12/25; case activity
In a case that promises to have broad repercussions for how involuntary medication hearings are conducted under § 971.14(5)(am). , SCOW agrees to review a case we termed a “HUGE” defense win.