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On Point is a judicial analysis blog written by members of the Wisconsin State Public Defenders. It includes cases from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Wisconsin, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

COA finds officer’s reference to an “automatic” revocation did not render consent to blood draw involuntary

City of Mequon v. Scott Sarver Lindvall, 2025AP1703, 5/13/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

Although Lindvall seizes on the officer’s word choice in discussing the consequences of refusing to consent to an evidentiary blood draw, the Court ultimately finds his arguments unavailing and affirms.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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COA upholds traffic stop for suspicion of excessive window tint

State v. Ryan Alan Stenner, 2025AP503-CR, 5/7/26, District IV (ineligible for publication); case activity

COA applies general reasonable suspicion principles to reverse the circuit court’s order granting suppression for a traffic stop based on overly dark window tint. It holds that the circuit court applied the wrong standard, the officer’s testimony was sufficiently connected to his training, and the administrative code related to window tint is valid and enforceable.

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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.

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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.

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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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COA finds evidence supports TPR dispositional order and affirms

Marquette Department of Human Services v. B.L.J.2026AP400-402, 5/7/26, District IV (ineligible for publication); case activity

In yet another decision applying the deferential standard of review to a TPR dispositional order, COA rejects the appellant’s arguments which ignore that standard of review.

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On Point provides information (not legal advice) about important developments in the law. Please note that this information may not be up to date. Viewing this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Wisconsin State Public Defender. Readers should consult an attorney for their legal needs.