On Point

OLR v. Osman A Mirza, 2023AP2369-D, 4/15/26, per curiam decision of the Wisconsin Supreme Court (in its disciplinary capacity).

In a decision that demonstrates the overlap between the criminal justice and OLR disciplinary systems, SCOW’s decision to revoke this lawyer’s license for engaging in a pattern of domestic violence triggers a 4-3 split.

State v. Elizabeth A. Erickson, 2025AP1150-CR, 4/22/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA affirmed the defendant’s conviction for disorderly conduct and the circuit court’s order denying the defendant’s motion for postconviction relief alleging her counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the State’s comments at trial that she did not tell police about a dog causing injuries to the victim.  The COA did not address whether the State’s comments violated the defendant’s right against self-incrimination, but determined any error was harmless.

State v. D.H., 2025AP2668, 4/10/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

Potentially reviving an issue many may have thought already settled, COA upholds the circuit court’s order for plea withdrawal in a case involving a deficient colloquy regarding the dispositional burden of proof in a TPR case.

State v. V.T., 2025AP1338-40, 3/23/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

In an interesting ineffectiveness appeal, COA confronts clear-cut deficient performance but declines V.T.’s invitation to depart from the Strickland prejudice standard.

Milwaukee County DHHS Aging and Disability Services v. B.C., 2024AP2521, 4/7/26, District I; case activity

Applying its recent decision published decision in Department on Aging v. J.J., COA again holds that the county’s failure to timely file the required petition and report to initiate the annual review does not deprive the circuit court of competency.

Kenneth Karwacki v. Josh Kaul, No. 25-2361, 4/2/26

In a brief opinion affirming the district court’s order dismissing the plaintiff’s claims that Wisconsin violated his constitutional rights by denying his application for a permit to carry a concealed firearm, the Seventh Circuit Court provides a primer on the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution and summarizes recent federal cases addressing Second Amendment challenges to laws prohibiting possessing firearms due to criminal convictions.

State v. Joseph A. Wheat, 2024AP2369-CR, 4/8/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

The COA held that the defendant was not entitled to have his firearm and ammunition returned to him or sold to a third party for his benefit after they were seized by police when he was charged with carrying a handgun where alcohol is sold and consumed.  Although the charge was dismissed and read in, the COA considered the defendant admitted to committing the offense when he agreed to have it dismissed and read in.

Winnebago County v. L.J.F.G., 2025AP2645-FT, 4/8/26, District II (ineligible for publication); case activity

In a rare appeal from an involuntary medication order related to a protective placement order, COA affirms despite some of the County’s missteps.

Maurice J. Holt v. Gary Boughton, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals No. 24-3346, 3/30/26

Holt was tried and convicted of armed robbery and other crimes after three men entered an apartment and took property at gunpoint. After exhausting his state appeals, Holt sought habeas relief in federal court and the district court granted his petition. The 7th circuit disagrees and reverses. 

State v. B.A.J., 2025AP1476-77, 4/2/26, District I (ineligible for publication); case activity

In a case that demonstrates the high burden that parents must satisfy to withdraw their pleas, COA affirms despite also acknowledging the “questionable” nature of this mentally ill parent’s plea.