On Point

Memorandum Decision on Recusal in: Wisconsin Judicial Commission v. David T. Prosser, Jr., 2012 WI 104 (Justice Gableman);  case activity; companion decisions: 2012 WI 103; 2012 WI 69, 2012 WI 43 ¶1   On May 8, 2012, I received a letter from Kevin P. Reak, counsel for Justice David T. Prosser, Jr., filed with the court, requesting that I recuse myself from […]

State v. Tracy A. Stokes, 2011AP2379-CR, District 1, 8/7/12 court of appeals decision (1-judge, ineligible for publication); case activity Stokes’ § 974.06 motion didn’t “set forth any reason, much a sufficient reason, for failing” to raise in his prior postconviction motion the issues presently raised, therefore the issues are procedurally barred, State v. Escalona-Naranjo, 185 Wis. 2d […]

State v. Michael Anthony Lock, 2012 WI App 99 (recommended for publication); case activity Other-Acts Evidence  Lock was tried and convicted for homicide, kidnapping and possession with intent to deliver. The State elicited testimony from numerous witnesses to the effect that Lock headed a vast criminal enterprise, of which these crimes were a part in […]

seventh circuit court of appeals decision, affirming habeas grant following remand in 539 F.3d 766 (further case history: here) Habeas Review – Evidentiary Hearing  The rule of Cullen v. Pinholster, 131 S. Ct. 1388 (2011), that 2254(d)(1) review is limited to the state-court record, doesn’t apply where the state court didn’t address a component part of the claim (here, deficient performance on […]

seventh circuit court of appeals decision Habeas Review – IAC/Suppression Claim, Generally  Under Strickland, Rann must show that his counsel’s performance was deficient and that the deficient performance prejudiced his defense. Grosshans, 424 F.3d at 590 (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687). When reviewing claims of ineffective assistance of counsel in habeas petitions, however, we […]

seventh circuit court of appeals decision Habeas Review – Miranda-Edwards  Coleman’s argument that his confession violated Edwards v. Arizona, 451 U.S. 477 (1981) (interrogation must cease immediately if suspect requests counsel) was rejected by the state court based upon a determination that he did not in fact assert his to counsel. Denial of relief is affirmed: Coleman admits but […]

seventh circuit court of appeals decision, denying habeas relief in 2008AP2735-CRNM (summary order) Habeas Review – Speedy Trial  Habeas relief denied on speedy trial challenge to 14-month delay between filing of complaint and scheduled start of trial, applying familar 4-part test of Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514 (1972). Although the first three aspects of the test work […]

on review of unpublished decision; case activity § 974.06 Motion – Serial Litigation Bar  Issue (composed by on Point)  Whether, following unsuccessful direct appeal, a motion raising a “non-constitutional” issue (propriety of DNA surcharge) operates as a “serial litigation” bar such that a subsequent § 974.06 motion alleging ineffective assistance of counsel is procedurally barred. Starks […]

State v. Mark M. Benson, 2012 WI App 101 (recommended for publication); case activity Equal Protection – Homicide of Unborn Child by Intoxicated Use of Motor Vehicle, §§ 939.75(2)(b)3, 940.09(1)(c)  Section § 939.75(2)(b)3 exempts from criminal liability any “act by a woman who is pregnant with an unborn child that results in the death of or great bodily […]

State v. Cody A. Gibson, 2012 WI App 103 (recommended for publication); case activity Restitution order to reimburse insurance company and owner for insurance deductible, in relation to losses arising from stolen auto, upheld. The company (Acuity) paid the owners $11,113 the same day the car was stolen, but the car was recovered with very […]