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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.
Reasonable Suspicion – Traffic Stop
State v. John E. Ahern, 2011AP898, District 2, 10/26/11
court of appeals decision(1-judge, not for publication); for Ahern: Dennis M. Melowski, Sarvan Singh; case activity
The officer had reasonable suspicion to “stop” Ahern’s vehicle for a noncriminal traffic violation, namely that the vehicle was parked in a roadway without affording other traffic sufficient room to drive around it.
¶10 At the time of the stop,
Interest-of-Justice Review: Post-Trial Revelations Undermining State’s Witnesses
State v. Kenneth M. Davis, 2011 WI App 147 (recommended for publication); for Davis: Robert R. Henak; case activity; reissuance after prior decision withdrawn
Several items of testimony, coming to light after trial, directly contradict the trial testimony of the main State’s witnesses, leading the court to conclude that the real issue in controversy – Davis’s alleged involvement in a drug-house robbery and murder of an occupant –
Sentence review – Inaccurate Information
State v. Toronee L. Kimbrough, 2010AP2676-CR, District 1, 10/25/11
court of appeals decision (not recommended for publication); for Kimbrough: Andrea Taylor Cornwall, SPD, Milwaukee Appellate; case activity
The court rejects Kimbrough’s challenge to sentence, as based on 3 instances of alleged inaccuracies:
- the sentencing court’s reliance on the co-defendant’s statements as suggestive of Kimbrough’s own failure to accept responsibility for the crime (Kimbrough doesn’t meet his burden of showing erroneous attribution to him of the co-defendant’s statements,
Sentence Modification – New Factor
State v. Altonio Laroy Chaney, 2011AP207-CR, District 1, 10/25/11
court of appeals decision (not recommended for publication); for Chaney: Angela Conrad Kachelski; case activity; prior appeal: 2008AP395-CR
Chaney’s argument that an eyewitness had recanted his version of having seen Chaney sexually assault the victim didn’t satisfy the new factor test for sentence modification: the sentencing court didn’t focus on the claim that Chaney,
Original commitment based on dangerousness under 51.20(1)(a)2.b upheld
Outagamie County v. Lorna G., 2011AP1662, District 3, 10/25/11
court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Lorna G.: Eileen A. Hirsch, SPD, Madison Appellate; case activity
Although the trial court’s reference to “potential” for harm was an “imprecise summary” of the §51.20(1)(a)2b test for commitment (“substantial probability of physical harm”), this articulation “was not a deviation from the” correct standard. Moreover, the trial court’s finding that Lorna G.
La Crosse Tribune v. Circuit Court for La Crosse County, 2010AP3120, District 4, 10/20/11
court of appeals certification; for Bryan Stanley: Kristin M. Kerschensteiner; case activity
Open Records – Sealed Court File – NGI Condition Release Plan
The appeal raises two significant issues at the intersection of Wisconsin’s Open Records Law and Mental Health Act, one procedural and one substantive. The procedural issue involves the proper mechanism to pursue an open records request for documents that have been placed under seal by the circuit court.
Postconviction Proceedings – Expiration of Deadline for Ruling; Ineffective Assistance of Counsel – Voir Dire – Juror Bias
State v. Edward Beck, 2010AP872-CR, District 4, 10/20/11
court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); pro se; case activity
Circuit court is under no obligation to seek extension of the § 809.30(2) limitation period for its ruling on a postconviction motion.
¶6 Beck reads too much into the 2001 amendment to Wis. Stat. § 809.30(2)(i). The amendment simply added language to § 809.30(2)(i) specifying the entities that may request an extension,
Probable Cause – Seat Belt Violation
State v. Steven C. Cushman, 2011AP957, District 4, 10/20/11
court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Cushman: John Smerlinksi; case activity
Probable cause to believe Cushman wasn’t wearing seat belt supported stop of his vehicle.
¶8 Wisconsin Stat. § 347.48 (2m)(gm) mandates seat belt use when operating a motor vehicle equipped with seat belts.[3] In 2009, this statute was amended to remove language that had previously prohibited a law enforcement officer from stopping a vehicle based solely on the failure to wear a seat belt.
Search & Seizure – Liability for Crime in Response to Claimed Illegal Police Action
State v. Christopher A. Anderson, 2011AP124-CR, District 2, 10/19/11
court of appeals decision (1-judge, not for publication); for Anderson: Anthony J. Jurek; case activity
¶1 In this case, Christopher A. Anderson was arrested for disorderly conduct while at a hospital. He contends that because police had no probable cause to take him from his home and bring him to the hospital, his seizure was illegal and, therefore,
Court of Appeals Publication Orders, 10/11
court of appeals publication orders, 10/19/11
On Point posts from this list:
2011 WI App 142 State v. James T. Kettner
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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.