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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.
“Shiffra” Material – Preliminary Showing for In Camera Inspection
State v. Johnny L. Green, 2002 WI 68, affirming unpublished court of appeals opinion
For Green: Nicolas G. Griswold
Issue/Holding: The court modifies the threshold showing required for an in camerainspection, in favor of “a slightly higher standard,” namely a “‘reasonable likelihood’ that the records will be necessary to a determination of guilt or innocence.”¶32.
¶34. Based on the above considerations,
Guilty Pleas – Required Knowledge — Deportation
State v. Sisakhone S. Douangmala, 2002 WI 62
For Douangmala: Robert R. Flatley
Issue/Holding:
¶3 This case presents the following question: If a circuit court fails to give the deportation warning required by § 971.08(1)(c), when accepting a guilty or no-contest plea, is a defendant entitled to withdraw the plea later upon a showing that the plea is likely to result in the defendant’s deportation,
Guilty Pleas – Required Knowledge — Elements — Court Need Not Explain How State Must Prove Each Element
State v. John T. Trochinski, 2002 WI 56, affirming unpublished decision
For Trochinski: James L. Fullin, SPD, Madison Appellate
Issue: Whether the defendant met his burden of showing a prima facie case that he didn’t understand an element of the offense to which he pleaded guilty.
Holding:
¶22. Wisconsin’s courts have been relying on Bangert since it was written in 1986,
Plea Bargains – Breach: By Defendant
State v. Scott G. Zuniga, 2002 WI App 233, PFR filed 9/13/02
For Zuniga: Chad G. Kerkman
Issue/Holding: Because the defendant was warned by the judge at a bond-release hearing that if he engaged in misconduct the state would seek a longer sentence, “the parties effectively modified the plea agreement by making the State’s obligation conditional upon Zuniga’s good behavior while in the community. In proceeding under these circumstances,
Guilty Pleas – Required Knowledge — Collateral & Direct Consequences — Presumptive Minimum Penalty
State v. Paul Delao Quiroz, 2002 WI App 52
For Quiroz: Chad G. Kerkman
Issue:Whether defendant was entitled to withdraw his plea on the basis that he was unaware of the three-year presumptive minimum sentence on the weapon enhancer.
Holding:
¶25 Both the complaint and the information contained the dangerous weapon enhancer and set forth the presumptive three-year minimum penalty. Quiroz admitted that he was familiar with both the complaint and the information and was aware that the dangerous weapon enhancer applied when he pled guilty.
Witness – Impeachment — Pending Charges
State v. Jon P. Barreau, 2002 WI App 198, PFR filed 8/12/02
For Barreau: Glenn C. Reynolds
Holding: A witness’s pending criminal charges are relevant to bias, even absent promises of leniency. ¶55. In this instance, the trial court prohibited cross-examination about whether the witness was receiving benefits from the state for his testimony, but only after the witness testified outside the jury’s presence that there were none.
Character — Extrinsic Proof, § 906.08(2)
State v. Troy D. Moore, 2002 WI App 245
For Moore: Suzanne L. Hagopian, SPD, Madison Appellate
Issue/Holding: Extrinsic evidence offered by the state solely to bolster a witness’s credibility, by showing that he had provided reliable information leading to the arrests of other drug dealers, violated § 906.08(2). ¶15. (Note: the court holds open the question of whether such evidence might be admissible under § 904.04(2).
“Shiffra” Material – “Jensen” Testimony not Enough to Trigger
State v. Joseph F. Rizzo, 2002 WI 20, reversing and remanding 2001 WI App 57, 241 Wis. 2d 241, 624 N.W.2d 854
For Rizzo: Franklyn M. Gimbel
Issue: Whether the prosecution opened the door to otherwise privileged “Shiffra” evidence.
Holding:
¶51. Before trial, the circuit court found that there was nothing relevant in D.F.’s treatment records that was not also in Dr.
Qualifications — Gang Affiliation
State v. Tito J. Long, 2002 WI App 114, PFR filed 5/23/02
For Long: Ann T. Bowe
Issue/Holding: Officer’s background, including “gang training” and investigations into numerous gang-related shootings, made him qualified to testify as to gang activities in city. ¶26.
Expert Witness – Comment On Truthfulness of Another Witness
State v. Carlos R. Delgado, 2002 WI App 38
For Delgado: Richard D. Martin, Diana M. Felsmann, SPD, Milwaukee Appellate
Issue/Holding:
¶8. After reviewing these cases, we can discern some general rules: (1) an expert witness can offer opinion testimony only if it complies with Wis. Stat. § 907.02; (2) the testimony can include opinions regarding symptomatology common to child sexual assault victims; (3) the testimony can include a description of the symptoms exhibited by the victims;
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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.