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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.
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Consent — Independent Appellate Review — Voluntariness
State v. Jason Phillips, 209 Wis.2d 559, 563 N.W.2d 573 (1997), reversing State v. Phillips, 209 Wis. 2d 559, 563 N.W.2d 573 For Phillips: Arthur B. Nathan Holding: Consent to search is question of constitutional (as opposed to historical) fact, and therefore subject to independent review on appeal. Defendant consented to warrantless search of bedroom: agents went to […]
Jury – Bias / Disqualification – Inaccurate / Incomplete Response During Voir Dire
State v. Carlos Delgado, 223 Wis.2d 270, 588 N.W.2d 1 (1999), reversing State v. Delgado, 215 Wis.2d 16, 572 N.W.2d 479 (Ct. App. 1997) For Delgado: Joseph E. Schubert Issue/Holding: The supreme court reverses Delgado’s child sexual assault convictions, because a juror’s misleading responses during voir dire indicate her inferred bias against Delgado. During voir dire, the juror […]
Voluntary Statements – Generally
State v. Scott Kiekhefer, 212 Wis. 2d 460, 569 N.W.2d 316 (Ct. App. 1997) For Kiekhefer: Linda Hornik Issue/Holding: In determining whether a statement (confession) was voluntary, courts must independently examine the record and apply the totality of circumstances test. See Arizona v. Fulminante, 499 U.S. 279, 286-87 (1991). “In examining all the surrounding circumstances to […]
Presentence Report – Conflict of Interest – Author Married to Defendant’s Prosecutor — Showing Actual Bias not Required – Remedy (Strike PSI) / Harm (Must Show Unfair Influence over Sentencing Process)
State v. David W. Suchocki, 208 Wis. 2d 509, 561 N.W.2d 332 (Ct. App. 1997) For Suchocki: Martha A. Askins, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: Requiring any defendant to demonstrate that the marital relationship actually influenced the writer’s impressions and recommendations would present an insurmountable hurdle to any defendant attempting to challenge a PSI. The reasons […]
Presentence Report — Role in Sentencing — In General
State v. David W. Suchocki, 208 Wis. 2d 509, 561 N.W.2d 332 (Ct. App. 1997) For Suchocki: Martha A. Askins, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: Our supreme court has acknowledged the importance of the PSI to the sentencing process. See State v. McQuay, 154 Wis.2d 116, 130-31, 452 N.W.2d 377, 383 (1990). The integrity of the sentencing […]
Presentence Report — Bias, Demonstration of — Defendant’s Homosexuality
State v. David W. Suchocki, 208 Wis. 2d 509, 561 N.W.2d 332 (Ct. App. 1997) For Suchocki: Martha A. Askins, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: Suchocki claims that his due process right to a fair sentencing hearing was violated. Accordingly, he must demonstrate both bias in the PSI writer and that the sentencing process was prejudiced […]
Presentence Report — Use / Challenge to Factual Accuracy
State v. David W. Suchocki, 208 Wis. 2d 509, 561 N.W.2d 332 (Ct. App. 1997) For Suchocki: Martha A. Askins, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: The use of a PSI is a matter within the court’s discretion. The court has discretion to order a PSI and to determine the extent to which it will rely upon […]
Consecutive Sentences — No Authority to Impose, Relative to Jail Time as Condition of Probation in Another Case — Remedy of Resentencing
State v. Daron E. Maron, 214 Wis. 2d 384, 571 N.W.2d 454 (Ct. App. 1997) For Maron: Susan E. Alesia, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding1: … We conclude that § 973.15(2), Stats., does not give the trial court authority to order that the sentence be served consecutive to jail time already being served as a condition […]
Warrants – Scope – Physical Proximity Test
State v. Delano J. O’Brien, 223 Wis.2d 303, 588 N.W.2d 8 (1999), reconsideration denied, 225 Wis.2d 247, 591 N.W.2d 846 (1999), affirming State v. O’Brien, 214 Wis.2d 327, 572 N.W.2d 870 (Ct. App. 1997) For O’Brien: Martin E. Kohler, John C. Thomure, Jr. Holding: A search warrant was obtained for O’Brien’s residence (a farmstead including a duplex), and during the […]
Exigent Circumstances – Destruction of Evidence (Drugs) – Entry of Bedroom
State v. Scott Kiekhefer, 212 Wis. 2d 460, 569 N.W.2d 316 (Ct. App. 1997) For Kiekhefer: Linda Hornik Issue/Holding: The odor of burning marijuana from within a closed bedroom did not create exigent circumstances for the police, who did have permission to be in the house, to enter the bedroom: According to Londre, they believed Kiekhefer […]
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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.