≡ Menu

22. Sexually violent person

How to beat the “harmless error” rap

For the 2015 SPD conference, Judge Sankovitz and Attorneys Rob Henak and Melinda Swartz prepared an excellent outline on a problem that plagues many defense lawyers on appeal.  They have a great issue. They win it, but then the court of appeals or supreme court finds the error harmless.  This detailed, well-researched outline walks you… Read more

{ 0 comments }

State v. Walter Allison, Jr., 2010 WI App 103; for Allison: Ellen Henak, SPD, Milwaukee Appellate; BiC; Resp.; Reply Summary judgment in favor of discharge isn’t an available option under § 980.09. ¶18 Applying the principles governing statutory interpretation to Wis. Stat. § 980.09, it is clear that the legislature explicitly prescribed a different procedure from those… Read more

{ 0 comments }

State v. Charles W. Mark, 2008 WI App 44; on appeal following remand in State v. Mark, 2006 WI 78, 292 Wis. 2d 1, 718 N.W.2d 90 For Mark: Glenn L. Cushing, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: ¶57      In summary, while the termination from the community treatment program and the rule violation were presented as conduct… Read more

{ 0 comments }

Expert — Qualifications

State v. Larry J. Sprosty, 2001 WI App 231, PFR filed For Sprosty: Jack E. Schairer, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue: Whether the trial court erred in refusing to qualify a social worker as an expert in this Ch. 980 supervised release proceeding. Holding: Because the witness had “expertise with respect to treating sex offenders …… Read more

{ 0 comments }
RSS