Deshawn Harold Jewell v. Gary Boughton, No. 22-3082, 1/22/24 Despite an obvious constitutional violation, Jewell is still precluded from obtaining a new trial given that Wisconsin courts did not unreasonably find the error harmless. (See our post on the previous state court litigation here). During Jewell’s trial, the jury sent a factual question to the… Read more
1. Appeals
Seventh Circuit holds that Wisconsin Court of Appeals did not unreasonably apply harmless error test
City of Watertown v. Andrew D. Wiest, 2023AP992, 2/15/24, District IV (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity Although Wiest faults the City for failing to prove that he operated his motor vehicle while intoxicated, COA is satisfied there was sufficient circumstantial proof and affirms. Wiest’s legal troubles began when an officer spotted his truck… Read more
Columbia County DH&HS v. S.A.J., 2023AP1884, 2/15/24, District IV (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity In a lengthy opinion notable for its treatise-like treatment of the issues, COA rejects S.A.J.’s challenges to her TPR order. This case stems from a TPR petition filed in 2020. (¶4). Counsel was appointed to represent S.A.J. and a… Read more
State v. Kasey Ann Gomolla, 2022AP199-CR, 2/6/24, District 3 (recommended for publication); case activity Even if the court of appeals had not recommended this decision for publication, Gomolla’s case seems destined for further review. While the facts here are somewhat distinguishable from State v. Cross, 2010 WI 70, 326 Wis. 2d 492, 786 N.W.2d 64… Read more
State v. M.D.B., Jr., 2023AP620, 2/6/24, District I (1-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity The State’s efforts to revive this delinquency case on appeal fail, as they are unable to persuade COA that the circuit court erroneously exercised its discretion in dismissing the petition with prejudice for failure to comply with a statutory deadline… Read more
State v. Kevin A. Terry, 2023AP1053-CR, 1/31/24, District II (1-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity (including briefs) In yet another “broken taillight” OWI, COA holds that the officer had reasonable suspicion to seize Terry based on a relatively minor vehicle malfunction. Terry appeals the circuit court’s order denying his motion to suppress in this… Read more
Winnebago County v. D.S., 2023AP1484, 1/24/24, District II (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity In a fact-dependent appeal, COA holds that the evidence was sufficient and the trial court’s findings adequate to uphold this 51 extension order. “Dennis” challenges an order finding that he is dangerous (or would become dangerous) under the fifth standard… Read more
Winnebago County v. T.M.G., 2023AP681, 1/24/24, District II (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity Despite T.M.G.’s challenges, COA affirms this extension and related medication order applying what it believes to be well-settled precedent. “Thomas” challenges an order extending his commitment finding him dangerous under § 51.20(1)(a)2.b. (¶1). He argues that the County failed to… Read more
