3. Civil Commitments

Manitowoc County HSD v. B.M.T., 2022AP2079 & 2023AP904, 2/21/24, District 2 (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity In this consolidated appeal from successive orders extending B.M.T.’s civil commitment, the court of appeals rejects B.M.T.’s claim that the circuit court lacked competency to enter the 2022 order, but agrees that the circuit court failed to… Read more

Winnebago County v. J.D.J., 2023AP1085, 2/21/24, District II (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity In yet another opinion which stresses the need for County-petitioners to take more care at extension hearings, COA reverses for failure to make an adequate record below. As the COA decision makes clear–in a series of footnotes, asides, and out-and-out… Read more

Douglas County v. K.A.D., 2023AP1072, 2/13/24, District 3 (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); petition for review granted 6/17/24 case activity K.A.D. (“Kyle”) challenged the order authorizing his involuntary medication and treatment on two grounds:  (1) that the county failed to establish that he was provided the required explanation regarding the recommended medication and treatment and (2)… 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

Douglas County v. M.L, 2022AP141, 12/28/23, District III (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity Faced with a challenge to the circuit court’s competency in this protective placement appeal, COA holds that the appellant has forfeited his challenge and therefore affirms. “Mason” appeals an order continuing his protective placement following a due process review hearing… Read more

Ozaukee County D.H.S. v. M.A.G., 2023AP681, 11/29/23, District II (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity M.A.G. challenged the extension of her Chapter 51 commitment and the order finding her incompetent to refuse medication. The court of appeals affirms both orders after concluding that the county presented sufficient evidence of dangerousness under the the third… Read more