State v. Guy W. Colstad, 2003 WI App 25 For Colstad: T. Christopher Kelly Issue/Holding: Authority to administer a preliminary breath test requires probable cause to believe a drunk driving law has been violated. ¶23. Probable cause existed here, given the driver’s (mild) odor of intoxicants; the “suspicious circumstance” of the collision (i.e., with a child… Read more
B. Chs. 343-346: Traffic offense
State v. Richard L. Verkler, 2003 WI App 37 For Verkler: Christopher A. Mutschler Issue/Holding: ¶1. In State v. Reitter, 227 Wis. 2d 213, 217-18, 595 N.W. 2d 646 (1999), our supreme court held that law officers are under no affirmative duty to advise custodial defendants that the right to counsel does not apply to the… Read more
State v. Thomas P. Sterzinger, 2002 WI App 171 For Sterzinger: Steven P. Weiss, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue1: Whether fleeing, § 346.04(3) requires proof that the defendant knowingly “interfere(d) with or endanger(ed)” another. Holding1: Scienter is required, but is limited to a single element — knowingly flee or attempt to elude — and doesn’t extend to “interfere with… Read more
Village of Little Chute v. Todd A. Walitalo, 2002 WI App 211, PFR filed 8/1/02 For Walitalo: Ralph A. Kalal Issue/Holding: ¶11. However, the arresting officer, by reading the informing the accused form, simply stated the truth: If Walitalo refused to submit to a chemical test, his driving privileges would be revoked. This statement did not involve… Read more
State v. Donald Marshall, 2002 WI App 73, PFR filed 2/28/02 For Marshall: Richard L. Zaffiro Issue: Whether, after the OWI arrestee refused consent for a blood draw, the police could then obtain “consent” for the draw by threatening to use physical force. Holding: Marshall’s argument that § 343.305(9)(a), by providing the exclusive police option for refusal… Read more
State v. Michael J. Carlson, 2002 WI App 44, PFR filed 1/17/02 For Carlson: Christopher A. Mutschler Issue: Whether Carlson was entitled to have his refusal charge dismissed with prejudice because his driver’s license was improperly revoked for nineteen days before he was granted a hearing. Holding: Due process protections — with respect to a hearing before… Read more
State v. Darin W. Baratka, 2002 WI App 288, PFR filed 10/20/02 For Baratka: Michael C. Witt Issue/Holding: ¶12 Baratka claims that he was not properly informed of his choices and was therefore unable to understand his rights regarding chemical testing. In order for Baratka to prove he was not adequately informed, he must show: 1. Has the… Read more
State v. Roland Smart, 2002 WI App 240 For Smart: Donald T. Lang, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue: Whether sentencing-guideline disparity for driving while intoxicated under guidelines adopted by local counties pursuant to § 346.65(2m) violates equal protection or due process. Holding: Sentencing guideline disparities need be supported only by rational basis for equal protection purposes, as “(i)t is… Read more
