CHAPTER 974
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — APPEALS, NEW TRIALS AND WRITS OF ERROR
974.01 Misdemeanor appeals.
974.02 Appeals and postconviction relief in criminal cases.
974.06 Postconviction procedure.
974.07 Motion for postconviction deoxyribonucleic acid testing of certain evidence.
Ch. 974 Cross-reference
Cross-reference: See definitions in s.
967.02.
974.01
974.01
Misdemeanor appeals. 974.01(1)(1) Appeals in misdemeanor cases are to the court of appeals.
974.01(2)
(2) In lieu of a transcript on appeal, the oral proceedings may be presented in an agreed statement signed by all the parties to the appeal. This shall be a condensed statement in narrative form of all of the portions of the oral proceedings as are necessary to determination of the question on appeal.
974.01 History
History: 1971 c. 298; Sup. Ct. Order,
67 Wis. 2d 585, 784 (1975);
1977 c. 187.
974.02
974.02
Appeals and postconviction relief in criminal cases. 974.02(1)(1) A motion for postconviction relief other than under
s. 974.06 or
974.07 (2) by the defendant in a criminal case shall be made in the time and manner provided in
s. 809.30. An appeal by the defendant in a criminal case from a judgment of conviction or from an order denying a postconviction motion or from both shall be taken in the time and manner provided in
ss. 808.04 (3) and
809.30. An appeal of an order or judgment on habeas corpus remanding to custody a prisoner committed for trial under
s. 970.03 shall be taken under
ss. 808.03 (2) and
809.50, with notice to the attorney general and the district attorney and opportunity for them to be heard.
974.02(2)
(2) An appellant is not required to file a postconviction motion in the trial court prior to an appeal if the grounds are sufficiency of the evidence or issues previously raised.
974.02 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1983: Sub. (1) is amended to repeal provisions relating to appeals under ch. 48, 51 or 55 cases. Those provisions have been relocated in their respective chapters for ease of reference. The subsection is also amended to clearly establish the time for bringing a postconviction motion other than under s. 974.06 and the manner for proceeding and the appeal times from a judgment of conviction, order denying a postconviction motion or both. Reference in sub. (1) to s. 809.30 is changed to s. 809.50 because the latter statute prescribes appropriate procedures for discretionary appeals while the former does not. [Bill 151-S]
974.02 Annotation
Recantation by an accomplice who had testified for the state, stating that his testimony had been perjurious, did not constitute grounds for a new trial when it was uncorroborated by any other newly discovered evidence, and especially had no legal significance in light of positive identification of the defendant by the victim, as well as another eyewitness. Nicholas v. State,
49 Wis. 2d 683,
183 N.W.2d 11 (1971).
974.02 Annotation
A motion for a new trial is a motion for the retrial of issues and is not an appropriate remedy for one convicted on a guilty plea. However, the motion may be considered a motion for leave to withdraw a plea of guilty and for a trial. The trial court has inherent power to hear the motion. State v. Stuart,
50 Wis. 2d 66,
183 N.W.2d 155 (1971).
974.02 Annotation
Acceptance of the guilty plea could not be validated by the argument that the defendant's acts were within the proscriptions of the charged statute or that the defendant did in fact understand the charge, for the court has a duty to fulfill the Ernst requirements on the record. Such knowledge cannot be imputed to the defendant from defendant's other statements or by recourse to the preliminary transcript when the defendant never testified as to his knowledge of the charge or his understanding of the crime. McAllister v. State,
54 Wis. 2d 224,
194 N.W.2d 639.
974.02 Annotation
A motion for a new trial on newly discovered evidence was properly not granted when the evidence consisted of the affidavits of 2 girls, one of which said that the crime was committed by someone else in their presence, and the other stated that both girls were frequently intoxicated and that the affiant had no recollection of the alleged facts. Swonger v. State,
54 Wis. 2d 468,
195 N.W.2d 598 (1972).
974.02 Annotation
A motion for a new trial is directed to the discretion of the trial court and an order granting the motion will be affirmed unless there is an abuse of discretion. If the court has proceeded on an erroneous view of the law, that amounts to an abuse of discretion. State v. Mills,
62 Wis. 2d 186,
214 N.W.2d 456 (1974).
974.02 Annotation
A claim of a constitutional right is waived unless timely raised in the trial court. Maclin v. State,
92 Wis. 2d 323,
284 N.W.2d 661 (1979).
974.02 Annotation
A prerequisite to a claim on appeal of ineffective trial representation is preservation of trial counsel's testimony at a postconviction hearing in which the representation is challenged. State v. Machner,
92 Wis. 2d 797,
285 N.W.2d 905 (Ct. App. 1979).
974.02 Annotation
A defendant's escape during the pendency of postconviction motions constituted a forfeiture of the relief sought, and dismissal of the motion with prejudice was appropriate. State v. Braun,
185 Wis. 2d 153,
516 N.W.2d 740 (1994). But see also Braun v. Powell,
77 F. Supp. 2d 973 (1999).
974.02 Annotation
When new evidence is a recantation by a witness, the recantation must be sufficiently corroborated by other newly discovered evidence. State v. Terrance J.W.
202 Wis. 2d 496,
550 N.W.2d 445 (Ct. App. 1996),
95-3511.
974.02 Annotation
The requirement of corroboration of a recantation as the basis of a post-sentencing motion to withdraw a guilty plea by other newly-found evidence is met if there is a feasible motive for the initial false statement when the motive was previously unknown and there are circumstantial guarantees of the trustworthiness of the recantation. State v. McCallum,
208 Wis. 2d 463,
561 N.W.2d 707 (1997),
95-1518.
974.02 Annotation
If a court decision entered after the appellant's conviction constitutes a new rule of substantive law, the appellant has not waived the right to seek postconviction relief based on the newly announced rule. State v. Howard,
211 Wis. 2d 269,
564 N.W.2d 753 (1997),
95-0770.
974.02 Annotation
A motion for a new trial based on new evidence that after sentencing a codefendant claimed full responsibility for a murder, recanting her trial testimony that neither codefendant was involved, required corroboration of the newly discovered evidence and a finding that there was a reasonable probability that a jury considering the original trial testimony and later statements would have a reasonable doubt about the defendants' guilt. State v. Mayo,
217 Wis. 2d 217,
579 N.W.2d 768 (Ct. App. 1998),
96-3656.
974.02 Annotation
Plea withdrawal motions made prior to sentencing impose a lesser burden on the defendant than those made after. A motion based on new evidence requires showing by a preponderance of the evidence that: 1) the evidence was discovered after entry of the plea; 2) the defendant was not negligent in seeking the evidence; 3) the evidence is material to an issue in the case; and 4) the evidence is not merely cumulative. If the evidence is a witness recantation, the court must in addition determine that the recantation has reasonable indicia of reliability. State v. Kivioja,
225 Wis. 2d 271,
592 N.W.2d 220 (1999),
97-2932.
974.02 Annotation
Newly discovered evidence does not include the new appreciation of the importance of evidence previously known but not used. A new expert opinion, based on facts available to the trial experts, falls within evidence that was previously known but not used. State v. Fosnow, 2001 WI App 2,
240 Wis. 2d 699,
624 N.W.2d 883,
00-0122.
974.02 Annotation
A defendant must show by a preponderance of the evidence that there is a fair and just reason for allowing the withdrawal of a plea. An assertion of innocence is important but not dispositive. State v. Leitner, 2001 WI App 172,
247 Wis. 2d 195,
633 N.W.2d 207,
00-1718. Affirmed on other grounds, 2002 WI 77,
253 Wis. 2d 449,
646 N.W.2d 341,
00-1718.
974.02 Annotation
A challenge to the sufficiency of evidence is different from other types of challenges not previously raised during trial, which justifies allowing a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence to be raised on appeal as a matter of right despite the fact that the challenge was not raised in the circuit court. State v. Hayes, 2004 WI 80,
273 Wis. 2d 1,
681 N.W.2d 203,
02-1542.
974.02 Annotation
For a new trial based on newly discovered evidence, the defendant must prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that: 1) the evidence was discovered after conviction; 2) the defendant was not negligent in seeking evidence; 3) the evidence is material to an issue in the case; and 4) the evidence is not merely cumulative. If the defendant meets this burden, the circuit court must determine whether a reasonable probability exists that a different result would be reached in a trial. State v. Armstrong, 2005 WI 119,
283 Wis. 2d 639,
700 N.W.2d 98,
01-2789.
974.02 Annotation
After determining that both parties presented credible evidence in a motion for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence, it is not the court's role to weigh the evidence. Instead, once the circuit court finds that newly discovered evidence is credible, it is required to determine whether there is a reasonable probability that a jury, hearing all evidence, would have a reasonable doubt as to the defendant's guilt. This question is not answered by a determination that the state's evidence is stronger. State v. Edmunds, 2008 WI App 33,
308 Wis. 2d 374,
746 N.W.2d 590,
07-0933.
974.02 Annotation
Wisconsin affords a convicted person the right to postconviction counsel. It would be absurd to suggest that a person has a right to counsel at trial and on appeal, but no right to counsel at a postconviction proceeding in the circuit court, which is often the precursor to an appeal. However, a defendant does not have the right to be represented by: 1) an attorney he or she cannot afford; 2) an attorney who is not willing to represent the defendant; 3) an attorney with a conflict of interest; or 4) an advocate who is not a member of the bar. State v. Peterson, 2008 WI App 140,
314 Wis. 2d 192,
757 N.W.2d 834,
07-1867.
974.02 Annotation
By moving for a new trial, defendant does not waive the right to acquittal based on insufficiency of the evidence. Burks v. United States,
437 U.S. 1 (1978).
974.02 Annotation
When postconviction counsel failed to assert a claim of ineffective assistance of trial counsel in a postconviction motion under s. 974.02, the defendant's opportunity to argue that claim on direct appeal was foreclosed. The appropriate forum for asserting ineffective assistance of postconviction counsel for failure to raise ineffective assistance of trial counsel was in a collateral motion under s. 974.06. Page v. Frank,
343 F.3d 901 (2003).
974.02 Annotation
Failure to petition state supreme court for review precluded federal habeas corpus relief. Carter v. Gagnon,
495 F. Supp. 878 (1980).
974.02 Annotation
Postconviction remedies in the 1970's. Eisenberg, 56 MLR 69.
974.02 Annotation
Confusion in the court — Wisconsin's harmless error rule in criminal appeals. 63 MLR 641 (1980).
974.02 Annotation
The duties of trial counsel after conviction. Eisenberg, 1975 WBB No. 2.
974.05(1)(1) Within the time period specified by
s. 808.04 (4) and in the manner provided for civil appeals under
chs. 808 and
809, an appeal may be taken by the state from any:
974.05(1)(a)
(a) Final order or judgment adverse to the state, whether following a trial or a plea of guilty or no contest, if the appeal would not be prohibited by constitutional protections against double jeopardy.
974.05(1)(c)
(c) Judgment and sentence or order of probation not authorized by law.
974.05(1)(d)
(d) Order or judgment the substantive effect of which results in:
974.05(2)
(2) If the defendant appeals or prosecutes a writ of error, the state may move to review rulings of which it complains, as provided by
s. 809.10 (2) (b).
974.05(3)
(3) Permission of the trial court is not required for the state to appeal, but the district attorney shall serve notice of such appeal or of the procurement of a writ of error upon the defendant or the defendant's attorney.
974.05 Annotation
If the state appeals from an order suppressing evidence, the defendant can ask for a review of another part of the order, although he or she could not appeal directly. State v. Beals,
52 Wis. 2d 599,
191 N.W.2d 221 (1971).
974.05 Annotation
That the state can appeal from an order suppressing evidence, but the defendant cannot, does not show a denial of equal protection of the law. State v. Withers,
61 Wis. 2d 37,
211 N.W.2d 456 (1973).
974.05 Annotation
The granting of a motion to withdraw a guilty plea is a final order appealable by the state. State v. Bagnall,
61 Wis. 2d 297,
212 N.W.2d 122 (1973).
974.05 Annotation
The trial court's setting aside of a jury finding of guilt and its dismissal of the information, was not appealable by the state because it was a final judgment adverse to the state made after jeopardy had attached, and jeopardy was not waived; hence the judgment was not within those situations from which a state appeal is authorized by this section. State v. Detco, Inc.
66 Wis. 2d 95,
223 N.W.2d 859 (1974).
974.05 Annotation
The trial court's order specifying conditions of incarceration was neither a judgment nor a sentence under sub. (1) (c). State v. Gibbons,
71 Wis. 2d 94,
237 N.W.2d 33 (1976).
974.05 Annotation
Under s. 808.03 (2), both the prosecution and defense may seek permissive appeals of nonfinal orders. State v. Rabe,
96 Wis. 2d 48,
291 N.W.2d 809 (1980).
974.05 Annotation
Sub. (1) (d) 2. authorizes the state to appeal an order suppressing a defendant's oral statements. State v. Mendoza,
96 Wis. 2d 106,
291 N.W.2d 478 (1980).
974.05 Annotation
Sub. (2) does not confine the right of cross-appeal to final judgments or orders. State v. Alles,
106 Wis. 2d 368,
316 N.W.2d 378 (1982).
974.05 Annotation
The state may appeal as a matter of right any pretrial order barring admission of evidence that might "normally" determine the success of the prosecution's case. State v. Eichman,
155 Wis. 2d 552,
456 N.W.2d 143 (1990).
974.05 Annotation
This section does not prohibit the trial court from hearing a motion by the state to reconsider an order granting postconviction relief. A trial court has inherent power to vacate or modify an order pursuant to s. 807.03. State v. Brockett, 2002 WI App 115,
254 Wis. 2d 817,
647 N.W.2d 357,
01-1295.
974.05 Annotation
A ruling that reduced a charge form OWI 3rd offense to second offense was not appealable as a matter of right. Unlike a collateral challenge that would reduce an OWI charge from a 4th or greater offense to a 3rd or lesser offense, the reduced number of prior convictions at issue in this case would not change the applicable prohibited alcohol level. The circuit court's ruling would not require the state to present any different evidence at trial regarding the defendant's actual level of intoxication that would prevent the successful prosecution of the current charge. State v. Knapp, 2007 WI App 273,
306 Wis. 2d 843,
743 N.W.2d 481,
07-1582.
974.06
974.06
Postconviction procedure. 974.06(1)
(1) After the time for appeal or postconviction remedy provided in
s. 974.02 has expired, a prisoner in custody under sentence of a court or a person convicted and placed with a volunteers in probation program under
s. 973.11 claiming the right to be released upon the ground that the sentence was imposed in violation of the U.S. constitution or the constitution or laws of this state, that the court was without jurisdiction to impose such sentence, or that the sentence was in excess of the maximum authorized by law or is otherwise subject to collateral attack, may move the court which imposed the sentence to vacate, set aside or correct the sentence.
974.06(2)
(2) A motion for such relief is a part of the original criminal action, is not a separate proceeding and may be made at any time. The supreme court may prescribe the form of the motion.
974.06(3)
(3) Unless the motion and the files and records of the action conclusively show that the person is entitled to no relief, the court shall:
974.06(3)(a)
(a) Cause a copy of the notice to be served upon the district attorney who shall file a written response within the time prescribed by the court.
974.06(3)(b)
(b) If it appears that counsel is necessary and if the defendant claims or appears to be indigent, refer the person to the state public defender for an indigency determination and appointment of counsel under
ch. 977.
974.06(3)(d)
(d) Determine the issues and make findings of fact and conclusions of law. If the court finds that the judgment was rendered without jurisdiction, or that the sentence imposed was not authorized by law or is otherwise open to collateral attack, or that there has been such a denial or infringement of the constitutional rights of the person as to render the judgment vulnerable to collateral attack, the court shall vacate and set the judgment aside and shall discharge the person or resentence him or her or grant a new trial or correct the sentence as may appear appropriate.
