By: Derek Hawkins//June 1, 2017//
WI Court of Appeals – District IV
Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. Ross R. Thill
Case No.: 2015P2629-CR
Officials: Kloppenburg, P.J., Lundsten and Sherman, JJ.
Focus: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Ross Thill appeals a judgment of conviction entered after a jury found him guilty of one count of sexual contact with a child, and the circuit court’s order denying his motion for postconviction relief. Thill argues that his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance for failing to: (1) ask follow-up questions of a potential juror who stated that she knew a person with the same name as a defense witness; and (2) object to the prosecutor’s questions and comments about Thill’s right to remain silent. Thill also argues that the circuit court erred by allowing the victim to testify via closed circuit television without making the requisite findings, in violation of his right to confrontation. Finally, Thill argues that he is entitled to a new trial in the interest of justice. As we explain, we reject Thill’s arguments and, therefore, affirm