Search and Seizure
Stop and detention; reasonable suspicion

Rufus Ronnie Bell appeals from a judgment of conviction for possession of narcotics, and from an order denying his motion for postconviction relief. Bell, who pled guilty after his motion to suppress narcotics seized from his person was denied, argues the narcotics should have been suppressed as fruit of an illegal stop. In the alternative, Bell argues he is entitled to relief because he was given ineffective assistance of counsel at the suppression hearing. We conclude that the drugs should have been suppressed and, therefore, reverse the conviction and remand for further proceedings. Because the suppression issue is dispositive, we do not address Bell's ineffective assistance claim. Not recommended for publication in the official reports.

2007AP2023-CR State v. Bell

Dist I, Milwaukee County, Moroney, Donald, JJ., Kessler, J.

Attorneys: For Appellant: Perri, Jeremy C., Milwaukee; For Respondent: Loebel, Karen A., Milwaukee; Sanders, Michael C., Madison

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