2009AP2954, 2009AP2955, 2009AP2956 In re the termination of parental rights to Celso G.-J, et al.

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Criminal Procedure
Ineffective assistance

Jenny L. G.-J. appeals from orders of the circuit court terminating her parental rights to her three children. Jenny argues that she received ineffective assistance of counsel because her trial attorney failed to object to the testimony of a family therapist who testified about the therapy sessions with Jenny and one of her children. Jenny argues that the therapist’s testimony revealed privileged information and was therefore inadmissible. We hold that as a family therapist’s testimony in a TPR proceeding provides an exception to the family therapist-patient privilege, the therapist’s testimony was admissible. As Jenny did not receive ineffective assistance of counsel, the orders of the circuit court are affirmed. This opinion will not be published.

2009AP2954, 2009AP2955, 2009AP2956 In re the termination of parental rights to Celso G.-J, et al.

Dist II, Winnebago County, Key, J., Reilly, J.

Attorneys: For Appellant: Schmieder, Theresa J., Green Bay; For Respondent: Bodnar, John A., Oshkosh; Walsh, Thomas J., De Pere

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