2010AP1950, 2010AP1951 County of Milwaukee v. Matel

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Motor Vehicles
OWI; personal jurisdiction

James R. Matel appeals a judgment convicting him of operating while under the influence (first) and keeping open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, contrary to Wis. Stat. §§ 346.63(1)(a) and 346.935(3) (2009-10). Matel argues that his convictions must be reversed and the claims against him must be dismissed because the trial court did not have jurisdiction over his person. Specifically, he argues that the trial court did not have personal jurisdiction because the traffic citations concerning the aforementioned offenses were issued via mail rather than personally served upon him. Because Wis. Stat. § 345.11(5) governs this issue and does not require personal service to confer jurisdiction upon a defendant, this court affirms the trial court’s judgment.

This opinion will not be published.

2010AP1950, 2010AP1951 County of Milwaukee v. Matel

Dist I, Milwaukee County, Brostrom, J., Curley, P.J.

Attorneys: For Appellant: Mishlove, Andrew, Milwaukee; For Respondent: Loebel, Karen A., Milwaukee; White, Anthony E., Milwaukee

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