Ineffective Assistance of Counsel – Court Error

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WI Court of Appeals – District I

Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. Steven D. Hopgood

Case No.: 2014AP2742

Officials: Lundsten, Higginbotham, and Blanchard, JJ.

Focus: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel – Court Error

Steven Hopgood appeals a judgment of conviction for felony murder following a jury trial at which the State presented evidence that Hopgood and two other men participated in an armed robbery that resulted in a fatal shooting. Hopgood also appeals the circuit court’s order denying his motion for postconviction relief. Hopgood argues that: (1) his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance in multiple ways; (2) the State failed to disclose material, exculpatory evidence in time for use at trial; (3) the same material, exculpatory evidence constitutes newly discovered evidence warranting a new trial; (4) the circuit court erroneously exercised its discretion in denying two mistrial motions, each based on improper statements by a prosecutor; and (5) this court should grant Hopgood a new trial in the interest of justice. We reject each of Hopgood’s arguments and affirm.

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Attorney Derek A. Hawkins is the managing partner at Hawkins Law Offices LLC, where he heads up the firm’s startup law practice. He specializes in business formation, corporate governance, intellectual property protection, private equity and venture capital funding and mergers & acquisitions. Check out the website at www.hawkins-lawoffices.com or contact them at 262-737-8825.