Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Listen to this article

WI Court of Appeals – District III  

Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. Steven Martinez

Case No.: 2016AP1773-CR

Officials: Stark, P.J., Hruz and Seidl, JJ.

Focus: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Steven Martinez appeals a judgment convicting him of disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse enhancer, misdemeanor bail jumping, and felony bail jumping. He also appeals an order denying his postconviction motion in which he alleged ineffective assistance of trial counsel. He argues his trial counsel was ineffective for three reasons: (1) counsel failed to strike juror S.Z. from the jury panel; (2) counsel failed to impeach witness J.G. with evidence of her fourteen criminal convictions; and (3) counsel failed to limit the State’s evidence used to prove the bail-jumping charges. Martinez contends he is entitled to a new trial due to the cumulative prejudice arising from these alleged deficiencies, and he requests a new trial in the interest of justice. We reject these arguments and affirm the judgment and order.

Full Text

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.