Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

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WI Court of Appeals – District I 

Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. Delano Maurice Wade

Case No.: 2017AP1021-CR

Officials: Kessler, P.J., Brennan and Dugan, JJ.

Focus: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Delano Maurice Wade appeals from a judgment of conviction, following a jury trial, for second-degree sexual assault and false imprisonment, both with domestic abuse enhancers. On appeal, Wade argues that the trial court erred in overruling trial counsel’s hearsay objections to a police officer’s testimony describing what the victim, A.C., told her about the incident and A.C.’s statements recorded in a “domestic violence supplement,” and erred in discussing a jury question with trial counsel while Wade was not present.

The State argues that Wade forfeited his hearsay arguments and also forfeited his claim that he had a right to be present when the trial court discussed the question from the jury. The State further argues that any alleged errors were harmless. We agree with the State 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.