Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

By: Derek Hawkins//August 29, 2018//

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WI Court of Appeals – District III

Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. Donald L. Tappa

Case No.: 2017AP2031-CR

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

Focus: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Donald Tappa appeals amended criminal judgments convicting him of arson, burglary, three counts of theft, and four counts of criminal damage to property, each as a repeat offender. Tappa also appeals an order denying his postconviction motion for a new trial. Tappa contends that the circuit court erred in admitting other acts evidence, and that his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance by failing to introduce certain rebuttal evidence and by failing to request a limiting jury instruction. Tappa also argues we should grant him a new trial in the interest of justice. We reject Tappa’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.

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