Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Court Error – Abuse of Discretion

By: Derek Hawkins//January 8, 2020//

Court Error – Abuse of Discretion

By: Derek Hawkins//January 8, 2020//

Listen to this article

WI Court of Appeals – District IV

Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. Matthew J. Steinhorst

Case No.: 2018AP1759-CR

Officials: Fitzpatrick, P.J., Blanchard and Kloppenburg, JJ.

Focus: Court Error – Abuse of Discretion

Matthew Steinhorst appeals a judgment of conviction for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Steinhorst and James Wedekind were both in a vehicle which left the road, rolled over, and caused Wedekind’s death. Steinhorst was charged with multiple vehicular offenses relating to the crash. Before trial, Steinhorst requested that the Sauk County Circuit Court allow him to introduce evidence of character traits and habit pursuant to WIS. STAT. §§ 904.04(1)(a) and (b) and 904.06(1) (2017-18). Steinhorst argued that such evidence would prove, circumstantially, that Wedekind, and not Steinhorst, was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. The circuit court denied Steinhorst’s motion. Steinhorst contends that the circuit court erroneously exercised its discretion in denying his motion. Steinhorst asks this court to reverse those rulings of the circuit court and his judgment of conviction and remand this matter for a new trial. We conclude that the circuit court did not erroneously exercise its discretion in denying Steinhorst’s motion. Therefore, we affirm Steinhorst’s conviction.

Full Text


Derek A Hawkins is trademark corporate counsel for Harley-Davidson. Hawkins oversees the prosecution and maintenance of the Harley-Davidson’s international trademark portfolio in emerging markets.

Polls

Should Steven Avery be granted a new evidentiary hearing?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Legal News

See All Legal News

WLJ People

Sea all WLJ People

Opinion Digests