Late Filing

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WI Court of Appeals – District I

Case Name: Annie Mae Wright Millsapp v. Milwaukee Housing Authority

Case No.: 2023AP000954

Officials: Colón, J.

Focus: Late Filing

Millsapp, representing herself, sued the Milwaukee Housing Authority (MHA) on August 24, 2022, alleging inadequate housing conditions and seeking rent relief. Due to improper service of the initial summons and complaint, the case was postponed. Millsapp filed an amended complaint, and a contested hearing was held on March 16, 2023, where the court commissioner ruled in favor of MHA.

Millsapp was informed she had until March 27, 2023, to file and serve an appeal, but she filed her demand for a trial and jury on March 30, 2023, missing the deadline by three days. As a result, the court commissioner’s decision became final on March 28, 2023. The circuit court dismissed the case due to lack of jurisdiction, as Millsapp’s late filing precluded further legal action. The Court of Appeals upheld this dismissal, reiterating that procedural deadlines must be adhered to, even by pro se litigants. Consequently, the initial ruling in favor of MHA stands.

Affirmed.

Decided 06/25/24

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