Recent Articles from Derek Hawkins
Judge rules man innocent after 48 years in prison
A judge has exonerated a man who spent nearly 50 years in prison for murder, the longest serving inmate to be declared innocent of a crime.
Standard for Dangerousness
Spencer appeals from an order denying his petition to discharge his commitment as a person adjudged not guilty of a criminal offense by reason of mental disease or defect (NGI). Spencer challenges the circuit court’s determination that he meets the standard for dangerousness required to continue his NGI commitment.
Postconviction Relief-Brady Claim
The State charged Murray with multiple crimes based on allegations that he had attacked and sexually assaulted a woman with whom he lived and shared a child.
Testimony Restrictions
This case centers on Daryl McGhee, facing federal charges related to firearm and cocaine possession.
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
Bertaud, who sustained severe injuries from a falling tree branch, applied for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income from the Social Security Administration.
Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act
Bell, who, having completed a sentence for sexual assault, remained incarcerated in an Illinois prison for over 16 years under the state's Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act.
Failure-to-Protect Claim- Americans with Disabilities Act
Moore, an inmate, initiated a lawsuit against a prison guard and the prison to which he was subsequently transferred, alleging a failure to protect him from an assault by another inmate, violation of his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and a conspiracy among investigating officers to falsify the official report of the incident.
Sentencing Guidelines-“Safety-Valve” Relief
Bingham entered a guilty plea for drug offenses.
Sentencing Guidelines
Claybron, faced convictions for Hobbs Act robbery and firearm-related offenses.
Social Security Disability
Chris Martin experienced a back injury in June 2016 prompting him to cease working.
Criminal Contempt
The defendant, Henry Underwood, opted to represent himself in a trial where he faced charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Race and Sex Discrimination
Kimberly Barnes-Staples applied for the position of Real Estate Director with the General Services Administration (GSA).
Legal News
- Wisconsin DNR agrees to repeal anti-firearm rule
- Harris kicks off campaign for president with a rally in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin leads 26 governors to strengthen state and tribal child support enforcement act
- Wisconsin man charged with fleeing to Ireland to avoid prison term for Capitol riot role
- Wisconsin Supreme Court reveals September oral arguments calendar
- New Jersey man sentenced for series of violent assaults on members of the Orthodox Jewish Community
- Milwaukee County District Attorney, UWM police address Jewish threats
- With GOP convention over, Milwaukee weighs the benefits of hosting political rivals
- Secret Service head resigns as Congress formally investigates
- Milwaukee Police Department issues statement regarding video release policy
- GOP convention sets the stage for the Democratic convention in Chicago, activists and police say
- Survey: Harris has enough delegates to be nominee
Case Digests
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel; Double Jeopardy; Sentencing
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel; Sexual Assault-Prosecutorial Misconduct
- Contract-Negligence
- Criminal Law; Juvenile Law; Discovery
- Family Law; Child Support; Property Division First paragraph(s)
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel- Exclusion of Evidence of Witness Bias
- Postconviction Relief-Sentencing-Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
- 14th Amendment – Due Process
- Criminal-Sentencing Guidelines – Enhancement
- Bankruptcy-Tax
- Civil Rights – 14th Amendment-Jury Instructions
- Contract; Foreclosure and Property