L. Ch. 961: Controlled Subst.

Question presented: Whether, to convict a defendant of distribution of a controlled substance analogue, the government must prove the defendant knew that the substance constituted a controlled substance analog, as held by the Second, Seventh, and Eighth Circuits, but rejected by the Fourth and Fifth Circuits. Lower court decision: United States v. McFadden, 753 F.3d… Read more

State v. Michael C. Hess, 2014AP268-CR, District 3, 11/11/14 (not recommended for publication); case activity While the trial evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s verdict that Hess possessed methamphetamine, Hess is entitled to a new trial in the interest of justice because the verdict may have been influenced by evidence offered to proved drugged-driving charges that were… Read more

State v. Roshawn Smith, 2012 WI 91, reversing in part, affirming in part unpublished decision; case activity Standard of Review: Sufficiency of Evidence  ¶29  We understand Smith’s central argument regarding the standard of review on the evidentiary question to be summed up in the proposition that a jury verdict of guilt[9] must be reversed on appeal if “[t]he inferences that… Read more

on review of unpublished decision; for Smith: William E. Schmaal, SPD, Madison Appellate; case activity; prior post Sufficiency of Evidence (Possession with Intent to Deliver) – Circumstantial Evidence Standard of Review /  Stipulation (Offense Element) – Right to Jury Trial Issues (from Smith’s PFR):  1. The Trial Evidence Was Insufficient to Support Smith’s Conviction of Possessing a… Read more

State v. James Thomas Morton, 2010AP2041-CR, District 1, 6/28/11 court of appeals decision (not recommended for publication); for Morton: Carl W. Chessir; case activity Evidence that Morton told an undercover officer to put her money on the kitchen table, and that “what you came for is right here,” supported conviction for delivery of the controlled substance the… Read more

State v. Roshawn Smith, 2010AP1192-CR, District 3, 5/26/11, aff’d and rev’d, 2012 WI 91 court of appeals decision (not recommended for publication), aff’d in part, rev’d in part, 2012 WI 91; for Smith: William E. Schmaal, SPD, Madison Appellate; case activity Evidence held sufficient to support guilty verdict, § 961.41(1m)(h)5., ptac: after agreeing to accept packages… Read more

State v. Cham Okery Omot, 2010AP899, District III court of appeals decision (3-judge, not recommended for publication); for Omot: Tyler William Wickman; case activity; Omot BiC; State Resp.; Reply Evidence held insufficient to sustain convictions for maintaining drug trafficking place, § 961.42(1), and possession with intent to distribute THC , § 961.41(1m)(h)1., both as party to a crime, § 939.05. The… Read more