Other Acts Evidence, Other Bad Acts

On Monday, I am going to trial on an Attempted Sexual Assault, Kidnapping and Felony Battery charge. Yesterday, the government attempted to introduce "other acts evidence" against my client. It is an area that is very problematic for people accused of crimes. Prosecutors get to attempt to introduce evidence regarding other bad acts your client has done under the legal theory it goes to intent or motive. The reality is, it shows a jury that he did something before, he must have done it again.

State -VS- Knapp

Wisconsin Court of Appeals - An appeal from a judgment of the Dane County Circuit Court asked whether a Terry Stop was transformed into a custodial arrest before probable cause existed to arrest Kestler. Successfully argued State -v- Knapp on appeal, which prevents the government from appealing a successful collateral attack of a prior OWI (drunk driving) conviction as a matter of right.
The Wisconsin State Court of Appeals reversed a Dane County Circuit Court 5th offense OWI conviction on grounds that the defendant was placed under arrest without probable cause.

The case is here: State of Wisconsin -v- Knapp

Dane County, Madison Wisconsin - Not Guilty Jury Verdict OWI & PAC

My client was erroneously charged with OWI (Wisconsin's drunk driving offense) and PAC (prohibited alcohol content) violation. I know that it had to have been an erroneous charge, because we won a not guilty jury verdict at trial. =)

La Crosse County Rules: Evidence Suppressed, Rights Violated, Blood Tesst

The La Crosse County Circuit Court ruled on my motions to suppress a blood test result on a .233 5th offense OWI for violation of right to an alternative test.

1st OWI Dissmissed - Columbia County

Columbia County prosecuting attorney charged my client with a 1st OWI. The case was dismissed.

Refusal & 1st OWI Dissmissed!

My client is an airline pilot, who refused to submit to a blood alcohol content level test. He was charged with a 1st OWI and a Refusal. Today, the prosecuting attorney moved to dismiss both citations!

Straight Talk

:: Posted by Webmaster Jodi
Throughout Chirafisi & Verhoff's website, you will see notes about :: Straight Talk :: in which Attorney Corey Chirafisi puts the facts in plain English and identifies some of the more frequently asked questions.