CONTACT
Buting ,Williams & Stilling ,S.C. | A Criminal Defense Law Firm

Call Today for a FREE Consultation

262-923-8761

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT

Wisconsin Supreme Court delivers questionable DUI ruling

On Behalf of | Sep 2, 2014 | Drunk Driving

If you were sitting in your vehicle and a police officer approached and clearly intended to talk to you, would you drive away? Most of us would automatically respond “no way.” Even if you aren’t doing anything illegal, the act of driving away seems suspicious and could potentially get you into trouble.

But earlier this summer, a majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that unless they were specifically pulled over, drivers are free to ignore an officer knocking on their window and motioning for them to roll it down. The Court upheld the drunk driving conviction of a Wisconsin man who did what most of us would do in such a situation. He complied with the police officer.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Christmas Day in 2011. A man and his female passenger were sitting in a running car in the parking lot of a public park. The park had closed at 11 p.m., so the officer was suspicious of a car in the lot at 2 a.m.

The officer parked behind the suspicious car and kept the car’s headlights on (but not his red and blue emergency lights). He walked up to the car, knocked on the driver’s-side window and motioned to roll the window down. The officer later testified that he would have let the man drive away because he “had nothing to stop him for.”

The defendant later said he could not have driven off without hitting the deputy. He also assumed (as most of us would) that driving off would have been illegal. Since he felt compelled to comply, he rolled down his window. The officer smelled alcohol, and the man was eventually arrested for driving under the influence.

In a 5-2 vote, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the DUI conviction, saying that the initial interaction with the officer was voluntary. Thankfully, Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson was not shy about giving her dissenting opinion.

She wrote: “The world of legal decisions does not reflect the real world. No reasonable person I can imagine would feel free to drive away under the circumstances of the present case . . . A reasonable person would be concerned that driving away could be viewed as violating some law that governs obstructing an officer, disobeying an officer, or fleeing.”

Source: TheNewspaper.com, “Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Driving Away From Cop At Window,” July 25, 2014

Archives

FindLaw Network

“I just want to say thank you for the outstanding work you have done for him and let you know how much we appreciate the time and attention you gave to his case. We are obviously overjoyed by today’s dismissal!” (Child pornography case dismissed after motion to suppress was granted)”

“After having had time to exhale, we thank each one of you and all the others who contributed to the exemplary Supreme Court presentation. We are proud of your efforts on our behalf and, equally important, on behalf of the many present and future defendants statewide.” (Client’s comment after Supreme Court oral argument)

“Thank you. Thank you. I am so pleased to hear that we won. It doesn’t seem that it was even a close call. I appreciate your efforts.” (Oconto County defendant after Buting, Williams & Stilling got his prison sentence overturned in the court of appeals) ”

“Your time and advice was appreciated more than words can express at a time when we really needed someone to guide us.” (Client)

“The outcome was amazing, one unavailable even under identical circumstances in probably 98 percent of federal courtrooms around the country. Separate and apart from the outcome, though, I am supremely impressed by your efforts on your client’s behalf. Your comments in support of the requested sentence were perfect in tone and, having now reviewed the extensive sentencing memorandum you filed, your work in that regard was exemplary as well. Your client was certainly fortunate to have you as his attorney.” (Local federal court attorney present at a sentencing)

“I can’t thank you enough, not only for all of the tireless work that you and your staff put into my case, but for telling me what I needed to hear, at a time when I absolutely had to hear it. I consider myself blessed for everything turning out the way it did, especially since I blindly picked you out of a phone book! You helped me, my family and friends in many more ways than the money ever could.” (Child pornography client)

“I think you will find that in any circles where Kathy’s name is raised, people will always respond positively and identify her as an extremely hardworking, knowledgeable and ethical lawyer who is timely and effective with any endeavor she takes on. These circles would include colleagues, friends, prosecutors, judges, professors and others who have crossed paths with Kathy. They would also include the many lawyers like me who have referred numerous cases to Kathy, invariably with positive feedback from the clients regarding her knowledge of their case, empathy, professionalism and fair-mindedness in addressing their concerns.” (Fellow attorney)

“Thank you for giving [our son] back to us. Wonderful work!” (Family of client accused of armed robbery after charges were dismissed)

“Yes, His perfect time and perfect place, you were a part of this plan. I almost didn’t hire you, but I took a step of faith trusting Him and look what happened? Praise God. Our Lord put you in your vocation for a reason, continue to help those He brings your way. May He bless you in ALL you do!” (Client who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in a northwestern Wisconsin county. He was released from prison after attorneys got his conviction reversed.)

“I really cannot thank you enough for your past help. You really know your stuff. It is actually funny when I think about my other past attorney’s knowledge and then when I talk with you. It’s like night and day. You’re like a walking book of knowledge with a purpose-driven life. Thanks.” (Brown County client of attorney Buting)

“A year later and I still believe your defense is the single best example of lawyering I have ever seen.” (Television reporter commenting on attorney Buting’s defense of Steven Avery)

“You have a certain brilliance that makes me sure that when you talk, it is good information and I am in good hands. You tell it to me like it is even when the things you say are not always the things that I would like to hear. You keep it REAL!!!” (Brown County client)

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel like this was one of the biggest blessings that happened in my life. I put this along with my children being born healthy and when I survived that horrific shooting. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I couldn’t ask for better lawyers. I want to say thank you to everybody at your firm. I owe you more than the fee you so rightfully deserve. … You gave me back hope. Thank you, man! Out of my 36 years … I have never seen such kindness before. I don’t know what I did to deserve this; I’m very thankful nonetheless. Thank you for giving me hope again. Thank you for your generosity. There are still some really good people around.” (Federal criminal appeal client)

“There is no other attorney I’ve ever even heard of I’d rather have as chief counsel and leader of my defense/appeals than Jerome Buting. You’re the best. Period.” (Dane County client)

“Your advice and counsel were greatly appreciated. We appreciate you taking the time on your Sunday and evenings to help us. We are SO happy about the results! Thanks again.” (Waukesha County client)

“Thank you again … for everything. Five and one-half years of commitment, so many ups and downs and an outcome like that. You did a GREAT job.” (Waukesha County felony drug offense client)