Wisconsin

Categorical Right To Counsel
Discretionary Appointment Of Counsel
Right Or Appointment Is Qualified
No Such Proceeding
No Authorization, But Relevant Materials
Other
Doesn't Affect

Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents

Pilot

April 4, 2018
Wisconsin takes step towards right to counsel for parents
A new 2018 law creates pilot programs that provide a right to counsel for parents in CHIPS cases in 5 counties.
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Appointment of Counsel:  Doesn't Affect
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Doesn't Affect

All Basic Human Needs

Court Rule or Initiative

September 13, 2018
Wisconsin advocates petition WI Supreme Court for right to counsel rules
WI advocates have filed two petitions asking the WI Supreme Court to establish civil right to counsel rules and pilot projects.
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Appointment of Counsel:  Doesn't Affect
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.

The NCCRC testified in support of the original petition, attended Access to Justice Commission meetings that discussed the petition, and provided input on the substance of the new petition.

Legislation

April 18, 2016
Wisconsin legislature creates access to civil legal services study committee
The Wisconsin legislature created a study committee to examine how to expand access to counsel in civil cases.
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Appointment of Counsel:  Doesn't Affect
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.

NCCRC supported the prior petitions to the Court urging it to expand access to counsel.

Doesn't Affect

Civil Commitment

Litigation

October 26, 2017
Wisconsin case addresses right to counsel for confinement of pregnant women
A Wisconsin case raised the issue of right to counsel when pregnant women are civilly committed for alleged child endangerment.
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Appointment of Counsel:  Doesn't Affect
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.

NCCRC helped frame the right to counsel component of the case and filed an amicus brief.

Doesn't Affect

Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim

Pilot

March 1, 2018
Wisconsin pilot finds DV rep improves outcomes, saves money
A Wisconsin pilot project found that providing representation to victims of domestic violence improved personal/family safety and saved money.
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Appointment of Counsel:  Doesn't Affect
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Doesn't Affect

Housing - Evictions

Legislation

October 24, 2024
All about Milwaukee's universal tenant representation program
Milwaukee County has passed a resolution in support of right to counsel and appropriated sufficient funding to make that happen.
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Appointment of Counsel:  Doesn't Affect
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.
Discretionary

All Basic Human Needs

Debtor’s Prison / Financial

Education

Family Law

Health

Categorical

Other subject area