Chapter 809

809.801 Note Under former s. 809.18 (12), the supreme court required that briefs, no-merit reports, and petitions for review be submitted in text-searchable portable document format (PDF). Sub. (8) (e) broadens this requirement to include most documents submitted to the court, including motions, writs and petitions. Appendices, exhibits, and affidavits must be submitted in portable document format but are not required to be text-searchable.

809.801 Note Sub. (8) (g) provides for the permissive use of external hyperlinks to sources of information such as published cases and statutes posted on the Internet. Hyperlinks come with a small amount of risk for the introduction of malicious software into the electronic filing system and into law office case management systems. For that reason, hyperlinks may be used only in accordance with guidance posted by the court, and the court may limit the sites that users may link to. The use of hyperlinks is not required.

809.801 Note Sub. (9) provides that appellate court case files going forward will be kept electronically. Mandatory electronic filing users are required to file all documents electronically, with only a few exceptions. The documents submitted by paper parties will be imaged and converted to electronic format by the clerk of court. Because any paper submitted will be discarded after it is imaged, parties should not submit original documents to the court.

809.801 Note Sub. (12) (a) is amended to clarify the required format of an electronic signature. Handwritten signatures continue to be used despite the availability of electronic signatures and are permitted as long as the document is imaged and submitted through the electronic filing system. Either form of signature provides the level of accountability to client and court called for by the appellate rules. Compliance with this section is intended to satisfy the signature requirements of ss. 802.05 (1) and 809.19 (1) (h), as well as all other statutes and rules relating to court documents.

809.801 Note Sub. (12) (fm) is added to permit the use of electronic signatures for certifying briefs, appendices, and no-merit reports as to length, confidentiality, and client counseling.

809.801 Note Sub. (12) (g) responds to a recent legislative change requiring the signature of both counsel and parents on the notice of appeal in proceedings for termination of parental rights. A representation that all signatories have agreed to sign the document cannot be used in lieu of the parents’ signatures in this situation.

809.801 Note Sub. (14) (b) refers to circuit court requirements regarding confidential, redacted, and sealed documents. Documents added to the circuit court record since 2016 should already be in compliance with ss. 801.19 to 809.21.

809.801 Note Sub. (15) (a) notes that circuit court transcripts are generally not filed directly with the appellate court. Transcripts are electronically transmitted by the clerk of circuit court as part of the record on appeal.

809.801 Note When transcripts are filed directly with the appellate court, sub. (15) (c) provides that arrangements for payment, copies and service shall be as directed by the court.

809.802 809.802 Rule (Service on the state in certain proceedings).

809.802(1) (1) Any document required or authorized to be served on the state in appeals and other proceedings in felony cases in the court of appeals or supreme court shall be served on the attorney general unless the district attorney has been authorized under s. 978.05 (5) to represent the state. Any document required or authorized to be served on the state in appeals and other proceedings in misdemeanor cases decided by a single court of appeals judge under s. 752.31 (2) and (3) shall be served on the district attorney. Every petition for review of a decision of the court of appeals in a misdemeanor case shall be served on the attorney general.

809.802(2) (2) Where service on the attorney general is required under sub. (1), the clerk of the court of appeals shall opt in the attorney general as an attorney for the state and provide the notice of docketing to the attorney general through the appellate electronic filing system. For the attorney general, receipt of the notice of docketing provides access to the proceeding and constitutes service of the initiating document and other documents filed with the initiating documents.

809.802 History History: Sup. Ct. Order No. 20-07, 2021 WI 37, 397 Wis. 2d xiii.

809.802 Note NOTE: Sup. Ct. Order No. 20-07 states that “the Comments to the statutes created pursuant to this order are not adopted, but will be published and may be consulted for guidance in interpreting and applying the rule.”

809.802 Note Comment, 2021: Former s. 809.80 (2) is recreated as sub. (1). The requirement to serve the attorney general under this section applies to both traditional and electronic modes of service. Sub. (2) describes the mechanism the clerk will use to assure service on the attorney general in cases where the other electronic parties are served with initiating documents through the circuit court electronic filing system or when the attorney general did not participate in a proceeding before a petition for review was filed.

809.81 809.81 Rule (Form of papers). The format of a document filed in the court must conform to the following requirements unless expressly provided otherwise in these rules:

809.81(1) (1) Size. Formatted to fit 8.5 by 11 inch paper.

809.81(3) (3) Style. Produced using either a monospaced or a proportional serif font. If handwriting is used, the text must be legibly printed and not include cursive writing, except the person’s signature.

809.81(4) (4) Spacing and margins. Double-spaced with a minimum of a 1.25-inch margin on the right and left sides, and a minimum of a 1-inch margin on the top and bottom.

809.81(5) (5) Pagination. Paginated at the center of the bottom margin using Arabic numerals with sequential numbering starting at “1” on the first page.

809.81(6) (6) Appearance. Any process that produces a clear, black image on a white background. Carbon copies may not be filed. Imaged documents should be scanned at a resolution sufficient to ensure legibility.

809.81(7) (7) Binding. Pages must be secured together at the top left corner.

809.81(8) (8) Confidentiality. Every notice of appeal or other document that is filed in the court and that is required by law to be confidential shall refer to individuals only by one or more initials or other appropriate pseudonym or designation.

809.81(9) (9) Captions. Except as provided in s. 809.81 (8) or when “petitioner” has been substituted for an individual’s name in the caption in an appeal from a domestic abuse protective order or harassment injunction, or when the clerk has given notice of a different caption, the caption of any document shall include the full name of each party in the circuit court and shall designate each party so as to identify each party’s status in the circuit court and in the appellate court, if any. In the supreme court, “petitioner” shall be added to the designation of a party filing a petition for review. The designation of a party responding to a petition for review shall remain the same as in the court of appeals.

809.81 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 83 Wis. 2d xiii (1978); Sup. Ct. Order, 104 Wis. 2d xi (1981); Sup. Ct. Order No. 93-18, 179 Wis. 2d xxi (1993); Sup. Ct. Order No. 93-20, 179 Wis. 2d xxv (1993); Sup. Ct. Order No. 00-02, 2001 WI 39, 242 Wis. 2d xxvii; Sup. Ct. Order No. 02-01, 2002 WI 120, 255 Wis. 2d xiii; Sup. Ct. Order No. 14-01, 2015 WI 21, filed 3-2-15, eff. 7-1-15; Sup. Ct. Order No. 20-07, 2021 WI 37, 397 Wis. 2d xiii.

809.81 Note Judicial Council Committee’s Note, 1978: The 8-1/2 x 11 letter size paper is adopted as the standard size for all papers to be filed in the Court of Appeals in place of using both 8-1/2 x 14 and 8-1/2 by 11. A standard size paper simplifies records management. There is a national trend away from legal size paper. [Re Order effective July 1, 1978]

809.81 Note Judicial Council Committee’s Note, 1981: Sub. (2) is amended to clarify that an original must be filed with the 4 copies in the court of appeals or with the 8 copies in the supreme court. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1982]

809.81 Note Judicial Council Note, 2001: Subsection (2) was amended to eliminate the distinction between “original” and “copy,” because current technology produces copies of quality as good as the original. Subsection (8) requires that only the first name and last initial be used in all documents in confidential cases. [Re Order No. 00-02 effective July 1, 2001]

809.81 Note Judicial Council Note, 2002: Subsection (9) is created to clarify that the same caption should be used on all documents filed in an appellate case, and specifies that caption. Captions on pleadings and other documents filed pursuant to this rule are consistent with the current s. 809.19 (9) requirement governing captions on briefs. [Re Order No. 02-01 effective January 1, 2003]

809.82 809.82 Rule (Computation and enlargement of time).

809.82(1) (1) Computation. In computing any period of time prescribed by these rules, the provisions of s. 801.15 (1) and (5) apply.

809.82(2) (2) Enlargement or reduction of time.

809.82(2)(a) (a) Except as provided in this subsection, the court upon its own motion or upon good cause shown by motion, may enlarge or reduce the time prescribed by these rules or court order for doing any act, or waive or permit an act to be done after the expiration of the prescribed time.

809.82(2)(b) (b) Notwithstanding par. (a), the time for filing a notice of appeal or cross-appeal of a final judgment or order, other than in an appeal under s. 809.107 or an appeal under s. 809.30 or 809.32, may not be enlarged.

809.82(2)(c) (c) The court may not enlarge the time prescribed for an appeal under s. 809.105 without the consent of the minor and her counsel.

809.82(2)(e) (e) Notwithstanding par. (a), the time for filing a motion for reconsideration under s. 809.24 may not be enlarged.

809.82 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 83 Wis. 2d xiii (1978); Sup. Ct. Order, 104 Wis. 2d xi (1981); 1981 c. 390 s. 252; 1991 a. 263; Sup. Ct. Order No. 00-02, 2001 WI 39, 242 Wis. 2d xxvii; Sup. Ct. Order No. 02-01, 2002 WI 120, 255 Wis. 2d xiii; 2005 a. 293; 2017 a. 258; Sup. Ct. Order No. 20-07, 2021 WI 37, 397 Wis. 2d xiii.

809.82 Note Judicial Council Committee’s Note, 1978: Sub. (1). The provisions of the Rules of Civil Procedure as to computation of time are adopted for appeals to avoid any problems resulting from a lack of uniformity.

809.82 Note Sub. (2) continues the first sentence of former Rule 251.45. It eliminates the second sentence of that Rule permitting the attorneys by stipulation to extend the time for filing briefs if the extension does not interfere with the assignment of the case because this procedure interferes with the ability of the court to monitor cases pending before it and because it is not always certain when a case will be on an assignment. The Supreme Court considers that deadlines as to briefs and other actions in the court should have priority over all matters except previously scheduled trials in circuit and county courts and deadlines set by a federal court. Requests for extensions are not, consequently, looked upon with favor by the court. [Re Order effective July 1, 1978]

809.82 Note Judicial Council Committee’s Note, 1981: Sub. (2) is amended to permit the court of appeals to extend the time for filing a notice of appeal or cross-appeal in appeals under Rules 809.30 and 809.40 (1), which cover criminal appeals and postconviction motions and appeals in ch. 48, 51 and 55 cases. When read with Rules 809.30 and 809.40 (1), the rule was previously ambiguous regarding extensions of time to file a notice of appeal or cross-appeal in ch. 48, 51 and 55 cases. The amendment clarifies the rules. Other than appeals under Rules 809.30 and 809.40 (1), the time for filing a notice of appeal or cross-appeal may not be extended. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1982]

809.82 Note Judicial Council Note, 2001: Subsection (2) (d) was created to provide notice to the clerk of any motion affecting time limits. Subsection (2) (e) was created to facilitate computation of due dates on petitions for review. [Re Order No. 00-02 effective July 1, 2001]

809.82 Annotation The court of appeals abused its discretion by ordering oral argument one day after the petition for a writ was filed and served. State ex rel. Breier v. Circuit Court, 91 Wis. 2d 833, 284 N.W.2d 102 (1979).

809.82 Annotation The authority to extend the time for filing a notice of appeal under sub. (2) does not apply to appeals regarding terminations of parental rights under s. 809.107. Gloria A. v. State, 195 Wis. 2d 268, 536 N.W.2d 396 (Ct. App. 1995), 95-0315.

809.82 Annotation A claim of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel must be brought by a petition for writ of habeas corpus. Utilizing sub. (2) as a substitute for habeas corpus, so as to avoid making a substantive determination that a defendant was denied the effective assistance of appellate counsel constitutes an erroneous exercise of discretion. State v. Evans, 2004 WI 84, 273 Wis. 2d 192, 682 N.W.2d 784, 02-1869. See also State ex rel. Santana v. Endicott, 2006 WI App 13, 288 Wis. 2d 707, 709 N.W.2d 515, 05-0332.

809.82 Annotation It is unwise and unhelpful to replace the good cause standard for deciding extension motions under this section with an ineffective assistance of counsel analysis under Evans, 2004 WI 84, when deciding requests for extensions of time to file notices of intent to pursue postconviction relief. State v. Quackenbush, 2005 WI App 2, 278 Wis. 2d 611, 692 N.W.2d 340, 02-0489.

809.82 Annotation The writ of habeas corpus may be used in the court of appeals to seek relief from a termination of parental rights (TPR) even though there is no restraint of liberty of the petitioner, when appellate counsel failed to appeal before the deadline. Under sub. (2) (b), the time for filing an appeal of a TPR may not be enlarged when the petition was filed by someone other than a representative of the public. If the court was not able to recognize the petitioner’s right to raise ineffectiveness of counsel, the petitioner will never have an appeal through no fault of his or her own. Amy W. v. David G., 2013 WI App 83, 348 Wis. 2d 593, 834 N.W.2d 432, 13-0731.

809.83 809.83 Rule (Penalties for delay or noncompliance with rules).

809.83(1) (1) Delay; extra costs and damages.

809.83(1)(a) (a) If the court finds that an appeal was taken for the purpose of delay, it may award any of the following:

809.83(1)(a)1. 1. Double costs.

809.83(1)(a)2. 2. A penalty in addition to interest not exceeding 10 percent on the amount of the judgment affirmed.

809.83(1)(a)3. 3. Damages occasioned by the delay.

809.83(1)(a)4. 4. Reasonable attorney fees.

809.83(1)(b) (b) A motion for costs, penalties, damages and fees under this subsection shall be filed no later than the filing of the respondent’s brief or, if a cross-appeal is filed, the cross-respondent’s brief.

809.83(2) (2) Noncompliance with rules. Failure of a person to comply with a court order or with a requirement of these rules, other than the timely filing of a notice of appeal or cross-appeal, does not affect the jurisdiction of the court over the appeal but is grounds for dismissal of the appeal, summary reversal, striking of a paper, imposition of a penalty or costs on a party or counsel, or other action as the court considers appropriate.

809.83 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 83 Wis. 2d xiii (1978); Sup. Ct. Order, 151 Wis. 2d xvii (1989); 1995 a. 225; Sup. Ct. Order No. 00-02, 2001 WI 39, 242 Wis. 2d xxvii.

809.83 Note Judicial Council Committee’s Note, 1978: Former ss. 251.22, 251.23, 251.51, 251.56, 251.57, 251.73, 251.75, 251.77, 251.81, 251.82, 251.85 and 251.89, providing for specific penalties for delay and for certain rule violations, are replaced. In the event of a rule violation, the court is authorized to take such action as it considers appropriate. If the court finds an appeal was taken for purposes of delay, it can impose one or more of the four types of penalties specified in sub. (1). [Re Order effective July 1, 1978]

809.83 Note Judicial Council Note, 2001: Subsection (2) is changed to allow appellate courts to sanction parties who violate court orders. [Re Order No. 00-02 effective July 1, 2001]

809.83 Annotation The untimely service of a petition filed under s. 808.10 does not affect jurisdiction, but the opposing party may move to dismiss under sub. (2). State v. Rhone, 94 Wis. 2d 682, 288 N.W.2d 862 (1980).

809.83 Annotation Summary reversal of a dismissal order as a sanction under sub. (2) entitled the plaintiffs to a trial without consideration of the issue that resulted in the dismissal. State ex rel. Blackdeer v. Township of Levis, 176 Wis. 2d 252, 500 N.W.2d 339 (Ct. App. 1993).

809.83 Annotation To dismiss an appeal under sub. (2), there must be demonstrated egregious conduct or bad faith on the party’s or attorney’s part. In certain cases attorney bad faith may be imputed to the party, but the attorney conduct should involve the same litigation. It was improper to consider an attorney’s repeated requests for time extensions in other cases in denying a motion and dismissing the appeal. State v. Smythe, 225 Wis. 2d 456, 592 N.W.2d 628 (1999), 97-3191.

809.83 Annotation The court of appeals may not grant summary reversal of a circuit court order on appeal as a sanction without a finding of bad faith, egregious conduct, or a litigant’s abandonment of the appeal. Raz v. Brown, 2003 WI 29, 260 Wis. 2d 614, 660 N.W.2d 647, 01-2436.

809.84 809.84 Rule (Applicability of rules of civil procedure). An appeal to the court is governed by the rules of civil procedure as to all matters not covered by these rules unless the circumstances of the appeal or the context of the rule of civil procedure requires a contrary result.

809.84 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 83 Wis. 2d xiii (1978).

809.85 809.85 Rule (Continuation, appearance, substitution or withdrawal of counsel).

809.85(1) (1) Appointed counsel to continue. An attorney appointed by a lower court in a case or proceeding appealed to the court shall continue to act in the same capacity in the court until the court relieves the attorney or as allowed under sub. (3), (4), or (5) (b).

809.85(2) (2) Nonadmitted counsel.

809.85(2)(a) (a) Counsel not admitted to practice law in Wisconsin but admitted pro hac vice in the circuit court case shall provide the clerk with a copy of the circuit court’s order admitting counsel pro hac vice and then may appear before the court in association with counsel admitted to practice law and in good standing in Wisconsin. Wisconsin counsel shall sign every document filed in the court and shall be present in person in all proceedings unless excused by the court.

809.85(2)(b) (b) Counsel not admitted to practice law in Wisconsin may move the court for pro hac vice admission and shall state by affidavit that counsel is admitted to practice law and is in good standing to practice law in another jurisdiction and that counsel has complied with SCR 10.03 (4). If the motion is granted, counsel may appear before the court in association with counsel admitted to practice law and in good standing in Wisconsin. Wisconsin counsel shall sign every document filed in the court and shall be present in person in all proceedings unless excused by the court.

809.85(2)(c) (c) For good cause the court may revoke the privilege granted herein of any counsel admitted pro hac vice to appear in any proceeding.

809.85(3) (3) Notice of limited appearance. If an attorney’s scope of representation is limited, notices under s. 802.045 of limited appearance and of termination of limited appearance shall be filed with the court and served on the client and all parties. Upon the filing of the notice of termination of limited appearance, the clerk shall enter the withdrawal of counsel on the court docket without a court order.

809.85(4) (4) Substitution of counsel.

809.85(4)(a) (a) Applicability. This subsection does not apply to counsel appointed for a person under s. 809.107 or 809.30 (2) (e) or ch. 977 or by the circuit court for postconviction, postcommitment, or postdisposition proceedings under s. 809.107, 809.30, or 809.32.

809.85(4)(b) (b) Substitution by mutual consent.

809.85(4)(b)1. 1. An attorney for a party to an appeal or other appellate court proceeding may withdraw upon the party’s consent by filing a notice of withdrawal signed by the party and withdrawing counsel and accompanied by a notice of substitution of counsel signed by substitute counsel. The notice of substitution of counsel must provide the substitute attorney’s name, mailing address, electronic mail address, if any, and telephone number. Upon the filing of a notice of withdrawal and notice of substitution of counsel, the clerk shall enter the substitution on the court docket without a court order.

809.85(4)(b)2. 2. Substitution of counsel without the signature of withdrawing counsel may be allowed for good cause shown and upon such terms as shall be just.

809.85(4)(c) (c) Entry of appearance by members or employees of law firms, professional corporations, legal assistance clinics, and agencies. The entry of an appearance as attorney of record by an attorney who is a member or an employee of a law firm, professional corporation, legal assistance clinic, or agency representing a party to the appeal or other appellate court proceeding shall relieve other members or employees of the same law firm, professional corporation, legal assistance clinic, or agency from the necessity of filing a notice of withdrawal and substitution of counsel. Upon entry of such appearance, the clerk shall enter the substitution of counsel on the court docket without a court order unless the entry of appearance indicates that the attorneys will serve as co-counsel.

809.85(5) (5) Withdrawal of counsel.

809.85(5)(a) (a) Applicability. This subsection does not apply to counsel appointed for a person under s. 809.107 or 809.30 (2) (e) or ch. 977 or by the circuit court for postconviction, postcommitment, or postdisposition proceedings under s. 809.107, 809.30, or 809.32.

809.85(5)(b) (b) Withdrawal by consent. Other than in an appeal under s. 809.107 or 809.30, an attorney for a party to an appeal or other appellate court proceeding may withdraw as counsel of record upon the party’s consent by filing a notice of withdrawal signed by the party indicating consent. The notice shall indicate the party’s last known address unless disclosure of the address would violate a standard of professional responsibility. Upon the filing of a notice of withdrawal indicating the party’s consent, the clerk shall enter the withdrawal on the court docket without a court order.

809.85(5)(c) (c) Withdrawal by motion. An attorney desiring to withdraw as counsel of record for a party to an appeal or other appellate court proceeding who is unable to obtain the party’s consent under par. (b), or in an appeal under s. 809.107 or 809.30, must file a motion to withdraw. The motion shall be filed in the court in which the appeal or other appellate court proceeding is pending.

809.85(5)(d) (d) Referral for appointment of counsel by the state public defender. If the appeal or other appellate court proceeding is one in which the client may be eligible for the appointment of counsel under s. 809.107 or 809.30 (2) (e) or ch. 977, and if the client requests representation by the state public defender, the attorney shall serve a copy of the motion to withdraw on the appellate division intake unit in the Madison appellate office of the state public defender and refer the client to the appellate division intake office for indigency determination and the possible appointment of counsel. When a client is referred to the state public defender, within 20 days after receipt of a motion to withdraw filed and served under par. (e), the state public defender shall notify the court in which the motion was filed of the status of the determination of the client’s indigency and whether the state public defender will appoint counsel.

809.85(5)(e) (e) Content of motion to withdraw as counsel. A motion to withdraw as counsel must include all of the following items:

809.85(5)(e)1. 1. The client’s name and last known address, unless disclosure of the address would violate a standard of professional responsibility.

809.85(5)(e)2. 2. A statement that at least 14 days before the motion was filed the client was notified in person, by mail, by electronic mail, or by phone of all of the following information:

809.85(5)(e)2.a. a. Counsel’s intent to withdraw.

809.85(5)(e)2.b. b. Of the right to object to the motion within 11 days after service of the motion.

809.85(5)(e)2.c. c. That unless the client retains or obtains new counsel, the client is personally responsible for keeping the court and the other parties informed where notices, briefs, or other papers may be served and complying with all court orders and time limitations established by the rules of appellate procedure or by court order, and that if the client fails or refuses to comply with court orders and established time limitations, the client may suffer possible dismissal, default or other penalty.

809.85(5)(e)2.d. d. The date of any pending deadline or required filing in the appeal or other appellate proceeding.