COURT OF APPEALS 

DECISION 

DATED AND FILED

September 10, 2019 

Sheila T. Reiff 

Clerk of Court of Appeals 

 

NOTICE 

 This opinion is subject to further editing. If 

published, the official version will appear in 

the bound volume of the Official Reports. 

A party may file with the Supreme Court a 

petition to review an adverse decision by the 

Court of Appeals. See WIS. STAT. § 808.10 

and RULE 809.62. 

Appeal No. 2017AP1871 Cir. Ct. No. 2014CF42

STATE OF WISCONSIN IN COURT OF APPEALS 

DISTRICT III 

STATE OF WISCONSIN, 

 PLAINTIFF-RESPONDENT, 

 V. 

WILLIAM T. PETERSON, 

 DEFENDANT-APPELLANT. 

 APPEAL from an order of the circuit court for Eau Claire County: 

JON M. THEISEN, Judge. Affirmed. 

 Before Stark, P.J., Hruz and Seidl, JJ. 

Per curiam opinions may not be cited in any court of this state as precedent 

or authority, except for the limited purposes specified in WIS. STAT. RULE 809.23(3). 
No. 2017AP1871 

2 

¶1 PER CURIAM. William Peterson, pro se, appeals an order denying 

his WIS. STAT. § 974.06 (2017-18)1 postconviction motion for plea withdrawal and 

sentence modification. Peterson argues that his plea was unknowing, thus 

entitling him to plea withdrawal, because the circuit court did not inform him at 

the plea hearing that read-in offenses could be used to increase his sentence up to 

the maximum or that it could order him to have no contact with his biological 

daughter. Peterson also contends he is entitled to sentence modification because 

the court erroneously weighed sentencing factors. We reject these arguments and 

affirm the order. 

BACKGROUND

¶2 The State charged Peterson with first-degree sexual assault of a child 

under the age of thirteen; first-degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 

sixteen, by use of force or violence; first-degree sexual assault of a child under the 

age of twelve; incest with a child by a stepparent; felony intimidation of a victim; 

false imprisonment (domestic abuse); two counts of repeated sexual assault of a 

child; and three counts of exposing genitals or pubic area. In exchange for his 

guilty pleas to one count of repeated sexual assault of a child and one count of 

felony intimidation of a victim, the State agreed to cap its sentence 

recommendation at ten years’ initial confinement, but it remained free to argue the 

term of extended supervision. The remaining counts were dismissed and read in 

for sentencing purposes. 

 

1

 All references to the Wisconsin Statutes are to the 2017-18 version unless otherwise 

noted. 
No. 2017AP1871 

3 

¶3 At the sentencing hearing, Jonathan Dickey, a licensed psychologist 

from the Division of Community Corrections at the Wisconsin Department of 

Corrections, testified about a “Sex Offender Evaluation Report” he had prepared 

for the circuit court. Dickey opined that Peterson fell within the “moderate” risk 

range for sex offense recidivism, but that risk could be reduced through proper 

treatment and external controls. Dickey further explained that his assessment did 

not take into account the fact that Peterson had other alleged victims, because the 

tools used did not account for charges occurring during the same time period that 

did not result in convictions, such as the dismissed and read-in charges. When 

asked to discuss the dynamic factors affecting Peterson’s risk level, Dickey noted, 

among other things, that there was “partial evidence of sexual interest in children,” 

noting the victim was eleven years old. Apart from evaluating Peterson’s overall 

level of risk to sexually reoffend, Dickey did not offer a sentence 

recommendation. 

¶4 Defense counsel expanded on Dickey’s written report, emphasizing 

a statement therein that Peterson’s crimes were likely motivated by a “confluence” 

of psychological problems rather than a pedophilic interest in children. Defense 

counsel recommended five years’ initial confinement and twenty to twenty-five 

years’ extended supervision for the repeated sexual assault of a child count, with a 

concurrent sentence of two years’ initial confinement and two to three years’ 

extended supervision for the intimidation of a victim count. Consistent with the 

plea agreement, the State recommended ten years’ initial confinement followed by 

twenty years’ extended supervision for the repeated sexual assault of a child count. 

For the intimidation count, the State recommended a withheld sentence and five 

years’ probation. 
No. 2017AP1871 

4 

¶5 The circuit court ultimately followed the State’s sentencing 

recommendation. The court also ordered that Peterson “have no contact with 

anyone under 18 other than incidental contact,” adding that “the contact should 

never be alone.” However, the court ordered that Peterson could have contact 

with his minor biological daughter if she requested contact and once it was 

screened by the Department of Corrections “for appropriateness.” 

¶6 After the time for filing a direct appeal had expired, Peterson filed 

the underlying motion requesting plea withdrawal and sentence modification 

pursuant to WIS. STAT. § 974.06. Peterson also requested a Machner2 hearing, 

though he did not allege a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. After a 

postconviction hearing limited to argument, the court denied Peterson’s motion. 

This appeal follows. 

DISCUSSION

¶7 As a threshold matter, the State asserts that this court lacks 

jurisdiction to review this matter because there is no written order in the record on 

appeal. A judgment or order must be reduced to writing and filed with the clerk of 

the circuit court before an appeal can be taken. Ramsthal Advert. Agency v. 

Energy Miser, Inc., 90 Wis. 2d 74, 75, 279 N.W.2d 491 (Ct. App. 1979). The 

transcript of the hearing does not satisfy the requirement that a written judgment 

or order be entered. See State v. Powell, 70 Wis. 2d 220, 222, 234 N.W.2d 345 

(1975). 

 

2

 See State v. Machner, 92 Wis. 2d 797, 804, 285 N.W.2d 905 (Ct. App. 1979). 
No. 2017AP1871 

5 

¶8 The circuit court orally denied Peterson’s WIS. STAT. § 974.06 

motion at a June 23, 2017 hearing. Peterson subsequently wrote the court 

requesting a “written judgment” so that he could file a notice of appeal. In an 

October 26, 2017 letter signed by the judge, the court responded to Peterson’s 

request stating it was “unclear as to which motions that [it] denied, that [Peterson] 

believe[d] do not include an order.” The court further stated that “[a]n appeal 

should go to the appellate court,” suggesting its belief that all requests for relief 

had been denied at that point. Ambiguities should be liberally construed to 

preserve the right to appeal. See Wambolt v. West Bend Mut. Ins. Co., 2007 WI 

35, ¶50, 299 Wis. 2d 723, 728 N.W.2d 670. We therefore construe the 

October 26, 2017 letter as the order denying Peterson’s § 974.06 motion. 

¶9 Although the order was filed after the notice of appeal, the notice of 

appeal is deemed filed on the date of entry of the order on appeal. See WIS. STAT.

§ 808.04(8). To the extent the notice of appeal does not identify the October 26, 

2017 order, the failure of the notice of appeal to correctly identify the final 

appealable document is not fatal to appellate jurisdiction. See Carrington v. 

St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 169 Wis. 2d 211, 217 n.2, 485 N.W.2d 267 

(1992). 

¶10 Turning to the merits of this appeal, Peterson contends he should be 

allowed to withdraw his plea because it was not knowingly entered. In a 

postsentence motion for plea withdrawal, the defendant carries the heavy burden 

of establishing, by clear and convincing evidence, that plea withdrawal is 

necessary to correct a manifest injustice. See State v. Thomas, 2000 WI 13, ¶16, 

232 Wis. 2d 714, 605 N.W.2d 836. 
No. 2017AP1871 

6 

¶11 The manifest injustice standard requires the defendant to show “a 

serious flaw in the fundamental integrity of the plea.” Id. (citation omitted). One 

way for a defendant to meet this burden is to show that he or she did not 

knowingly, intelligently, or voluntarily enter the plea. State v. Brown, 2006 WI 

100, ¶18, 293 Wis. 2d 594, 716 N.W.2d 906. Whether a plea is knowing, 

intelligent, and voluntary is a question of constitutional fact. Id., ¶19. We accept 

the circuit court’s findings of historical and evidentiary fact unless they are clearly 

erroneous, but we determine independently whether those facts demonstrate that 

the defendant’s plea was knowing, intelligent, and voluntary. Id.

¶12 Where, as here, a defendant moves to withdraw his or her plea based 

on an alleged error in the plea colloquy, the defendant must: (1) make a prima 

facie showing of a violation of WIS. STAT. § 971.08 or another court-mandated 

duty; and (2) allege that he or she did not, in fact, know or understand the

information that should have been provided during the plea colloquy. State v. 

Bangert, 131 Wis. 2d 246, 274, 389 N.W.2d 12 (1986). If the defendant satisfies 

these obligations, the burden shifts to the State to prove by clear and convincing 

evidence that the defendant’s plea was knowing, intelligent, and voluntary despite 

the inadequacy of the plea colloquy. Id. The State may utilize any evidence in the 

record “to show that the defendant in fact possessed the constitutionally required 

understanding and knowledge which the defendant alleges the inadequate plea 

colloquy failed to afford him [or her].” Id. at 274-75. 

¶13 Citing State v. Sulla, 2016 WI 46, 369 Wis. 2d 225, 880 N.W.2d 

659, Peterson first contends the circuit court was required to inform him at the 

plea hearing that the read-in offenses could be used to increase his sentence up to 

the maximum possible penalty. Peterson, however, has misinterpreted Sulla. 

There, as relevant to this appeal, our supreme court held that the circuit court 
No. 2017AP1871 

7 

“should” advise a defendant that the read-in charge will be considered by the 

sentencing court, but the maximum penalty will not be increased. Id., ¶35. Such 

an advisement, however, is not mandatory. See also State v. Straszkowski, 2008 

WI 65, ¶93, 310 Wis. 2d 259, 750 N.W.2d 835 (discussing the better practice of 

informing defendants about the implications of a read-in offense, but never 

declaring that a court is required to do so). 

¶14 In any event, Peterson signed a plea questionnaire form that 

described the possible effects of read-in offenses, thereby acknowledging his 

understanding that: (1) although the judge may consider read-in charges when 

imposing the sentence, the maximum penalty will not be increased; (2) he may be 

required to pay restitution on any read-in charges; and (3) the State may not 

prosecute him for any read-in charges. To the extent Peterson nevertheless asserts 

he did not know the read-in offenses could be considered to increase his sentence 

up to the maximum, his claimed lack of understanding does not entitle him to 

relief because the circuit court was only required to advise Peterson of direct 

consequences of his plea. See State v. James, 176 Wis. 2d 230, 238, 500 N.W.2d 

345 (Ct. App. 1993). There is no requirement that a defendant entering a plea be 

informed of indirect or “collateral” consequences of conviction. Id. 

¶15 “A direct consequence of a plea is one that has a definite, immediate, 

and largely automatic effect on the range of a defendant’s punishment.” State v. 

Byrge, 2000 WI 101, ¶60, 237 Wis. 2d 197, 614 N.W.2d 477. In contrast, a 

collateral consequence is indirect, does not automatically flow from the 

conviction, and may depend on the subsequent conduct of a defendant. Id., ¶61. 

If the circuit court fails to disclose a direct consequence of a plea, a defendant may 

withdraw the plea as a matter of right. State v. Merten, 2003 WI App 171, ¶7, 266 

Wis. 2d 588, 668 N.W.2d 750. However, if the court does not disclose a collateral 
No. 2017AP1871 

8 

consequence of a plea, a defendant may not withdraw his or her plea on the basis 

of that lack of information. Id. 

¶16 The potential impact of a read-in offense at sentencing is a collateral 

consequence of the plea because the circuit court maintains discretion in 

determining how or if it will use a read-in offense. The mere possibility that the 

court may consider a read-in offense at sentencing does not create a definite, 

immediate, and largely automatic effect on the range of a defendant’s punishment. 

We likewise reject Peterson’s assertion that the court was required to inform him 

that he may be required to pay restitution on the read-in charges. Because the 

decision whether restitution will be ordered and in what amount is left to the 

circuit court’s discretion, see State v. Madlock, 230 Wis. 2d 324, 329, 602 N.W.2d 

104 (Ct. App. 1999), the chance a defendant may be required to pay restitution on 

read-in charges does not establish a definite, immediate and automatic effect on 

the sentence. The court, therefore, had no mandatory duty to inform Peterson of 

the effects of the read-in offenses. 

¶17 Next, Peterson argues the circuit court was required to inform him 

that it could order no contact with Peterson’s biological daughter. Peterson asserts 

that such a restriction is punishment constituting a direct consequence of his plea. 

As an initial matter, we note that the court did inform Peterson that a no-contact 

order was possible. Specifically, when ascertaining Peterson’s understanding of 

the plea agreement, the court stated: “It’s going to entail no contacts. It’s going 

to—And I would say no contacts certainly with [the victim] my guess would be.” 

The court added it “assume[d] that it also [was] going to include no contacts with 

minor children. Something like that.” The court ultimately ordered that Peterson 

have no contact with minors, but it specifically exempted Peterson’s biological 

daughter from that order, noting he could have contact at his daughter’s request 
No. 2017AP1871 

9 

and with the approval of the Department of Corrections. We therefore conclude 

the court did inform Peterson that it could order he have no contact with his 

biological daughter. 

¶18 In addition, to the extent Peterson is asserting that any limitation on 

contact with his daughter is punishment, the State acknowledges that a circuit 

court has a mandatory duty to inform a defendant of any potential punishment. 

See WIS. STAT. § 971.08(1). However, the question remains whether the limited 

contact order in this case constitutes punishment. Whether such a limitation is 

punishment is determined by the intent-effects test. See State v. Muldrow, 2018 

WI 52, ¶35, 381 Wis. 2d 492, 912 N.W.2d 74. Under that test, the threshold 

question is whether the challenged limitation is a form of punishment or a 

non-punitive, regulatory scheme. See State v. Rachel, 2002 WI 81, ¶18, 254 

Wis. 2d 215, 647 N.W.2d 762. 

¶19 First, the court looks to whether the express or implicit “intention of 

the legislature was to impose punishment.” Smith v. Doe, 538 U.S. 84, 92 (2003). 

If the legislature intended to impose punishment, the inquiry ends. Id. However, 

if the legislature did not intend to impose punishment, the second inquiry is 

whether the law should nonetheless be deemed punishment based on its effect. Id. 

This showing requires the “clearest proof” that the law is not what it purports to 

be. Id. 

¶20 The second inquiry involves the consideration of seven 

factors: (1) whether the limitation involves an affirmative disability or restraint; 

(2) whether it has historically been regarded as a punishment; (3) whether it comes 

into play only on a finding of scienter; (4) whether its operation will promote the 

traditional aims of punishment—i.e., retribution and deterrence; (5) whether the 
No. 2017AP1871 

10 

behavior to which it applies is already a crime; (6) whether an alternative purpose 

to which it may rationally be connected is assignable for it; and (7) whether it 

appears excessive in relation to the alternative purpose assigned. Muldrow, 381 

Wis. 2d 492, ¶31. 

¶21 Here, Peterson’s biological daughter was a witness, as she confirmed 

that Peterson was in the victim’s bedroom on the night of his arrest. WISCONSIN 

STAT. § 973.049 applies to restrictions placed on contacting a victim, witness, or 

co-actor, and it specifically states that the prohibition on contact of a witness is 

permitted if it is “in the interest of public protection.” The stated intent of the 

statute, therefore, is not punitive; it is designed for the protection of others, not to 

punish the offender. We therefore turn to above-referenced factors to determine 

whether the statute nevertheless has a punitive effect. 

¶22 First, the limitation on contact with Peterson’s daughter is not an 

affirmative disability or restraint. Under ex post facto cases, if the effect on a 

defendant is a minor or indirect disability or restraint, its effect is unlikely to be 

punitive. Smith, 538 U.S. at 99-100. The punishment of imprisonment is “the 

paradigmatic affirmative disability or restraint.” Id. at 100. Any disability or 

restraint imposed by the limited contact order in this case is very minor when 

compared to the restraint of imprisonment. Thus, the first factor does not support 

a finding of punitive effects. 

¶23 Second, an order limiting contact is not a traditional form of 

punishment. Third, the imposition of such an order is not reliant on an 

independent scienter element. Fourth, the limited contact order here does not 

serve to promote the traditional aims of punishment (retribution and deterrence). 

Rather, it is concerned with public protection. While the State concedes it may 
No. 2017AP1871 

11 

have some deterrent effect on future crimes, that is not dispositive, as “[a]ny 

number of governmental programs might deter crime without imposing 

punishment.” Smith, 538 U.S. at 102. 

¶24 Fifth, while the violation of a limited contact order may result in 

punishment, the behavior of simply being in contact with someone is not 

necessarily a criminal act. Thus, while there is a potential punishment associated 

with violating the subject order, that does not render the order itself punishment. 

¶25 Sixth, the limited contact order at issue in this case has a rational 

connection to a non-punitive purpose—namely, protection of a victim or witness 

against intimidation or further victimization. Id. Because there is a rational 

connection between the limited contact order and the need for protection of 

victims and witnesses, the statute does not have a punitive effect. 

¶26 Finally, the limited contact order is not excessive with respect to its 

non-punitive purpose. This particular factor concerns “whether the regulatory 

means chosen are reasonable in light of the non-punitive objective.” Id. at 105. 

When it comes to orders restricting contact, such an order is not automatic. 

Rather, the circuit court has discretion in determining whether and how such 

restrictions will be imposed if the court determines that the restriction “would be 

in the interest of public protection.” WIS. STAT. § 973.049(2); see also State v. 

Campbell, 2011 WI App 18, ¶23, 331 Wis. 2d 91, 794 N.W.2d 276. Here, the 

limited contact order provided Peterson with the ability to have contact with his 

daughter in a reasonable way, given the nature of the offenses. The restrictions 

imposed by the limited contact order were reasonably necessary for the protection 

of Peterson’s daughter. Under the intents-effects test, Peterson has not met his 

burden to show “by the clearest proof” that the order limiting his contact with his 
No. 2017AP1871 

12 

biological daughter has a punitive effect or otherwise constitutes criminal 

punishment. See Smith, 538 U.S. at 92. Thus, the court was not required to 

inform Peterson during the plea hearing that it could impose limitations on contact 

with his daughter. 

¶27 To the extent Peterson alternatively attempts to characterize the 

limited contact order as a “waiver” of his constitutional right to contact his 

daughter, we are not persuaded. Citing Oneida County Department of Social 

Services v. Therese S., 2008 WI App 159, 314 Wis. 2d 493, 762 N.W.2d 122, 

Peterson asserts that a parent must have knowledge of the constitutional rights 

given up by a plea. Therese S., however, is distinguishable on its facts, as it 

involved a plea to the grounds for termination of an individual’s parental rights. 

The discussion in that case is therefore inapplicable to the pleas entered in this 

criminal matter. 

¶28 In any event, Peterson did not waive any right to contact his 

daughter but, rather, voluntarily entered a plea with knowledge that the circuit 

court could impose a no-contact condition. Because the court had no mandatory 

duty to either explain the impact of the read-in charges or inform Peterson that it 

could limit contact with his daughter, the court properly denied Peterson’s motion 

for plea withdrawal without an evidentiary hearing. See Nelson v. State, 54 

Wis. 2d 489, 497-98, 195 N.W.2d 629 (1972) (no hearing required when 

defendant presents only conclusory allegations or when record conclusively 

demonstrates that he or she is not entitled to relief). 

¶29 Next, Peterson argues the circuit court erred by denying his motion 

for sentence modification. A circuit court has inherent authority to modify 

criminal sentences in certain limited circumstances. State v. Harbor, 2011 WI 28, 
No. 2017AP1871 

13 

¶35, 333 Wis. 2d 53, 797 N.W.2d 828. One such circumstance is when a new 

factor warrants modification. Id. Even where no new factor is presented, a circuit 

court has authority to modify a sentence when the court determines that the 

sentence is illegal or void, or when the court determines that the sentence is 

unduly harsh or unconscionable. Id., ¶35 n.8. A court also has authority to vacate 

a sentence and resentence the defendant if the court relied on inaccurate 

information when originally sentencing the defendant. State v. Tiepelman, 2006 

WI 66, ¶31, 291 Wis. 2d 179, 717 N.W.2d 1. 

¶30 Here, Peterson does not argue there is a new factor warranting

sentence modification, nor does he claim his sentence is illegal, void, unduly 

harsh, or unconscionable. Instead, he argues his sentence was based on 

“inaccurate information.” Peterson, however, identifies no inaccurate information 

considered by the circuit court at sentencing. Rather, he argues the court erred by 

rejecting Dickey’s assessment that the crimes were not motivated by pedophilic 

interest and by expressing its belief that the five-year sentence recommended by 

defense counsel would not be sufficient given the harm caused to the victim. 

Thus, Peterson’s actual complaint is with how the court exercised its discretion in 

weighing sentencing factors, and he specifically asserts on appeal that the 

sentencing court “abused its discretion.” 

¶31 A challenge to the circuit court’s sentencing discretion, however, 

cannot be raised in a WIS. STAT. § 974.06 postconviction motion. Smith v. State, 

85 Wis. 2d 650, 661, 271 N.W.2d 20 (1978). “[P]ostconviction review under sec. 

974.06 is applicable only to jurisdictional or constitutional matters or to errors that 

go directly to the issue of the defendant’s guilt.” Id. Because none of Peterson’s 

arguments are “jurisdictional or constitutional,” they cannot be raised in a 
No. 2017AP1871 

14 

§ 974.06 motion. The court, therefore, properly denied his motion for sentence 

modification. 

 By the Court.—Order affirmed. 

 This opinion will not be published. See WIS. STAT. RULE

809.23(1)(b)5.