Opinion ID: 1660862
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Should a guardian ad litem have been appointed for the defendant to appear for her prior to and during the course of the trial?

Text: This question was raised for the first time in the briefs that are before us on this appeal. We have frequently said that even the claim of a constitutional right will be deemed waived unless timely raised in the trial court. Cordes v. Hoffman (1963), 19 Wis. 2d 236, 120 N. W. 2d 137; Goyer v. State (1965), 26 Wis. 2d 244, 131 N. W. 2d 888; Rafferty v. State (1966), 29 Wis. 2d 470, 138 N. W. 2d 741. We have, however, concluded that this court may nevertheless decide a constitutional question not raised below if it appears in the interests of justice to do so and where there are no factual issues that need resolution. There are none which would preclude us from considering the defendant's claimed right to have a guardian ad litem. However, under the facts of this case we fail to see that a meritorious argument has been presented. The defendant relies primarily upon the recent United States Supreme Court case of In re Gault, supra. That case in essence held that a juvenile who is charged with conduct that in respect to an adult would be considered criminal is entitled to at least some of the constitutional protections afforded an adult in a criminal case. It specifically held that a juvenile must be advised of his right to counsel and of his right to remain silent. The Gault Case has no relevancy to the one presently before this court. Sherry Bradley was not prosecuted under ch. 48, Stats., the Children's Code. She was prosecuted as an adult under the Criminal Code and was afforded the proper constitutional protection. Counsel for the defendant argues principally that a guardian ad litem is required by the principles of Gault because of the possibilities that a confession of a juvenile may be the product of coercion. We have concluded that Sherry's confession was deliberate and uncoerced. Moreover, a guardian ad litem could offer no more protection to a defendant than could the timely appointment of other counsel. Although Sherry was informed of her right to counsel, she did not ask for one. There is no requirement that a guardian ad litem be appointed in these circumstances, nor has counsel called our attention to any authority which would authorize such an appointment. We conclude that defendant's argument in this respect is also without merit. By the Court. Judgment affirmed.