Opinion ID: 1618817
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: arraignment after jury sworn

Text: During the deputy state's attorney's opening statement, defendant brought the fact that he had not entered a plea to the court's attention. The trial judge asked the defendant whether he wished to request a mistrial, be rearraigned, and proceed to trial at a later date. The deputy state's attorney advised that he would then consider charging the defendant with first degree rape rather than second degree rape. After conferring with counsel, defendant elected to proceed with the arraignment and trial at once, and this course was followed. We find no error. A defendant cannot follow one course of strategy at the time of trial and, if that turns out to be unsatisfactory, complain that he should be discharged or given a new trial. Cross v. State, 1970, 45 Wis.2d 593, 173 N.W.2d 589.