Opinion
No. 2013AP1337.
2013-10-2
STATE of Wisconsin, Petitioner–Respondent, v. Taylor M.S., a minor, Respondent–Appellant.
After reviewing these factors, the court must state its finding on the record, and, if the court determines that “it is contrary to the best interests of the juvenile or of the public to hear the case,” the court shall enter an order waiving jurisdiction and referring the matter to the district attorney. Sec. 938.18(6). Waiver of juvenile jurisdiction under § 938.18 is within the sound discretion of the circuit court, and we will reverse the circuit court's determination on waiver “only if the record does not reflect a reasonable basis for the determination or a statement of the relevant facts or reasons motivating the determination is not carefully delineated in the record.” In re J.A.L., 162 Wis.2d 940, 960–61, 471 N.W.2d 493 (1991). The circuit court has discretion as to the weight it gives each of the statutory criteria. Id. at 960, 471 N.W.2d 493. The court later specifically rejected Lincoln Hills as an option, finding Neuenfeldt credible when she testified that she did not think Lincoln Hills would work in this case.