Not too sure what "IC" or "ES" stands for in the Sentencing line....
Charges
Count no. Statute Description Severity Disposition
1 940.02(1) 1st-Degree Reckless Homicide Felony B
Guilty Due to Guilty Plea
Modifier: 939.63(1)(b) Use of a Dangerous Weapon
Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
11-20-2025 Written explanation of determinate sentence
Additional text:
given to defendant in court.
11-20-2025 Other papers
Additional text:
Temporary Commitment form filed
11-20-2025 Dispositional order/judgment Drettwan, Kristine E.
11-20-2025 Notes
Additional text:
BOND QUASHED
11-20-2025 Sentencing hearing Drettwan, Kristine E. Vorpahl, Jennifer
Additional text:
9:15 am case called. Appearance made. Attorney Zeke S Wiedenfeld in court for State of Wisconsin. Defendant Steven D Merkel in court, in custody. Attorney Obi Uzowulu in court for Steven D Merkel. Attorney Tyler A Jochman in court for Steven D Merkel.
State in compliance with victim rights.
Court addresses the guilty plea questionnaire and jury instructions 990.
Atty Jochman makes record as to Defendant recalls reviewing and signing JI 990 with previous attorney.
Defendant does not object with the court proceeding with today's hearing.
Court has colloquy with Defendant in re of JI 1020 & JI 990.
Defendant recalls discussing elements from JI 1020 & 990 with previous attorney and recalls the judge reviewing this with deft at Plea hearing.
Defendant recalls signing elements with previous attorney.
Atty Jochman states has has reviewed PSI with his client.
Court has reviewed victim impact statement.
Court has reviewed Defendant memorandum, recites corrections on record.
Atty Jochman makes statement as to jail credit form and no objection.
M.M. makes statement.
M.M-K. makes statement.
Exhibit #4 is marked and identified as copy of photos of victims from Mother.
No objection by Atty Jochman for publication of photos.
Court grants publication and receives exhibit #4.
Exhibit #1 is identified as copy of photos of victim; Exhibit #2 is identified as photo copy of firearm; Exhibit #3 is identified as photo copy of bathroom.
Atty Wiedenfeld asks to move Exhibit #2 into evidence.
Atty Wiedenfeld asks to move Exhibit #3 into evidence
Atty Wiedenfeld asks to move Exhibit #1 into evidence.
No objection by Atty Jochman.
Court receives exhibit #1, #2, #3.
Atty Wiedenfeld gives sentencing argument and sentencing recommendation.
Atty Jochman gives sentencing argument and sentencing recommendation.
Defendant does make statement.
Court gives sentencing factors and sentence Defendant.
Court takes short recess.
SENTENCE:
Ct1:
35 years, PRISON/PROBATION, Bifurcated,
25 IC
10 ES
CONDITIONS OF PROBATION/EXTENDED SUPERVISION:
Costs, DNA, Restitution
Not to possess any weapons. No Firearms. No Ammunition.
No alcohol.
Defendant is not to enter any bars, taverns, or liquor stores.
No illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.
No contact with victim or their residences with out the victim and probation's agent consent.
No contact with any minors without probation agent's approval.
Counseling as recommended by Probation Agent.
Not eligible for programming.
303 days dead time credit.
11:02 am case adjourned.
11-20-2025 Other papers
Additional text:
Application for Jail Time Credit
link:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
