Kelli Thompson

What’s Next for Kelli Thompson?

The head of state public defender's office, now retiring, getting mentioned as possible state Supreme Court candidate.

Evers, Republicans Find Common Ground

Better relations between governor and Legislature helps create three major proposals.

GOP Legislators Approve Pay Hike for Prosecutors, Public Defenders

Evers budget called for $35 per hour. Joint Finance plan goes $1 higher.

Lawsuit Decries Lack of State Public Defenders

‘Constitutional crisis’, backlog of 35,000 cases because of shortage.

Wisconsin Public Defenders Badly Short Staffed

It could take years to work through a case backlog with current staffing levels.

Bill Gives Pay Parity to Public Defenders

Legislature okays 10% merit raise so state public defenders get same pay as prosecutors.

Coalition of Health Care, Advocates, Criminal Justice Partners Issue Recommendations to Reform State’s Crisis Mental Health Response

February 11, 2021

COVID-19 Surging in State Prisons

More than 1,700 staff and one-third of all inmates have tested positive. Loved ones struggle to get information.

Schwantes for Judge campaign announces first 100 endorsements from community leaders

Endorsers including Rep. Evan Goyke, six judges and more than 80 local attorneys

Will Senate Act on Assembly-Passed Bills?

160 bills passed by Assembly haven’t gotten consideration by state Senate.

Legislators May Hike Public Defenders Pay

Plan would more closely align state public defenders’ pay with that of state prosecutors.

Bill Would Increase Public Defender Pay

Bipartisan legislation funds merit based pay increases for public defenders.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #41 Recreating the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

AG Kaul Advocates for Crime Labs; Invites Legislators to Tour

"Failing to adequately fund the crime labs can result in backlogs and delay justice."

GOP Legislators Back Pay Hike for Lawyers

Hourly fee for private attorneys taking public defender cases would rise from $40 to $70.

Courts Jail the Poor, Rich Go Free

Judges question constitutionality of system jailing poor defendants for inability to pay bail.

Evers Embraces Expertise

Hiring talented people, appointing expert advisors, who knew you could govern that way?

Evers Has Many Advisers

And they are being asked to take on a huge agenda of possible reforms.

Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Policy Advisory Council

"We have to start prioritizing people, not prisons."

Public Defenders Group Backs Higher Lawyer Fees

List of attorneys in state willing to defend indigent clients declines 16% in last five years.

Judge Paul Rifelj gains endorsement of more Milwaukee judges and dozens of attorneys

As the first public defender appointed to the bench in many years, Rifelj is earning support from across the legal and political spectrum.