Gretchen Schuldt

Recent Articles

Court Watch: No Unemployment Benefits For Worker Making Homophobic Remarks
Court Watch

No Unemployment Benefits For Worker Making Homophobic Remarks

Appeals court rules Meijer store employee fired for cause for derogatory remarks.

MKE County: Committee Opposes Minimum Bail Bills
MKE County

Committee Opposes Minimum Bail Bills

Rejects Sup. Longdon’s push to support state legislative bills that increase bail.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Upholds Injunction Against Abortion Protester
Court Watch

Appeals Court Upholds Injunction Against Abortion Protester

Protester's threats against clinic employee constituted harassment, court rules.

Court Watch: 80% of State’s Judicial Races Uncontested
Court Watch

80% of State’s Judicial Races Uncontested

39 of 49 judges in state’s circuit and appellate courts face no opposition.

Bill Overrules Milwaukee’s No-Knock Ban

Bill Overrules Milwaukee’s No-Knock Ban

The 'search warrants have been demonized by the anti-police mob,’ says GOP legislator.

Court Watch: Drug Searches Target Cocaine, Pot, Heroin
Court Watch

Drug Searches Target Cocaine, Pot, Heroin

Police found drugs in 67% of home drug searches in county in 2019, report finds. Final story in series.

Court Watch: 75% of Home Drug Searches Target Blacks
Court Watch

75% of Home Drug Searches Target Blacks

90% of Milwaukee County searches in 2019 were in the city. Second in a series.

Court Watch: Most Home Drug Searches By Police Use No-Knock Warrants
Court Watch

Most Home Drug Searches By Police Use No-Knock Warrants

77% of all searches by MPD in 2019, report finds. First in a series.

Bill Could Terminate Prisoners’ Parental Rights

Bill Could Terminate Prisoners’ Parental Rights

Courts could take away parental rights of anyone sentenced to at least four years in prison.

Court Watch: High Court Considers Juvenile Shackling
Court Watch

High Court Considers Juvenile Shackling

Judges call for banning shackling in courts. State Supreme Court seeks public comments on issue.

Court Watch: What Covid Did To The Courts
Court Watch

What Covid Did To The Courts

Huge backlog of cases could take years to clear. Big numbers in Milwaukee and biggest counties.

Report Finds Continuing Police Bias

Report Finds Continuing Police Bias

ACLU analysis finds racial bias in stop and frisks by Milwaukee police.

Court Watch: Judges Ask High Court to Limit Judicial Shackling
Court Watch

Judges Ask High Court to Limit Judicial Shackling

'Every weekday, children ages 10 to 17 are brought into juvenile courtrooms in shackles.'

Court Watch: Court Upholds Milwaukee Cop’s Firing
Court Watch

Court Upholds Milwaukee Cop’s Firing

Erik A. Andrade was fired for racist and demeaning social media posts.

Evers Signs Bill Getting Tough On Crimes Against Elderly

Evers Signs Bill Getting Tough On Crimes Against Elderly

Longer sentences for elder abuse, other crimes against those 60 or older.

Lawmakers Back Milwaukee Youth Prison

Lawmakers Back Milwaukee Youth Prison

Bipartisan group seeks $43 million to fund replacement for scandal-plagued Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities.

Court Watch: Budget Gives Judges An 11% Raise
Court Watch

Budget Gives Judges An 11% Raise

Topped by increase of $18,732 in annual salary for state Supreme Court judges.

Court Watch: High Court Ruling Restricts Expungements
Court Watch

High Court Ruling Restricts Expungements

Decision puts expungement of criminal records “further out of the reach," dissent charges.

State Prison Population Expected To Surge

State Prison Population Expected To Surge

Report projects a rise to pre-pandemic levels, rising from 19,377 inmates to 23,471 by 2023.

GOP Bill Jails More, Costs $1 Billion

GOP Bill Jails More, Costs $1 Billion

Measure would re-imprison anyone who commits a crime while on extended supervision, parole, or probation.

Bill Hikes Penalties for Crimes Against “Elders”

Bill Hikes Penalties for Crimes Against “Elders”

Hasher punishment for crimes against those 60 or older, but cost of bill unknown.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Nixes Judge’s Shaming Order
Court Watch

Appeals Court Nixes Judge’s Shaming Order

Shoplifter ordered to notify management of her conviction whenever entering a store.

Court Watch: Courts Face Shortage of Defense Lawyers
Court Watch

Courts Face Shortage of Defense Lawyers

Backlog of cases delayed during pandemic causes shortage in county courts.

Court Watch: Let the Crowds In
Court Watch

Let the Crowds In

Highlights from state Supreme Court ruling overthrowing state order on bar and restaurant capacity limits.

Expunging Criminal Records Gets Broad Support

Expunging Criminal Records Gets Broad Support

Police, prosecutors, public defenders, business groups back bill expanding expungement.

Court Watch: Why Court Voided Evers Emergency Order
Court Watch

Why Court Voided Evers Emergency Order

Highlights of the Supreme Court ruling — and the dissent.

Analysis: Arrested at 14, Still in Jail at 40
Analysis

Arrested at 14, Still in Jail at 40

Kenneth Gray has served 25 years for reckless homicide. Is that long enough?

Court Watch: County Criminal Pot Convictions Down 94% Since 2010
Court Watch

County Criminal Pot Convictions Down 94% Since 2010

But little change in rest of state, with huge racial gap in arrests, convictions.

Court Watch: State Must Release Sex Offender Data
Court Watch

State Must Release Sex Offender Data

Supreme Court rules for defense lawyer who argues DOC has overstated how often offenders commit future crimes.

Court Watch: Bill Allows Testimony Via Video, Phone
Court Watch

Bill Allows Testimony Via Video, Phone

Opponents say it violates defendants’ right to confront witnesses against them.

Evers Proposes $45.8 Million for Milwaukee Juvenile Facility

Evers Proposes $45.8 Million for Milwaukee Juvenile Facility

County looks to build local facility, stop sending juveniles to Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.

Court Watch: Kegel vs. Roth for Circuit Court Branch 3
Court Watch

Kegel vs. Roth for Circuit Court Branch 3

Two attorneys running for vacant seat answer questions.

Bill Gives Pay Parity to Public Defenders

Bill Gives Pay Parity to Public Defenders

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

48 Justice-Related Proposals by Evers

48 Justice-Related Proposals by Evers

Budget plan packed with proposed changes to state system of justice.

Bill Blocks Vaccine Priority for Inmates

Bill Blocks Vaccine Priority for Inmates

Rep Wangaard seeks to correct ‘mistake’ by Gov. Evers.

County Supervisors Back $1 Pot Penalty

County Supervisors Back $1 Pot Penalty

8 board members push plan slashing $500 penalty for possession.

Court Watch: Criminal Record Expungement Bill Is Back
Court Watch

Criminal Record Expungement Bill Is Back

Bipartisan bill pushed by Rep. Evan Goyke nearly passed in last session.

Court Watch: High Court Upholds Gun Possession Ban for Felons
Court Watch

High Court Upholds Gun Possession Ban for Felons

But state research used to push for this criticized in Supreme Court decision.

Federal Stimulus Law Funds War on Pot

Federal Stimulus Law Funds War on Pot

COVID-19 relief law includes billions of dollars for drug enforcement efforts.

Court Watch: 2,000 Object to Redistricting Proposal
Court Watch

2,000 Object to Redistricting Proposal

272 pages of comments compiled by Fair Maps Coalition oppose state Supreme Court drawing legislative districts.

Court Watch: Court Rules for Patients on Medical Records
Court Watch

Court Rules for Patients on Medical Records

State appeals court says companies cannot overcharge for copies of medical records.

Court Watch: Appeal Seeks to Block Election Grants
Court Watch

Appeal Seeks to Block Election Grants

Conservative group opposes $6.3 million in private grants helping pay for elections in five Wisconsin cities.

State Prison COVID Cases Up 31%

State Prison COVID Cases Up 31%

Increase of 1,033 in one week, a new record.

State Prisons Too Secretive About COVID-19

State Prisons Too Secretive About COVID-19

Department of Corrections took months to release numbers, still trying to hide information.

Court Watch: Chisholm Calls Marsy’s Law ‘Unfunded Mandate’
Court Watch

Chisholm Calls Marsy’s Law ‘Unfunded Mandate’

County budgeting $224,000 for new staff to comply with requirements.

State Prisons See Biggest Weekly Outbreak

State Prisons See Biggest Weekly Outbreak

Positive cases up 41%, by 662 cases, in one week.

Court Watch: Municipal Court Attendance Way Up
Court Watch

Municipal Court Attendance Way Up

Huge reduction in no shows in Zoom era. Even a court appearance from Saudi Arabia.

40% of Kettle Moraine Inmates Have COVID-19

40% of Kettle Moraine Inmates Have COVID-19

1,612 positive coronavirus tests in state prisons since the beginning of the pandemic.

City Leadership Weak on Police Reforms?

City Leadership Weak on Police Reforms?

Serious reform of race-based stops by Milwaukee police not happening, report on federal court settlement finds.

DAs Seek 26% State Budget Increase

DAs Seek 26% State Budget Increase

District Attorneys want more staff and 10% raise for eligible employees.

Police Stops Still Biased, Report Shows

Police Stops Still Biased, Report Shows

Milwaukee Police stop Blacks eight times more often than whites, Crime and Justice Institute finds.

WI Public Defenders Office Wants 40 More Employees

WI Public Defenders Office Wants 40 More Employees

Needs $7.6 million budget hike to handle “exponential increase” in video evidence.

State Prisons Charging Inmates for Masks

State Prisons Charging Inmates for Masks

Corrections officials say inmates each got three washable masks, must pay after that.

COVID-19 Cases Up 70% in State Prisons

COVID-19 Cases Up 70% in State Prisons

907 positive cases, up from 373 on August 21, prisons in Dodge and Racine counties have worst outbreaks.

Court Watch: Judge’s Comments on Guns Sustained
Court Watch

Judge’s Comments on Guns Sustained

Defendant claims Judge Donald’s sentencing shows bias against gun owners, Appeals Court upholds judge.

Republican Senators Offer 8 Police Bills

Republican Senators Offer 8 Police Bills

One requires cities in Wisconsin to maintain current police funding or lose state aid.

Court Watch: Court Ruling Limits Expungement
Court Watch

Court Ruling Limits Expungement

Even minor violations of state corrections' supervision rules make ex-offenders ineligible.

Milwaukee Police Gobble Up City Budget

Milwaukee Police Gobble Up City Budget

MPD got 62 cents of every new city budget dollar over last ten years.

Police Cuts Could Hit Minority Officers

Police Cuts Could Hit Minority Officers

Milwaukee Police Department’s Black and Hispanic officers tend to have less seniority.

12 Years Behind Bars, Now Released

12 Years Behind Bars, Now Released

Milwaukee DA will not retry Ladarius Marshall after federal judge finds his constitutional rights violated at age 16.

Court Watch: Court Upholds MPD Officers’ Suspensions
Court Watch

Court Upholds MPD Officers’ Suspensions

FPC suspended two Milwaukee cops who swore at and manhandled a man walking in the street.

Prison Admissions to Rise Amid Pandemic

Prison Admissions to Rise Amid Pandemic

Pause in admissions ends this month, even as COVID-19 numbers rise.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Nixes Post-Polygraph Confession
Court Watch

Appeals Court Nixes Post-Polygraph Confession

Officers repeatedly told suspect he failed lie detector but didn’t explain results can't be used in court.

Court Watch: Ruling Limits Involuntary Medication of Inmates
Court Watch

Ruling Limits Involuntary Medication of Inmates

WI Supreme Court says prisoners can’t be forcibly medicated unless they are dangerous.

Inside the State’s Prisons

Inside the State’s Prisons

Inmates talk about prison life during a pandemic when only 1% have been tested for virus.

Court Watch: Court Overturns 2010 Homicide Conviction
Court Watch

Court Overturns 2010 Homicide Conviction

Milwaukee police clearly violated suspect’s Miranda rights, federal judge rules.

Court Watch: Karofsky Won 17 Milwaukee County Municipalities
Court Watch

Karofsky Won 17 Milwaukee County Municipalities

Lost only Hales Corners and Franklin by small margins, got 86% in Shorewood.

What’s Life Like Inside State’s Prisons?

What’s Life Like Inside State’s Prisons?

Contrasting state's official description vs. inmate’s account of prison life during pandemic.

Charting the Changes in State’s Prisons

Charting the Changes in State’s Prisons

Courts grinding to a halt, 39% drop in locking up those on probation, parole.

Op Ed: We Urge Release of Aged, Infirm Inmates
Op Ed

We Urge Release of Aged, Infirm Inmates

Advocacy groups urge Evers, DOC to expand compassionate release during outbreak.

Court Watch: Deputy City Attorney Accused of Racism
Court Watch

Deputy City Attorney Accused of Racism

Defense attorney calls for investigation of Deputy City Attorney Jan Smokowicz.

City Hall: Committee Demands Stop-and-Frisk Plan
City Hall

Committee Demands Stop-and-Frisk Plan

18 months after court settlement, Judiciary committee wants Fire & Police Commission plan with specific timelines.

Court Watch: Kelly, Karofsky Divide the County
Court Watch

Kelly, Karofsky Divide the County

Karofsky wins Milwaukee and North Shore, Kelly wins southern suburbs in high court race.

Court Watch: Police Officer Denies Stepping on Sterling Brown
Court Watch

Police Officer Denies Stepping on Sterling Brown

But video shows he did. More testimony from controversial 2018 arrest of Bucks player

Morales Hides Policies on Public Protests?

Morales Hides Policies on Public Protests?

Police procedures offered to Fire & Police Commission on handling demonstrations, rallies are heavily redacted.

Fire & Police Commission Okays Probe

Fire & Police Commission Okays Probe

To investigate leak of police department video. But who will do investigation and how will it be funded?

Bill to Impound Cars Costly for Cities

Bill to Impound Cars Costly for Cities

Republican bill could cost local governments $50 million per year and charge owners of autos that are stolen.

Court Watch: Most Muni Court Pot Cases Charged Blacks in 2019
Court Watch

Most Muni Court Pot Cases Charged Blacks in 2019

39% of city’s population is charged with 77% of Municipal Court’s pot possession cases.

Q&A With Circuit Court Candidates Part Two

Q&A With Circuit Court Candidates Part Two

Blomme, Dedinsky and Whitney make their case for election to Branch 5. Part Two

Court Watch: Q&A With Circuit Court Candidates
Court Watch

Q&A With Circuit Court Candidates

Blomme, Dedinsky and Whitney make their case for election to Branch 5. Part 1 of two-part story.

Court Watch: Officer Threatened to Tow Brown’s Car
Court Watch

Officer Threatened to Tow Brown’s Car

In testimony police sergeant admits no legal basis for threats against Bucks player Sterling Brown.

FPC Leader Submitted Inaccurate Resume

FPC Leader Submitted Inaccurate Resume

Aldrete falsely stated she taught a criminal justice course for three years at MATC.

Court Watch: Blacks More at Risk for Pot Prosecution
Court Watch

Blacks More at Risk for Pot Prosecution

7% of state population but 21% of charges. Cannabis “the drug of the privileged”?

The Sterling Brown Case: More Details on Tasing of Bucks Player
The Sterling Brown Case

More Details on Tasing of Bucks Player

Officer Bojan Samardzic says he understands why Sterling Brown got upset by police treatment.

Morales Blames ACLU Suit for Traffic Ticket Drop

Morales Blames ACLU Suit for Traffic Ticket Drop

Police Chief says stop-and-frisk settlement caused decline. But some question this.

The Sterling Brown Case: ‘Could Have Been Dead People in Walgreens.’
The Sterling Brown Case

‘Could Have Been Dead People in Walgreens.’

One year later police officer still defends his handling of Bucks player Sterling Brown.

Court Watch: Milwaukee Traffic Tickets Down 46%
Court Watch

Milwaukee Traffic Tickets Down 46%

Ticket-writing jumped in 2018 amid outrage about reckless driving, but way down in 2019.

Jailed Shorewood Cop Has New Police Job

Jailed Shorewood Cop Has New Police Job

Officer Cody Smith falsified documents, lied repeatedly after inmate hung himself in jail.

Court Watch: State Defends Juvenile Life Sentences
Court Watch

State Defends Juvenile Life Sentences

DOJ lawyers seek to dismiss ACLU suit calling this cruel and unusual punishment.

Court Watch: Shorewood Sued Over Inmate’s Suicide
Court Watch

Shorewood Sued Over Inmate’s Suicide

Suit alleges unlawful detention, wrongful death of mentally ill man.

Court Watch: 85% of County’s Pot Cases Arrest Blacks
Court Watch

85% of County’s Pot Cases Arrest Blacks

And 95% were men. Dane County arrests are even more disproportionate racially.

Court Watch: Racial Disparity in U.S. Attorney’s Cases
Court Watch

Racial Disparity in U.S. Attorney’s Cases

Local gun cases they pick from District Attorney for federal prosecution slant toward black defendants.

Court Watch: Court Finds County Not Liable For Assaults
Court Watch

Court Finds County Not Liable For Assaults

Polk County Jail officer sexually assaulted female inmates but Appeals Court tosses out $2 million verdict.

Court Watch: Absentee Dad Can’t Collect from Son’s Estate
Court Watch

Absentee Dad Can’t Collect from Son’s Estate

Court rules father won’t get share of $1.4 million legal settlement in death of his son.

Court Watch: Cops Can Use Lying, Trickery, Court Rules
Court Watch

Cops Can Use Lying, Trickery, Court Rules

Judges Gundrum, Neubauer approve police deceit to get confession from cognitively challenged man.

Court Watch: Pot Arrests Vary Wildly By County
Court Watch

Pot Arrests Vary Wildly By County

Some outstate counties have far more marijuana charges and felony charges per resident.

Court Watch: City Will Borrow for Police Settlement
Court Watch

City Will Borrow for Police Settlement

Milwaukee has borrowed many millions to pay off police legal settlements in last decade.

Court Watch: Will Victoriano Heredia Die In Prison?
Court Watch

Will Victoriano Heredia Die In Prison?

Prison for life for crime at age 17. ACLU suit challenges life sentences for teens.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Expands Legal Searches
Court Watch

Appeals Court Expands Legal Searches

Suspected drunk driver's car can be searched for other drugs. Hagedorn joins ruling.

City Carries Shelton to Victory

City Carries Shelton to Victory

Candidate for circuit court judge lost the suburbs, but won city by huge margin.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Rules Sperm DNA Relevant
Court Watch

Appeals Court Rules Sperm DNA Relevant

Reverses lower court decision disallowing DNA not from defendant found on bed in sexual assault case.

Court Watch: Shelton Discusses Past Police Encounters
Court Watch

Shelton Discusses Past Police Encounters

Circuit Court candidate’s experiences point to possible racial bias in the suburbs.

Court Watch: Shelton, Jones Pick Best and Worst Cases
Court Watch

Shelton, Jones Pick Best and Worst Cases

Milwaukee Circuit Court candidates pick best and worst Supreme Court decisions.

Court Watch: Why Shelton, Jones Want To Be Judge
Court Watch

Why Shelton, Jones Want To Be Judge

Candidates for Branch 40 Circuit Court talk about their motivations.

Evers Funds Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility

Evers Funds Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility

Budget has $8.1 million for upgrades, so he won’t close facility as critics have demanded.

Court Watch: County’s Felony Cases Down Since 2011
Court Watch

County’s Felony Cases Down Since 2011

Number of cases rose 30% statewide while declining 2% in Milwaukee County.

Court Watch: Judge Gabler Provided False Information
Court Watch

Judge Gabler Provided False Information

Appointed to bench by Walker after his application falsely described municipal court violations.

Why They’re In Prison

Why They’re In Prison

Offenses for men and women inmates in state prisons.

Court Watch: Tougher Drunk Driving Laws Proposed
Court Watch

Tougher Drunk Driving Laws Proposed

Criminalized first offenses and fines that could devastate the poor, ACLU says.

Court Watch: County Wins $2.3 Million Grant for Jail Reform
Court Watch

County Wins $2.3 Million Grant for Jail Reform

MacArthur grant funds effort to address overcrowding at county jail, House of Corrections.

Court Watch: City’s Pot Cases Down 17% Last Year
Court Watch

City’s Pot Cases Down 17% Last Year

Milwaukee Municipal Court sees decline in marijuana cases in 2018.

Study Calls for Probation, Parole Reform

Study Calls for Probation, Parole Reform

Wisconsin’s system is “wasting money and wasting lives,” should learn from other states.

Trip Down the Aisle Is Very Lo-o-o-ng

Trip Down the Aisle Is Very Lo-o-o-ng

Fox Lake inmate has tried for nearly a year to get prison officials to approve his marriage.

1.8 Million Hours of State Prison Overtime

1.8 Million Hours of State Prison Overtime

Cost $51 million in 2018, system badly short staffed, Evers seeks reform.

Court Watch: Chisholm Supports Fully Legal Pot
Court Watch

Chisholm Supports Fully Legal Pot

But only with adequate implementation and regulatory structures, he says.

Everyone Wants Legal Pot!

Everyone Wants Legal Pot!

A majority in all 19 Milwaukee communities favored legal pot in November referendum.

Court Watch: 41% of State Inmates Have Mental Health Issues
Court Watch

41% of State Inmates Have Mental Health Issues

Critics decry use of prisons as dumping grounds for people with mental health problems.

Court Watch: State Investigators Leave Teachers in Limbo
Court Watch

State Investigators Leave Teachers in Limbo

DPI investigations may present due process problems, appeals court judge writes.

Court Watch: Wood County Defendants Go Without Lawyers
Court Watch

Wood County Defendants Go Without Lawyers

Common practice in county is to hold preliminary hearings without a defense attorney.

Court Watch: Borowski Transferred to Different Court
Court Watch

Borowski Transferred to Different Court

Judicial rotation for circuit court judges switches him from court where he caused a furor.

Court Watch: Borowski Vacates Contempt Order, Recuses Himself
Court Watch

Borowski Vacates Contempt Order, Recuses Himself

Judge backs off from case where he had defense attorney handcuffed and imprisoned.

Court Watch: Borowski Under Pressure on Contempt Order
Court Watch

Borowski Under Pressure on Contempt Order

Public Defenders Office calls on judge to vacate controversial order and jailing of lawyer.

A Sweep for Marijuana Referendums!

A Sweep for Marijuana Referendums!

On 18 county and city ballots, all approved by up to 88% of voters.

Court Watch:  Apologize or Resign, Lawyers Tell Judge
Court Watch

Apologize or Resign, Lawyers Tell Judge

Judge Borowski had defense lawyer handcuffed and jailed; state attorneys group outraged.

Court Watch: 225 Substitution Requests Against One Judge!
Court Watch

225 Substitution Requests Against One Judge!

All filed in last year against new Circuit Judge Kristy Yang, elected in April 2017.

Court Watch: Judge Goes Easy on Violent Cop
Court Watch

Judge Goes Easy on Violent Cop

Milwaukee police officer kicked subdued suspect in the face, gets fine, 14 days in jail.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Revives Girls Prison Lawsuit
Court Watch

Appeals Court Revives Girls Prison Lawsuit

Teen girls put in isolation for months, attempted suicide, at state’s Copper Lake facility.

Court Watch: 42 Days in Jail for Rolling His Eyes
Court Watch

42 Days in Jail for Rolling His Eyes

Judge puts defendant in jail for alleged bad attitude. Appeals court overturns decision.

Court Watch: Public Defender Pushes $70 Rate for Appointed Counsel
Court Watch

Public Defender Pushes $70 Rate for Appointed Counsel

State hourly rate of $40 lowest in nation, indigent defendants often have no attorney.

Court Watch: Court Reverses $6.7 Million Rape Verdict
Court Watch

Court Reverses $6.7 Million Rape Verdict

Federal appeals court rules county not liable for employee raping county jail inmate.

Court Watch: 18-Year-Old Hangs Himself, Lacked Lawyer
Court Watch

18-Year-Old Hangs Himself, Lacked Lawyer

Case spotlights state’s constitutional crisis, inadequate funding for appointed counsel.

Court Watch: Life Sentence For Juvenile OK, Court Says
Court Watch

Life Sentence For Juvenile OK, Court Says

Man who killed woman when he was 16 gets life plus 32 years. Appeal court upholds it.

Pot Referendums on November Ballot

Pot Referendums on November Ballot

15 counties, two cities have referendums on legalizing medical or all marijuana use.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Gives Immigrant Second Chance
Court Watch

Appeals Court Gives Immigrant Second Chance

Seventh circuit, based in Northern Illinois, overrules federal government, says law protects asylum seeker.

Experts Question Schimel’s School Safety Grants

Experts Question Schimel’s School Safety Grants

Sending mental health professionals to training designed for security officers?

Court Watch: 16 Court Reforms of Police Department
Court Watch

16 Court Reforms of Police Department

ACLU stop-and-frisk settlement requires many changes by Milwaukee Police Department.

Court Watch: Bail Jumping Charges Soar in Some Counties
Court Watch

Bail Jumping Charges Soar in Some Counties

Iowa, Chippewa and Eau Claire counties the worst, but Milwaukee has many, too.

Court Watch: The Plague of Bail Jumping Charges
Court Watch

The Plague of Bail Jumping Charges

134% increase in such charges in state since 2000 may force innocent people to plead guilty.

Court Watch: Judge Overrules Traffic Stop Arrest
Court Watch

Judge Overrules Traffic Stop Arrest

Milwaukee police officers had no grounds for interrogating driver, appeals judge rules.

County Board Okays Pot Referendum

County Board Okays Pot Referendum

Hope is that advisory referendum will push state legislators to act.

Court Watch: Offense At Age Nine a Felony?
Court Watch

Offense At Age Nine a Felony?

State high court approves adult felony charge though offender then said to be eight or nine.

Court Watch: Just 13% of City’s Pot Cases Involve Whites
Court Watch

Just 13% of City’s Pot Cases Involve Whites

Blacks and Hispanics make up 57% of city population but 86% of pot cases in 2017.

Court Watch: 36 Judges Call for Defense Lawyer Pay Hikes
Court Watch

36 Judges Call for Defense Lawyer Pay Hikes

Circuit judges from 18 counties cite difficulties finding lawyers for indigent defendants.

Court Watch: State Incarcerations Surpass National Average
Court Watch

State Incarcerations Surpass National Average

Wisconsin now imprisons a higher percent of people than national average and neighboring states.

Court Watch: Public Defenders Group Backs Higher Lawyer Fees
Court Watch

Public Defenders Group Backs Higher Lawyer Fees

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

Court Watch: State Has Lowest Appointed Lawyer Fee
Court Watch

State Has Lowest Appointed Lawyer Fee

50th in nation for pay to court appointed defense lawyers. Eau Claire judge calls for change.

Court Watch: Whites Just 9% of County Pot Arrests
Court Watch

Whites Just 9% of County Pot Arrests

Blacks are 25% of county residents but were 86% of all marijuana arrests in last two years.

Court Watch: Attorney Fees Challenge Ashland County
Court Watch

Attorney Fees Challenge Ashland County

Most lawyers won’t work for $40 per hour, some came from La Crosse, 250 miles away.

Court Watch: State Bar Backs Pay Hike for Appointed Lawyers
Court Watch

State Bar Backs Pay Hike for Appointed Lawyers

Hourly fee for court appointed lawyers so low they can lose money on cases.

Court Watch: Low Lawyer Fees a “Constitutional Crisis”?
Court Watch

Low Lawyer Fees a “Constitutional Crisis”?

Judge says defendants wait in jail because attorneys won’t work for state pay of $40 hour.

Court Watch: Will Robert Lee Stinson Get Justice?
Court Watch

Will Robert Lee Stinson Get Justice?

DNA exonerated him of murder after 24 years in jail, appeals court okays wrongful conviction suit.

Court Watch: Dallet Won 313 of 322 City Wards
Court Watch

Dallet Won 313 of 322 City Wards

Screnock won just nine wards, and 25% of Milwaukee’s total vote.

Court Watch: Dallet Won in Trumpland
Court Watch

Dallet Won in Trumpland

She even won Sauk County, home base of Michael Screnock.

Court Watch: MPD Traffic Citations Hit Minorities Heavily
Court Watch

MPD Traffic Citations Hit Minorities Heavily

Whites issued just 13% of traffic citations by Milwaukee Police in 2017.

Court Watch: Public Defender Pay At Issue
Court Watch

Public Defender Pay At Issue

For decades they’ve earned $40 hour in Wisconsin; federal public defenders get $140 hour.

Court Watch: The Judge That Robin Vos Hates
Court Watch

The Judge That Robin Vos Hates

Who is Judge Josann Reynolds, the Walker appointee who ruled he must hold special elections?

Court Watch: City Seeks Dismissal of Stop & Frisk Suit
Court Watch

City Seeks Dismissal of Stop & Frisk Suit

Says Chief Flynn retired and practice ended.

Court Watch: County’s Felony Traffic Cases Up 21%
Court Watch

County’s Felony Traffic Cases Up 21%

2017 increase probably driven by tougher drunk driving laws.

Court Watch: Felony Drug Cases Rose 14% In 2017
Court Watch

Felony Drug Cases Rose 14% In 2017

Opioid use may drive the numbers. Drunk driving felony cases also rose.

Court Watch: Can Juveniles Get Life Without Parole?
Court Watch

Can Juveniles Get Life Without Parole?

Appeals Court asks State Supreme Court to decide if that’s constitutional.

Prison Bill’s True Cost Much Higher

Prison Bill’s True Cost Much Higher

Vukmir proposal to toughen revocation rules could cost $201 million per year.

Court Watch: Justices Differ on Right to Lawyer
Court Watch

Justices Differ on Right to Lawyer

High Court majority sides with police, who say suspect waived right, dissent calls that a "fantasy.”

Court Watch: Muni Court Traffic Cases Up 30% in 2017
Court Watch

Muni Court Traffic Cases Up 30% in 2017

Numbers reflect change in pursuit policy Chief Flynn agreed to adopt.

Our Crowded Prisons: County Jails Handle State Prison Overflow
Our Crowded Prisons

County Jails Handle State Prison Overflow

But they’re “bordeline inhumane,” worse than state prisons, some say.

Court Watch: Trump Nominee Has Unjudicial Views
Court Watch

Trump Nominee Has Unjudicial Views

Wisconsin judge nominee Gordon Giampietro dams birth control, gay marriage, public schools.

Court Watch: State High Court Restricts Open Records
Court Watch

State High Court Restricts Open Records

Ruling makes it harder for unions to determine who has voted in elections.

Our Crowded Prisons: Racine County Prisons Over Capacity
Our Crowded Prisons

Racine County Prisons Over Capacity

But Oregon prison is even more crowded

Court Watch: GOP Legislators Push Harsher Bail Rules
Court Watch

GOP Legislators Push Harsher Bail Rules

State constitutional amendment opposed by defense lawyers, supported by City of Milwaukee.

Court Watch: Voter’s Choice, Burns vs. Dallet
Court Watch

Voter’s Choice, Burns vs. Dallet

Two Supreme Court candidates answer questions, but Screnock declines.

Court Watch: West Allis is Top Debtors’ Prison
Court Watch

West Allis is Top Debtors’ Prison

Jails more ordinance violators than all other county municipalities combined.

Our Crowded Prisons: Ellsworth Prison at 213% of Capacity
Our Crowded Prisons

Ellsworth Prison at 213% of Capacity

U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that no more than 137% is acceptable.

Our Crowded Prisons: Green Bay Prison To Be Replaced?
Our Crowded Prisons

Green Bay Prison To Be Replaced?

Century-old Green Bay and the Oshkosh prison both horribly overcrowded. Part 5 of series.

Court Watch: Bill Hikes Pay For Private Bar Lawyers
Court Watch

Bill Hikes Pay For Private Bar Lawyers

If bill passes, attorneys representing indigent defendants in criminal cases would get pay increase.

Court Watch: Federal Judge Slams Lawyers in Jail Suit
Court Watch

Federal Judge Slams Lawyers in Jail Suit

Suit over baby’s death in county jail has sparring lawyers acting “like fourth graders.”

Court Watch: Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records
Court Watch

Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records

Defendant couldn’t request, jury couldn’t see records unless victim allows it.

Columbia Prison at 153% of Capacity

Columbia Prison at 153% of Capacity

Inmates sleep on the floor because there are not enough beds. Part 4 in a series.

Court Watch: Why John Doe Probe Saved Emails
Court Watch

Why John Doe Probe Saved Emails

And why Schimel report complaining about investigators could be wrong.

Waupun, Taycheedah at 140% of Capacity

Waupun, Taycheedah at 140% of Capacity

Some areas “no longer safe to occupy.” Part 3 of primer on prisons.

A Primer on Overcrowded Prisons, Part II

A Primer on Overcrowded Prisons, Part II

Percent of old inmates with costly medical problems keeps rising.

A Primer On Crowded State Prisons

A Primer On Crowded State Prisons

The worst could be Fox Lake prison, at 137% of capacity.

Court Watch: Vukmir Bill Will Cause Prison Bed Shortage
Court Watch

Vukmir Bill Will Cause Prison Bed Shortage

State prisons already overcrowded; bill would add 1,800 inmates, cost $57 million per year.

Bill Keeps Accused Cops on the Job

Bill Keeps Accused Cops on the Job

State bill would also let cops union grab power on Fire & Police Commission.

Court Watch: County Seeks Overturn of $6.7 Million Verdict
Court Watch

County Seeks Overturn of $6.7 Million Verdict

Fellow inmate claims woman who won verdict wasn’t sexually assaulted in county jail.

State Won’t Meet Prison Rape Guidelines

State Won’t Meet Prison Rape Guidelines

Walker commission rejects improvements, kicks issue to long-range study.

Court Watch: Police Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets
Court Watch

Police Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets

Tickets up in August, September, after declining for years.

Court Watch: County Must Pay $6.7 Million Verdict
Court Watch

County Must Pay $6.7 Million Verdict

Judge rules insurer not liable for sexual assault of County Jail inmate.

Legalizing Pot Could Be Windfall For Wisconsin

Legalizing Pot Could Be Windfall For Wisconsin

Legalization could generate $138 million per year in tax revenue beginning in 2021.

Court Watch: Republicans Want Activist Judges?
Court Watch

Republicans Want Activist Judges?

Bill pushes judges to overrule local laws that violate “spirit” of state statutes.

Court Watch: Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged
Court Watch

Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged

Rep. Goyke’s bill gets bipartisan support, allows retroactive expungement of youthful convictions.

Court Watch: Any Whites Nabbed for Pot Possession?
Court Watch

Any Whites Nabbed for Pot Possession?

Research of Milwaukee County cases show whites rarely arrested.

Court Watch: County, Insurer Fight Over $6.7 Million Claim
Court Watch

County, Insurer Fight Over $6.7 Million Claim

$6.7 million awarded to sexually assaulted county jail inmate, will insurance cover it?

Court Watch: Who’s Charged for Pot Possession?
Court Watch

Who’s Charged for Pot Possession?

Review of cases shows black males mostly charged for a second offense.

Council Supports Restricting Asset Forfeiture

Council Supports Restricting Asset Forfeiture

Would only be allowed for convicted criminals. Milwaukee police opposed change.

Op Ed: Reduce Penalties for Pot Possession
Op Ed

Reduce Penalties for Pot Possession

Second offense possession still a felony in Wisconsin.

Campaign Cash: Predatory Loan King Backs Schimel
Campaign Cash

Predatory Loan King Backs Schimel

Rod Aycox, partner of reputed mob figure, gives $2,500 to Attorney General Brad Schimel.

Court Watch: Judge Rules on Lincoln Hills
Court Watch

Judge Rules on Lincoln Hills

Drastic cutbacks in pepper spray, mechanical constraints, solitary confinement.

Court Watch: 5-Year Drop in County’s Felony Cases
Court Watch

5-Year Drop in County’s Felony Cases

Serious crime cases down by 9%, but statewide felony cases rose 18% from 2011-2016.

Court Watch: Judge Sets Guidelines for Lincoln Hills
Court Watch

Judge Sets Guidelines for Lincoln Hills

Reducing solitary confinement and use of pepper spray on the list.

Court Watch: Lifetime GPS Monitoring Is Legal
Court Watch

Lifetime GPS Monitoring Is Legal

State Appeals Court approves lifetime GPS device for former sex offender.

Court Watch: Pictures of Youths in Prison
Court Watch

Pictures of Youths in Prison

ACLU’s suit documents questionable treatment at Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Clarifies Police Custody
Court Watch

Appeals Court Clarifies Police Custody

State claims a handcuffed man not in “custody.”

Court Watch: Raped Jail Inmate Awarded $6.7 Million
Court Watch

Raped Jail Inmate Awarded $6.7 Million

But no award from jury for being shackled while delivering her baby.

2,030 Strip Searches at Youth Prisons

2,030 Strip Searches at Youth Prisons

Just 32 of searches in one year at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake found contraband.

Court Watch: Clarke Evading State Law on Jail?
Court Watch

Clarke Evading State Law on Jail?

Tells court he’s not in charge of jail medical care; state law says he is.

Court Watch: County Tougher on Misdemeanors
Court Watch

County Tougher on Misdemeanors

Judges give sentences twice as long with more jailing than other counties.

Sheriff Clarke Loses Key Ruling

Sheriff Clarke Loses Key Ruling

Judge won’t dismiss case on shackling of pregnant inmates in county jail.

Dallet May Run for Supreme Court

Dallet May Run for Supreme Court

Judge Rebecca Dallet could oppose Justice Michael Gableman.

Court Watch: County May Settle With Beaten Inmate
Court Watch

County May Settle With Beaten Inmate

County lawyer backs $18,000 payment on County Jail inmate's suit.

Court Watch: County Hikes Jailing Fee for City
Court Watch

County Hikes Jailing Fee for City

Milwaukee, suburbs face big hikes for municipal offenders jailed.

Court Watch: Cocaine Mom Law Struck Down
Court Watch

Cocaine Mom Law Struck Down

Federal court says state can’t lock up pregnant women who use drugs, alcohol.

Abele Blasts State on Juvenile Prisons

Abele Blasts State on Juvenile Prisons

State wants 21% hike in fees and more inmates at failing prisons.

Court Watch: ACLU Seeks Lincoln Hills Injunction
Court Watch

ACLU Seeks Lincoln Hills Injunction

Wants court to temporarily ban solitary confinement at juvenile prisons.

More Horrors at Juvenile Prisons?

More Horrors at Juvenile Prisons?

Suit charges strip searches at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.

Jails for the Sick and Elderly

Jails for the Sick and Elderly

19% of state prisoners now over age 50, up from 5% in 1995.

Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year

Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year

Department of Corrections estimates minimum cost of get-tough bill.

Court Watch: Wales v. Yang, Closing Arguments
Court Watch

Wales v. Yang, Closing Arguments

They’re getting nasty, dueling over alleged dirty campaigning.

Court Watch: Drunk Driving Law’s Annual Cost $20 Million?
Court Watch

Drunk Driving Law’s Annual Cost $20 Million?

Walker, Corrections won’t estimate cost of longer prison time for offenders.

Court Watch: Bail Jumping Charges Need Reform?
Court Watch

Bail Jumping Charges Need Reform?

7,034 felony charges in 2016 for violating conditions of bond. Goyke seeks reform.

Court Watch: Another Suit Against Clarke, County Jail
Court Watch

Another Suit Against Clarke, County Jail

It’s the second suit alleging jail workers shackled pregnant woman inmate.

Court Watch: Man Charged for Childhood Crime
Court Watch

Man Charged for Childhood Crime

State Appeals Court okays adult felony charge for act committed at age nine.

Op Ed: Why Gorsuch’s Wrong for Supreme Court
Op Ed

Why Gorsuch’s Wrong for Supreme Court

He favors corporations over people and holds radical views.

Court Watch: County May Hike Lockup Costs
Court Watch

County May Hike Lockup Costs

Would mean higher rate for inmates, municipal ordinance violators, from suburbs, city.

Court Watch: Yang vs. Wales; Should Judges Recuse?
Court Watch

Yang vs. Wales; Should Judges Recuse?

Wales says yes if parties to case gave $1,000 donation, Yang undecided.

Court Watch: Wales and Yang on Judicial Pay
Court Watch

Wales and Yang on Judicial Pay

Two candidates for circuit court consider: should they be paid more?

Court Watch: Clarke Could Face Constitutional Claim
Court Watch

Clarke Could Face Constitutional Claim

Oregon court decision suggests Sheriff is wrongly detaining immigrants.

Court Watch: Clarke Can’t Delay Class Action Suit
Court Watch

Clarke Can’t Delay Class Action Suit

Pregnant women shackled in county jail, could be as many as 300 in suit.

Court Watch: Judicial Candidates Explain Themselves
Court Watch

Judicial Candidates Explain Themselves

The philosophies of circuit court opponents Yang and Wales.

Court Watch: Supreme Court Workload Down By 48%
Court Watch

Supreme Court Workload Down By 48%

Huge drop in cases handled by state high court. Court of Appeals workload also way down.

Court Watch: Clarke Clueless On Department Violations?
Court Watch

Clarke Clueless On Department Violations?

In court testimony, Sheriff can’t say how many employees faced criminal charges.

Court Watch: Chemical Spraying Used At Lincoln Hills
Court Watch

Chemical Spraying Used At Lincoln Hills

ACLU suit shows pepper spray used repeatedly, violating state administrative code.

Court Watch: Shocking Charges in Lincoln Hills Suit
Court Watch

Shocking Charges in Lincoln Hills Suit

Youth suffer excruciating pain, shackling, solitary confinement, ACLU suit charges.

Court Watch: Municipal Court Cases Drop By 54%
Court Watch

Municipal Court Cases Drop By 54%

Court handles 75,000 fewer cases than 5 years ago. Are fewer judges needed?

Court Watch: City Approves $110,000 Settlement
Court Watch

City Approves $110,000 Settlement

Suit filed charging excessive police force in ugly 2012 incident.

Court Watch: Big Donors Like Justice Ziegler
Court Watch

Big Donors Like Justice Ziegler

Unopposed Supreme Court Justice raised $373,106 in campaign donations in 2016.

Court Watch: Most Reversed Judge Of The Year
Court Watch

Most Reversed Judge Of The Year

Judge William Gabler had four cases overturned by higher courts in 2016.

Court Watch: Four Candidates For Muni Court Judge
Court Watch

Four Candidates For Muni Court Judge

Incumbent Judge Valarie Hill faces three challengers and many questions.

Court Watch: Justice Ziegler, 37 Judges Unopposed
Court Watch

Justice Ziegler, 37 Judges Unopposed

Just 11 of 48 Circuit Court judges face opponents in April Election

Court Watch: The Return Of Michelle Ackerman Havas
Court Watch

The Return Of Michelle Ackerman Havas

Walker appointee to judge rejected by voters now running for a different branch.

Court Watch: Supreme Court Rules Against Open Records
Court Watch

Supreme Court Rules Against Open Records

Conservative majority exempts Schimel’s training videos from disclosure.

Court Watch: Muni Court Data Withheld From Public?
Court Watch

Muni Court Data Withheld From Public?

Judge says data from Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday won’t be publicly released.

Court Watch: Judge Hill May Face Three Challengers
Court Watch

Judge Hill May Face Three Challengers

Valarie Hill, a judge since 2004, is being challenged for municipal court’s failings.

Court Watch: Muni Court Debts Slam One Zip Code
Court Watch

Muni Court Debts Slam One Zip Code

One fourth of residents of heavily black 53206 owe money; “shocking,” says Ald. Murphy.

Court Watch: Judge Valarie Hill Faces Challenger
Court Watch

Judge Valarie Hill Faces Challenger

Legal Aid Society attorney Brian Michel will run for Municipal Court, arguing it needs reforms.

Court Watch: Four Key Judge Races Coming
Court Watch

Four Key Judge Races Coming

Supreme Court Justice Ziegler and three Appeals Court judges running in spring election.

Court Watch: Muni Court Indigents Will Get Lawyers
Court Watch

Muni Court Indigents Will Get Lawyers

Common Council votes 9-6 to approve funding for new program.

Court Watch: Municipal Judges Ignore the Law
Court Watch

Municipal Judges Ignore the Law

Audios show poor defendants aren't informed of right to community service rather than fines and jail.

Court Watch: City Could Get Tougher on Defendants
Court Watch

City Could Get Tougher on Defendants

Municipal Court already makes a profit but plan would toughen debt collections, hold cars, attach wages.

Court Watch: Prison for Profit?
Court Watch

Prison for Profit?

Department of Corrections seeks shortcut for new prison industries, to make money faster.

Court Watch: Decriminalize Pot?
Court Watch

Decriminalize Pot?

State Public Defender's office recommends decriminalizing marijuana possession.

Court Watch: AG Schimel Attacks Open Records Law
Court Watch

AG Schimel Attacks Open Records Law

He is appealing to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in an effort to keep two law enforcement training videos secret.

School Would Cost $40,000 Per Kid Per Year

School Would Cost $40,000 Per Kid Per Year

Proposed boarding school is part of Common Council’s “Public Safety Action Plan.”

Court Watch: How Appeals Court Failed in Dassey Case
Court Watch

How Appeals Court Failed in Dassey Case

Three state judges overruled by federal court allowed ugly miscarriage of justice in Dassey conviction.

District Attorney Election Divided by Race

District Attorney Election Divided by Race

Swanigan won most majority black wards, Chisholm won everywhere else in county.

Court Watch: Walker Appointee Says God Decides Law
Court Watch

Walker Appointee Says God Decides Law

State Supreme Court nominee Daniel Kelly says scriptures trump legal precedent.

Sheriff Clarke Seeks 50% Tax Levy Increase

Sheriff Clarke Seeks 50% Tax Levy Increase

His budget request asks for 206 additional full-time positions, a 29% increase in his staff.

Court Watch: Appeals Court Overturns Case, Citing Miranda
Court Watch

Appeals Court Overturns Case, Citing Miranda

Yes, rule can still apply, as court throws out sexual assault charge against 16-year-old.

Court Watch: 95% of Wisconsin State Judges Are White
Court Watch

95% of Wisconsin State Judges Are White

State trails 43 states in judicial diversity, study shows, while near the top in black incarceration.

Critics Say WEPCO Proposal Would Over-Charge Customers

Critics Say WEPCO Proposal Would Over-Charge Customers

Valley plant conversion to gas will mostly serve businesses yet 90% of cost is charged to residential customers, they charge.

State Quietly Expands I-94 Project

State Quietly Expands I-94 Project

Reconstruction of I-94 would extend 23% further into city, stretching east to 16th Street, WISDOT says.

Citizens, Cut Your Grass!

Citizens, Cut Your Grass!

Common Council is considering a proposal by Ald. Davis with tougher restrictions against overgrown lawns.

Freeway Expansion Could Move South

Freeway Expansion Could Move South

I-94 could be straightened to run through current Miller Park parking lots. Brewers are open to this option.

Double-Decker Freeway For Milwaukee?

Double-Decker Freeway For Milwaukee?

Rising 40 feet high, it could be destructive to the Story Hill neighborhood.

Books Aren’t Banned Here

Books Aren’t Banned Here

Little free libraries are welcome in Milwaukee -- unlike in Whitefish Bay.

A City At Risk?

A City At Risk?

"The community's less safe," says District Attorney John Chisholm, because of staff cuts.

How State Ignored Civil Rights

How State Ignored Civil Rights

The Department of Transportation flagrantly ignored federal law and the rights of urban minorities.