Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Sentencing Date Set in Dugan Case

After conviction, Dugan will be sentenced. But appeal likely.

Federal Judge Won’t Vacate Dugan Conviction

Judge Lynn Adelman denies motions for new trial and to overturn conviction.

ACLU, County in Legal Battle Over Jail

County wants to dismiss class action lawsuit. ACLU insists jail still has problems to fix.

Milwaukee City Attorney Files One of the Largest Public Nuisance Enforcement Actions in City History

The City files sweeping lawsuits targeting properties tied to out-of-state landlord network accused of widespread neglect, code violations, and unpaid taxes.

Senate Stalls Justice For All Act, Court Backlog Fixes Pushed To 2027

Republican divisions and an unwritten rule leave new judges and defenders on hold statewide.

Embroiled in Legal Battle, Downtown Steakhouse Will Close

High-end restaurant faces lawsuit for allegedly breaching lease.

Rep. Ortiz-Velez Enters Plea for Disorderly Conduct Charge

Sylvia Ortiz-Velez was charged after allegedly threatening to leak damaging information about colleague.

See Inside New Juvenile Detention Facility

New 32-bed facility part of state plan to regionalize juvenile detention facilities

Evers Appoints New Replacement for Judge Jeffrey Wagner

Prior appointee was moved after Dugan's resignation.

Rep. Ortiz-Velez Charged With Disorderly Conduct

Milwaukee Assembly member charged with 'personal attacks' against a colleague.

No Milwaukee Judge Will Accept Tearman Spencer Criminal Case

Two different criminal cases against Spencer will be heard in different county.

Felony Backlog in Milwaukee at Historic High

District Attorney’s Office has more than 10,000 unresolved felony matters.

MEA Files Appeal in Legal Dispute Over Public’s Right to Access Great Lakes Shoreline

Appeal follows municipal court ruling upholding trespassing ticket issued to Shorewood resident walking along Lake Michigan

Court Rules Against Public’s Access to Beach Along Lake Michigan

Paul Florsheim got a $313 trespassing citation. Shorewood judge's ruling will be appealed.

State Juvenile Prisons Finally Complete Court-Ordered Reforms

Evers and ACLU jointly request federal court restrictions be lifted.

Former SDC Properties Repossessed by Lender at Auction

Once mighty anti-poverty agency sees five parcels of properties auctioned off.

Gov. Evers Seeks Applicants for Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Evers Shifts Judicial Appointee to Fill Dugan’s Seat

Governor taps judicial appointee for different branch to take Dugan's seat.

Gov. Evers Appoints Owen Piotrowski to Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 31

Evers Has Appointed 63 Judges

Along with many district attorneys, sheriffs, registers of deeds and coroners.

Milwaukee Paid $10 Million in Policing Settlements in 2025

And tacked on even more for a run-away garbage truck and other issues.

Judge Maxine White Retiring in April

Evers will appoint replacement for WI Court of Appeals District 1 Chief Judge.

Evers Announces Judge Wagner’s Replacement

Governor appoints assistant DA Owen Piotrowski to circuit court seat.

Gov. Evers Appoints Owen Piotrowski to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Hannah Dugan Seeks New Trial

Milwaukee judge seeks new trial after felony obstruction conviction.

After Dugan Verdict Comes Politics and Courthouse Uncertainty

Milwaukee judge has become national symbol of clash over ICE arrests.

Verdict Against Judge Dugan Threatens Due Process and Judicial Independence

Jury Delivers Split Verdict in Dugan Trial

Dugan acquitted of concealing, found guilty of felony obstruction. Defense attorney says case is "a long way from over."

Attorneys Spar Over Dugan’s Intent, Evidence in Closing Arguments

Was Dugan trying her best under difficult circumstances? Or did she intend to take the law into her own hands that day in April?

Defense Rests in Dugan ICE Trial After Brief Case and Character Testimony

Four witnesses, including two judges and former Mayor Tom Barrett, testified as Dugan’s lawyers argued confusion, not obstruction, drove her actions.

Prosecution Rests Case in Dugan Trial

Its final witnesses today add to prosecutors' case. Defense will call witnesses, present its response Thursday.

Chief Judge Questioned About ICE Policy, Texts, Emails in Dugan Trial

Prosecution attempts to use his testimony to show Dugan disobeyed courthouse rules.

Fellow Judge Testifies in Dugan Case

Circuit Court Judge Kristela Cervera helps support federal criminal case against Judge Hannah Dugan.

Key Questions in Dugan Trial Take Shape on First Day

Was judge acting suspiciously, or doing her best under difficult circumstances?

Legal Filing Describes ‘Horrid Living Conditions’ at County Jail

ACLU, Legal Aid Society ask court to hold Milwaukee County in contempt for jail conditions.

Jury Selected for Dugan Trial

Majority of jury selection conducted in private. Jurors asked about potential bias, prejudice.

When Safety Building Is Razed, Where Will Criminal Cases Be Heard?

It's all in the county's plan. And will the sheriff's office get a shooting range?

Milwaukee Forge Sells for $4.6 Million

Deeply indebted Bay View company sold out of receivership last week.

Brad Schimel Named Top Federal Prosecutor for Eastern Wisconsin

Interim appointment by Trump administration sidesteps established process.

Demonstrators Protest at New ICE Detention Center in Milwaukee

Seven different groups involved in protest. 'You are not welcome here.'

Judge Jeffrey Wagner Will Retire

He's served since 1988. Evers will appoint replacement to finish Wagner's term.

Gov. Evers Seeks Applicants for Milwaukee County Circuit Court

MWF Names Lindsey Canonie Grady as Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

Attorney Susan Roth Announces Candidacy for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 7

Former City Attorney Charged With Four New Felonies

Tearman Spencer alleged to have 'swindled' family in 'shaky' real estate deal. He tells a different story.

Beleaguered Social Development Commission Faces Foreclosure On Two Buildings

SDC owes lender more than $3 million.

SDC Commissioner Calls For Ouster of Board Chair, Interim CEO

Walter Lanier believes its time for Jorge Franco to step down.

Dugan Case Going To Trial in December

Judge charged with obstructing ICE arrest at Milwaukee courthouse.

Feds Call Dugan’s Legal Arguments ‘Amorphous’

Not to mention 'gerrymandered.' Prosecutors blast Dugan's immunity claim.

Police Chief Jeffrey Norman Given Four-Year Contract Extension

Chief receives praise, large raise. But who is the city's highest paid employee?

100 current and former judges endorse Judge Chris Taylor for Wisconsin Supreme Court

Endorsements from across Wisconsin demonstrate broad judicial support for Taylor's commitment to justice for all

Iron Horse Hotel Faces Sheriff’s Auction

Judgment awarded by court in multi-year foreclosure case.

WI Supreme Court Okays Corrections Officers’ Class Action Suit Over Pay

5-2 decision backs workers in wage case against state Department of Corrections.

Immigrant Framed In Trump Threat Gets Bail

Man framed by local robbery suspect granted bail at immigration hearing.

Trial Underway In Killing of Sade Robinson

Maxwell Anderson charged with first-degree homicide and mutilating a corpse.

Evers Has a Very Busy Spring

Governor traveling state, pushing big agenda. A sign he will run for reelection?

Milwaukee Man Charged in Federal Court for Arson at downtown MATC campus

Dugan Enters Not Guilty Plea During Brief Appearance

Dugan appeared in court following arrest in courthouse ICE case, while protestors rallied outside.

Dugan Seeks Dismissal of Charges, Cites Judicial Immunity

Her attorneys use Supreme Court ruling in Trump lawsuit to back their argument.

Grand Jury Indicts Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan

Prosecutors allege she helped a man evade ICE agents.

Milwaukee Must Pay 2nd Largest Legal Settlement in History

'This is bullsh*t!' Council members angry that botched trial will cost city millions.

Opposition To GOP Bill That Would Shield Police Officers From Post-Shooting Court Inquiries

John Doe hearings afford opportunity for review if prosecutor declines to bring forth charges.

ICE Makes Another Courthouse Arrest

Federal immigration agents arrested an individual on Wednesday morning.

Botched Trial Will Cost City More Than $7 Million

Federal judges rule circuit court judge erred in shackling, but city ends up paying in strange outcome.

Judge Monica Isham Condemned For Concerns About Dugan’s Arrest

Sawyer County judge holding court on zoom. Rep. Tiffany calls for her to resign.

Lawyers Guild Denounces Politically Motivated Arrest Of Judge Dugan

Parties Divided on Judge Dugan’s Arrest

An attack on judicial independence or a sign no one is above the law?

Justice Department Announces Two Cases Involving Judicial Misconduct and Obstruction of Law Enforcement

Statement on the Arrest of Milwaukee County Judge

Milwaukee Democrats Support Judge Dugan

Demócratas de Milwaukee apoyan a la Jueza Dugan

Mayor, County Executive React to Judge Dugan’s Arrest

Both call out ICE for disrupting justice system participation by repeatedly arresting people at courthouse.

Representative Piwowarczyk Condemns Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, and Calls for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Legislature to Take Appropriate Action

Statement on Courthouse Safety After Milwaukee Judge’s Arrest

FBI Report Details Case Against Dugan, ICE Courthouse Arrest

Criminal complaint lays out federal officials view of April 18 courthouse ICE arrest.

Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest felt throughout the community

Statement of Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa April 25, 2025

Judge Hannah Dugan Arrested By FBI

Dugan was being investigated for alleged role in helping individual avoid ICE agents.

Wisconsin Courts Struggle To Meet Language Translation Needs

Search for qualified interpreters is delaying justice in some cases.

Hannah Dugan and The Battle Over ICE

Judge Dugan and Gov. Evers demand due process and are vilified for this.

Representative Ryan Clancy Commends Judge Hannah Dugan’s Defense of Due Process Against ICE’s Continued Attacks

Rep. Donovan Responds to Alleged Obstruction of Justice by Milwaukee County Judge

Wisconsin’s Municipal Courts Are Not Transparent

Many failed to respond to open records requests or provided incomplete data.

Should State Corrections Workers Be Paid for Pre- and Post-Shift Tasks?

Workers seek class action status in Wisconsin Supreme Court case.

A Deja Vu Election for State Supreme Court

Looks like repeat of 2023 Protasiewicz v. Kelly race. But with key differences.

Evers Proposes Funding for County Courthouse Project

Proposing $25 million for new $495 million courthouse operated under state mandate.

Judge Borowski Gets On His High Horse

He blasts MPS for violating law on police in schools while glossing over it himself.

Judge Rules MPS, City Must Split School Police Costs 50/50

They have 10 days to follow order or face contempt of court ruling.

How Wisconsin’s Investigations Into Police Shootings Protect Officers

Milwaukee Area Investigative Team gives them privileges other suspects don't get.

CRG Advocates Sues Milwaukee for Summerfest Records

Suit seeks Milwaukee World Festival's contract with concert promoter

City Closes Teutonia Gas and Food Again

Remanded hearing for retail business on N. Teutonia Ave. yields same result.

Judge Rules MPS Must Bring Police Officers Into Schools

District has less than a month to act.

No More Promises. It’s Closed

Part punk bar, part Packers pub -- and now, part of Milwaukee history.

Do Protected Bike Lanes Violate Historic Preservation Standards?

City rebuilding Lake Drive as lawsuit plays out in federal court.

Former Public Defender Travis Schwantes Charged With Paying Client for Sex, Fraud

Schwantes faces multiple charges related to solicitation of prostitution and acting as attorney for one of the women he was soliciting.

Gov. Evers Order Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former State Rep. Fred Kessler