Milwaukee Municipal Court

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.

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

Wisconsin’s Municipal Courts Are Not Transparent

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

Growing Nonprofit Buys Third Ward Building

Umbrella organization for JusticePoint and Sinora Recovery relocating its HQ.

SDC Appoints Vincent Bobot Interim CEO

Attorney and SDC board member says the goal is 'to preserve and keep SDC running.'

City Gives Bay View Dessert Shop 15-Day Suspension

Gordo's Bubble Waffles will remain closed through Aug. 13.

JusticePoint Continues Jail Alternatives Program for Municipal Court

Nonprofit group suing city after municipal judges sought to cancel its services contract.

Raphael Ramos Announces for Circuit Court Judge

Gov. Evers appointed him to fill vacancy left by new Supreme Court Justice Protasiewicz.

Court Blocks Judges’ Quick Termination of Court Alternatives Program

But exactly why two judges pursued terminating decades-old JusticePoint partnership is unclear.

Municipal Court Cancels Alternatives Contract, Sparks Controversy

Opponents say the change could hurt vulnerable defendants, increase incarceration.

MPD Can Tow New Group of Repeat Reckless Drivers

City enacting its part of state law change. But how big of a loophole does the policy have?

17 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the election results, who were the other people, groups and trends that won or lost?

Gena Defeats Lena For Municipal Court Judge

Molly Gena trumps Sen. Lena Taylor in race to replace Derek Mosley.

Molly Gena Wins Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge Election

Milwaukee Election Results

Three open council seats, one municipal judge race, a county board primary and three school board races.

Controversial Landlord Backs Lena Taylor for Judge

More than half of money for her municipal judge campaign came from Youssef Berrada.

Over 150 Leaders and Eight Organizations Endorse Molly Gena for Judge

Race For Municipal Judge Gets Little Attention

Attorney Molly Gena and Senator Lena Taylor vying for open seat on city court.

Early Voting Underway for Spring Election

Through April 1, Milwaukee voters can cast their ballots at any of 7 city polling sites.

Rep. Myers Responds to Urban Milwaukee Article Alleging “Double Dipping”

12 Judges Endorse Molly Gena for Municipal Judge

Twelve current and former Milwaukee area judges endorse Molly Gena for Municipal Judge.

Lena Taylor Is Running for Municipal Court

Veteran state senator will again pursue local office, hoping to replace Derek Mosley.

Candidate Announces for Derek Mosley’s Judicial Seat

Legal Action of Wisconsin attorney Molly Gena running for Municipal Court Judge.

Judge Derek Mosley Resigning For Marquette Job

Popular judge will now lead Lubar Center at Marquette Law School.

Gov. Evers Appoints Kristela Cervera as Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge

Czarnezki Proposal for Civil Forfeiture Right to Counsel Adopted by Finance Committee

New Fire Chief Tackling Tough Issues

Increasing diversity, reducing staff burnout are top issues for Chief Aaron Lipski.

County Supervisors Back $1 Pot Penalty

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

Pandemic Has Slowed Court Cases

Many in jail awaiting trial charged with homicides, sexual assault and lesser felonies.

Panel to discuss “Justice in the Time of COVID” for virtual “On the Issues,” Jan. 22

Municipal Court Firing Debt Collector

Duncan Solutions being dropped less than a year after deal started.

Municipal Court Attendance Way Up

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

Safe & Sound Announces Building Neighborhood Bridges Campaign

Council Okays Funding for Indigent Defense

Many Milwaukee Municipal Court defendants are poor and lack an attorney.

Ed Fallone Announces More Endorsements in Supreme Court Race

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.

Remembering John Pawasarat

UWM researcher had huge impact with his studies.

Four community leaders receive Greater Together Awards from GMF

“Congratulations to our 2019 Greater Together Award recipients whose pioneering and selfless work will inspire others for years to come.”

Preliminary report to be released by Carjacking and Reckless Driving Task Force

News Release from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

Friends Remember, Praise Joe Bartolotta

One of city's top restauranteurs passes away, remembered for his kindness and passion.

Judge Gabler Provided False Information

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

Judges Rally Behind Danielle Shelton in Race for Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge

"It’s an honor to have the support of so many renowned leaders from across Milwaukee County who know what it takes to serve the court."

Court Offers Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday

On November 14 Milwaukee Municipal Court offers chance to clear up minor warrants, license suspensions, other legal issues.

Municipal Court – Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday and employment resource event in the community

News release from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey

Safe & Sound Kicks off Annual Event, A Night to Unite: Celebrating Neighborhood Champions

A Night to Unite features a cocktail hour, raffle and live auction, dinner, and an awards program.

Most Dangerous Intersection in the State?

Community activists push for safer driving in area of 35th and Capitol.

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.

The Rise of Reckless Driving

Vehicles speeding, running red lights causing more deaths, hit-and-run accidents.

Common Council approves Municipal Court legal representation for indigent residents

The proposed ordinance passed unanimously, allocating up to $45,000 to the non-profit Legal Action of Wisconsin.

Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday event on December 6

News release from Alderman Cavalier "Chevy" Johnson

Police Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets

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

Will City Reform Municipal Court?

Too many judges, indigent defendants treated badly, reform needed.

Row House An Architectural Treasure

1891 Friedmann Row is now condos, one owned by ex-judge James Gramling.

Municipal Court Gets Creative

Court holds "Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday” at church on northwest side.

County May Hike Lockup Costs

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

Brian Michel Statement on Spring Primary Election

Reform depends upon informed, engaged voters and responsible media

Brian Michel Statement on Emergency Stay of Immigration Order

Milwaukee deserves engaged judicial leaders who respect marginalized communities

Municipal Court Cases Drop By 54%

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

Four Candidates For Muni Court Judge

Incumbent Judge Valarie Hill faces three challengers and many questions.

Muni Court Data Withheld From Public?

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

Muni Court Debts Slam One Zip Code

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

Muni Court Indigents Will Get Lawyers

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

Blacks Slammed by Municipal Court Fines

73% of municipal court fines hit city’s African Americans, totals $23 million over four years.

Municipal Judges Ignore the Law

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

Municipal Court Denies Open Records Request

Wisconsin Justice Initiative seeks audio tapes to see if court is following the laws on handling defendants.

Milwaukee Municipal Court denies records request

“We are merely trying to determine whether Municipal Court is meeting its legal obligations to ensure that defendants get a fair shake,” WJI Executive Director Gretchen Schuldt said.

Neighborhood News Service Launches Fund Drive

The unique, five-year old publication covering local neighborhoods seeks donations.

Additional Milwaukee Leaders Endorse Johnny Thomas for City Comptroller

“Johnny Thomas is a leader the people of Milwaukee need,” said Senator Lena Taylor.

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.

MPS schools celebrate reading as American Education Week comes to a close

Community members help students celebrate reading; share their professional experiences

Few Municipal Court Defendants Have Lawyers

In 98% of cases they have none. Those with attorneys get off easier.

Poor People Get Far More Municipal Fines

Study shows municipal court's fines for petty offenses fall disproportionately on the poor.

Milwaukee Municipal Court Under Fire

It imprisons debtors and seems bloated with staff. Will city demand changes?

Judges rally behind Gwen Connolly in race for Circuit Court Judge

“The campaign has been energizing, and it’s a privilege to have the support of these distinguished leaders,” said Connolly.

Clean Slate Milwaukee Works to Help Convicts

Group pushing to make judicial clemency and expunging records a less restrictive process.

Does Milwaukee Run a Debtor’s Prison?

Study finds Milwaukee Municipal Court jails thousands of poor people for failing to pay fines. Why?

Why Did Police Arrest Local Reporter?

Officers say they feared for their safety. Reporter says he feels threatened by police.

How Wisconsin Punishes the Poor

National Public Radio reports how poor people who can’t pay fines lose their drivers licenses.

Judge Derek Mosley’s 160-Year-Old Home

The municipal judge's home is unique -- just one of just 38 in town built before the Civil War.

Thousands of Teens Lose Drivers Licenses

Many suspended for unpaid fines, minorities are hardest hit.

Milwaukee Municipal Court Appoints Part-Time Commissioners

For the term beginning May 1, 2014, the Milwaukee Municipal Court has appointed new part-time commissioners.

Marquette Likely to Get Its Own Police Force

Bill would give MU police the power to arrest on and off campus, and pursue criminals anywhere in the state.

Questions & Answers About the Strad Suspects

Curious about the accused violin thieves? Never fear, we have all the answers.

Scott Walker and the Milwaukee Curse

Milwaukee has not been the home of many of Wisconsin’s governors.