Wisconsin Department of Justice

GOP Legislators Push “Tougher on Crime” Bills

Stiffer penalties on variety of crimes even as Evers moves to reduce prison population.

Assembly Health Committee Fails to Act on Sexual Assault Kit Legislation

Milwaukee Woman Charged with Embezzlement and Identity Theft

What’s Going on With Voting List Purge?

A scramble in the courts and an uncertain future.

Jefferson County Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Tax Fraud and Theft

Judge Asked to Hold State in Contempt

Conservative group wants 200,000 names purged from voting list, but Elections Commission awaits higher court rulings.

Elections Panel Deadlocks Again on Voting List Purge

While court decision ordering purge appealed, state elections commission’s members evenly divided by party.

High Court Weakens Suspect Line-Up Rules

Roggensack decision allows police to use single-person showups rather than multi-person lineups.

Former Health Director Blames Barrett

Bevan Baker breaks his silence, slams Mayor and other city departments.

What You Need to Know: Court Order in WILL Lawsuit Against Elections Commission

AG Kaul Statement on National Guard Report and Reforms

"I support Governor Evers’ swift response to the National Guard Bureau Office of Complex Investigations report, with his issuance of Executive Order #62."

Boscobel Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography; Grant County Sheriff’s Office Joins ICAC Task Force

“DOJ and its more than 280 affiliate partners on the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force, like the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, are working together to keep our communities safe.”

Another Conviction After Testing of Backlogged Sexual Assault Kits; Minocqua Man Imprisoned for Child Sexual Assault

This crime carries a potential maximum sentence of up to 60 years consisting of 40 years initial confinement and 20 years extended supervision.

UPDATE: Oshkosh West High School Officer Involved Shooting

The officer injured during this incident was Oshkosh Police Department School Resource Officer Michael Wissink.

AG Kaul Urges Assembly Health Committee to Hold Public Hearing on Legislation to Prevent Future Backlog of Untested Sexual Assault Kits

"This legislation will help prevent another backlog of untested sexual assault kits."

Sawyer County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Multiple Arsons on Reservation

“Thanks to the investigators and prosecution team whose work resulted in a conviction on every count charged.”

Stevens Point Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Wife’s Death

"This sentence ensures that the defendant who committed this horrible crime will be incarcerated for a long time, if not for the rest of his life."

Shootings by Police Up in 2019. Why?

16 fatal shootings by cops in Wisconsin. Experts point to key causes.

AG Kaul Announces Testing Complete for All Kits Designated for Testing and New SAKI Grant Awarded

As of November 20, 2019, testing is complete for all kits designated for testing in the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

Gov. Evers Signs Assembly Bill 22 Requiring Human Trafficking Education for Commercial Drivers

AG Kaul Announces 3 Counties and 1 Tribe to Establish Treatment Courts; 7 Counties to Expand Current Treatment Alternatives and Diversion Programs

Evers Should Get Religion on Open Records

Recent statements and foot dragging by governor’s staff raise questions about transparency.

Bill Eases Burdens On Pot Offenders

Bipartisan bill would expunge records of 89,000 marijuana offenders, helping them get better jobs, wages.

Pot Possession Charges Cause Big Problems

17,000 arrested in state in 2018. Negative consequences include loss of jobs, housing and financial aid.

AG Kaul Hosts Policy Summit on Emergency Detention and Mental Health

Jury Convicts Missing Plover Woman’s Husband of Homicide

The evidence presented at trial established that on or about March 13, 2019, Sypher killed Krista and hid her body.

7th Congressional Special Election’s Dates Set

Evers sets February 18 primary, May 12 general election for district Sean Duffy has vacated.

Gov. Evers Calls for Special Election Reforms, Announces Revised Dates for Special Election

Gov. Evers also announced that on Saturday, October 19th, he will issue a new executive order amending Executive Order #46 with revised dates for the special election in Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional district.

WEC Convenes Wisconsin Elections Security Council

The Council will discuss organizational issues such as its objectives and the process for filling public seats.

AG Kaul Praises Passage of Sexual Assault Kit in Senate Committee, Calls for Assembly Action

"Thank you to the state senators who have moved Wisconsin closer to passing legislation that is designed to help prevent another backlog of untested sexual assault kits."

AG Kaul Opens Public Comment Period for Request for an Attorney General Opinion on Agency Rulemaking Authority

The public comment period will be open for 30 days.

Company Charged With Forced Labor of Mexicans

Workers were allegedly victimized as forced laborers in cabbage patches in Racine area.

Guilty Verdicts in Two Violent Firearms Cases in Milwaukee County

“Vigorously prosecuting violent offenders like the defendants in these cases makes communities safer.”

Wisconsin Women in Government Announces 2019-2020 Board of Directors and Leadership Team

AG Kaul Launches Abuse in Later Life Program

“This program aims to improve coordination and to enhance the ability of communities to prevent and to respond to elder abuse.”

AG Kaul Announces New Data from the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

As of July 31, 2019, 1,016 kits with foreign DNA identified have been added to a national database of DNA profiles, out of 4,471 tested sexual assault kits.

DNR Wants Local Tests for PFAS

Asks 125 wastewater treatment plants to test for chemicals linked to health problems.

New DNR Staff Will Probe Pollution

Added scientists will look at impact of “forever chemicals” contamination by Tyco company.

AG Kaul Announces Transparency Reforms to Opinion Process

“With the changes announced today, we are making the AG opinion process transparent and open to input from the public.”

New Hire: WILL adds former Deputy Solicitor General

Litigation team grows to meet heightened challenges

Kaul Embraces Opens Records Policy

State Attorney General settles lawsuit, changes predecessor's policy of withholding emails.

DNA Evidence Backlog Greatly Reduced

Effort to reduce backlog yields results. Evers and Kaul want more funding for crime lab.

AG Kaul Gets More than $5.5 Million in Debt Relief for Former ITT Tech Students in Wisconsin

Students with questions about their rights under the agreement will receive information in the notices that are sent.

Jury Convicts New Richmond Man for Killing Son

The evidence presented at trial established that on April 14, 2018, Kayle Fleischauer killed Chase Fleischauer.

Hayward Man Charged with Ten Counts of Possession of Child Pornography

This investigation is led by the ICAC Task Force at DOJ and the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office.

WILL & State/National Conservative Groups Warn Legislature on Wedding Barns

Groups stand up for economic freedom, limited government

State Has 22,000 OWI Convictions Per Year

Still high, but way down from 10 years ago when it was 40,000.

State’s Drinking Culture Costs $6.8 Billion Per Year

Includes cost of legal expenses, traffic stops, medical costs, lost productivity.

Jury Convicts Two Ashland County Men of First-Degree Intentional Homicide

Sentencing has not been scheduled.

Kaukauna Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Sentence for Role in Four Heroin and Fentanyl Overdoses

"As this case shows, the Wisconsin criminal justice system will not go easy on drug dealers preying on those struggling with addiction."

CMD Wins Reversal of Restrictive DOJ Public Records Policy

Group obtains more than 3,000 records relating to former Attorney General Schimel’s war on the Affordable Care Act

Kaul Sides With Environmentalists in Cases

Attorney General reverses DOJ position on lawsuits over dairy farm expansion, high-capacity wells.

DOJ Releases New Data on Crimes and Sex Offenses for 2018

"Additional data on crime can help us better understand the public-safety issues our communities are facing."

Cecil Man Pleads Guilty for Luring Investors to Company and Embezzling Funds

"Embezzlement is a serious crime, and I’m glad that DOJ’s work on this case has resulted in a conviction."

Drug Take Back Day is April 27

"Through proper disposal, we can prevent prescription drugs from being diverted—and help prevent addiction."

DOJ Reorganized to Create Division of Forensic Sciences

Attorney General Kaul requested the Department of Administration approve the reorganization of DOJ to create the DFS.

Eight Subjects Charged in a Multi-drug Conspiracy in Shawano

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kyle Collins is encouraged to contact the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office at 715-526-3111.

Bipartisan Group of Legislators and AG Kaul Propose Legislation to Prevent Future Backlog of Untested Sexual Assault Kits

"The legislation we’re proposing today, which is supported by nurses, law enforcement, advocates for survivors, and a bipartisan group of legislators, sends a clear message: Wisconsin must never have another backlog of untested sexual assault kits."

Federal Court Grants Wisconsin’s Withdrawal from Case Challenging EPA Regulations on Hazardous Air Pollutants

"Our Department of Justice should be working to protect our environment and our health, not challenging a rule that protects our clean air from hazardous pollutants like mercury."

Advocates of Legal Pot Still Face Hurdles

Public support growing but GOP leaders oppose Evers' plan to legalize medical marijuana and possession of small amounts.

Federal Court Grants Wisconsin’s Withdrawal from Case Challenging Prohibition of Discrimination under Affordable Care Act

"The State of Wisconsin should not have been involved in this lawsuit, and I am glad to be able to announce that we no longer are."

AG Kaul Advocates for Crime Labs; Invites Legislators to Tour

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

AG Kaul Releases Data on Drug Cases Submitted to State Crime Lab

"This data can be a resource for those who are working to address substance abuse in Wisconsin."

Judge Blocks Lame Duck Laws

Republicans will appeal. Evers and Kaul quickly drop state from suit against Affordable Care Act.

AG Kaul Files Motions to Withdraw Wisconsin from Challenge to the Affordable Care Act

"Today, we are seeking to end the State of Wisconsin’s involvement in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act."

AG Kaul Ends Use of “Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Acknowledgement” Form at DOJ

"With today’s announcement, we are re-affirming the importance of transparency in government."

Governor Evers Agrees With WILL on Legal Status of Wedding Barns

Evers administration pledges to interpret law as previously practiced

Evers Admin. Prolongs Uncertainty for Wedding Barn Owners

Evers, Kaul provide no clarity on legality of wedding barns

Coalition Seeks More Criminal Justice Funding

Criminal justice agencies and associations say their budget proposal will improve system.

Unions Files Suit Against Lame Duck Laws

Second suit filed, argues Republicans violated state constitution.

DNR Secretary Cole announces additional appointments to leadership team

Todd Ambs has been named DNR Assistant Deputy Secretary.

Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices Jon Wilcox and David Prosser Endorse Hagedorn for Supreme Court

"Like the justices who have lined up behind my campaign, I pledge to defend the rule of law, uphold the constitution, and protect the public on the Wisconsin Supreme Court."

WILL Sues Evers Administration to Protect Wedding Barns

Asks judge to protect economic freedom, remove uncertainty

Hagedorn Campaign Off to Historic Fundraising Start

Judge Hagedorn’s campaign raised $310,629.58 going into 2019.

Hagedorn Campaign Releases Statement on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

"I want to thank our members of law enforcement here in Wisconsin for their service."

Governor Walker Appoints St. Croix County Judge and Ashland County District Attorney

Governor Scott Walker today appointed Attorney Scott J. Nordstrand to serve as a judge on the St. Croix County Circuit Court and Attorney David Meany to the position of Ashland County District Attorney.

Judge Brian Hagedorn Submits More Than 5,000 Nomination Signatures for Supreme Court Seat

"I am overwhelmed by the support we’ve received since announcing our campaign..."

Kaul Calls Lame Duck Laws ‘Terrible’

Changes for Department of Justice will endanger public safety, new Attorney General says.

Bill Curbing Evers’ Power Moves to Legislature

All 12 Republicans on Joint Finance back plan to reduce governor’s power, restrict early voting.

WILL disagrees with legal analysis, prepared to fight for economic freedom

WILL disagrees with legal analysis, prepared to fight for economic freedom

Schimel Concedes Election to Kaul

Republican attorney general won’t seek recount, lost by 17,000 votes to Democrat Josh Kaul.

Making Wisconsin More Like Texas

Schimel and Walker support changes in Affordable Care Act most voters oppose. Why?

Brad Schimel Withholding Rape Kit Release Documents

‘Desperate and Incompetent Attorney General Trying to Cover His Tracks’

Judge Brian Hagedorn Announces Candidacy for the Wisconsin Supreme Court

"I pledge to you that I will apply the law fairly to everyone."

The Rise of Federalist Society Judges

Nationally and in Wisconsin they have become activists and super legislators.

Former Scott Walker Corrections Secretary Ed Wall Blasts Walker in New Ad Released by the Tony Evers Campaign

Former Walker Appointee Says Walker Badly Mismanaged Lincoln Hills Situation

Supreme Court Punts on Gerrymandering

No decision on merits. But Wisconsin case may eventually be sent back to high court.

Cocaine Overdose Deaths Have Nearly Tripled

In Milwaukee County up from 50 in 2013 to 140 in 2017.

Mount Pleasant Village Officials Threaten and Censor Foxconn Area Residents

“Village refuses to allow members of the public to speak about Foxconn redevelopment plan affecting their own properties.”

Governor Walker Signs $100 Million School Safety Plan into Law

"Our $100 million School Safety Plan will help ensure that every student, parent, and teacher feels safe at school."

No Child Should Ever Feel Unsafe at School: Governor Walker, Lt. Governor Kleefisch, and Attorney General Schimel Visit Schools to Discuss $100 Million School Safety Plan

"No child, parent, or teacher should ever feel unsafe at school."

No Child Should Ever Feel Unsafe in School: Governor Walker Calls $100 million Special Session on School Safety

"No child, parent, or teacher should ever have to feel unsafe in school."

The House of Fraud

Owner of Downer Woods home has a dozen different names and is charged with fraud.

AG Brad Schimel’s neglect and incompetence let rapists walk the streets for years

“For Schimel to drop the ball on his most basic responsibility is embarrassing and an insult to those who’ve bravely come forward seeking justice”

17 Biggest Mistakes by Brad Schimel

Media feasting on problems in John Doe report. Here’s a scorecard of biggest goofs.

The Many Errors of Brad Schimel

His sloppy report on John Doe leaks won’t help Attorney General’s reputation.

Leah Vukmir statement about unconstitutional John Doe raids in Wisconsin

"My privacy has been violated in such a brazen way by those who targeted me, my friends, and even my family."

Court Ruling Weakens Whistleblower Law

Supreme Court justice called 2015 decision 'absurd,’ charging it weakens protections.

State Sees Rise in Hate Groups

Increase in anti-Semitic, racist incidents reflects national increase in hate groups.

State Won’t Review Flawed FBI Hair, Fiber Cases

FBI has admitted flawed analysis, several states have launched review of these cases.