Gretchen Schuldt

No Unemployment Benefits For Worker Making Homophobic Remarks

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

US Supreme Court Throws State Election Into Chaos

Decision on Wisconsin maps part of national Republican push to undermine democracy.

80% of State’s Judicial Races Uncontested

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

Budget Gives Judges An 11% Raise

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

Nearly Half of State’s Prison Population Vaccinated

Despite incarcerated people becoming eligible early on, vaccinations lagged in prisons.

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

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

2,000 Object to Redistricting Proposal

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

Beware the GOP Redistricting Proposal

Republicans want 10 more years of gerrymandering. To do this they would hand all power to state Supreme Court.

Court Rules for Patients on Medical Records

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

Appeal Seeks to Block Election Grants

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

8% of State’s Prisoners Have COVID-19

1,703 active cases and 6,781 inmates in quarantine or isolation.

State Prisons Too Secretive About COVID-19

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

Chisholm Calls Marsy’s Law ‘Unfunded Mandate’

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

State Prisons See Biggest Weekly Outbreak

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

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

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

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

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

Why Defunding Police Is Tough To Sell

Minneapolis politicians are abandoning the idea. What will happen in Milwaukee?

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVID-19 Outbreak at Green Bay Prison

More than 250 inmates tested positive at the maximum-security prison.

Court Ruling Limits Expungement

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

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

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

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 Upholds MPD Officers’ Suspensions

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

Council Okays Funding for Indigent Defense

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

Prison Admissions to Rise Amid Pandemic

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

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.

Ruling Limits Involuntary Medication of Inmates

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

Court Overturns 2010 Homicide Conviction

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

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?

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

Milwaukee County Circuit Court – Branch 5

Blomme vs Dedinsky in one of two contested Milwaukee County circuit court races.

We Urge Release of Aged, Infirm Inmates

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

Deputy City Attorney Accused of Racism

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

Committee Demands Stop-and-Frisk Plan

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

Kelly, Karofsky Divide the County

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

League of Women Voters February 8 Public Issues Forum: Pathways to Criminal Justice Reform

Free program will be held in the 1st Floor Conference Center at Summit Place, 6737 W. Washington Street, West Allis.

Officer Threatened to Tow Brown’s Car

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

The Mess at Fire & Police Commission

Key city agency seems to be in very big trouble. Why?

FPC Leader Submitted Inaccurate Resume

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

Blacks More at Risk for Pot Prosecution

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

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

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

‘Could Have Been Dead People in Walgreens.’

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

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

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

State Defends Juvenile Life Sentences

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

Shorewood Sued Over Inmate’s Suicide

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

85% of County’s Pot Cases Arrest Blacks

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

Racial Disparity in U.S. Attorney’s Cases

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

Court Finds County Not Liable For Assaults

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

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.

Cops Can Use Lying, Trickery, Court Rules

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

Pot Arrests Vary Wildly By County

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

The Race to Curb Speeding in Milwaukee

Despite recent dangerous crashes, Milwaukee Police are not making changes to the department’s vehicle pursuit policy, officials say.

City Will Borrow for Police Settlement

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

Will Victoriano Heredia Die In Prison?

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

Appeals Court Expands Legal Searches

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

City Carries Shelton to Victory

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

City Stayed Home In Election

Milwaukee turnout low, its suburbs much higher, helping Hagedorn.

Appeals Court Rules Sperm DNA Relevant

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

Shelton Discusses Past Police Encounters

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

Shelton, Jones Pick Best and Worst Cases

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

Why Shelton, Jones Want To Be Judge

Candidates for Branch 40 Circuit Court talk about their motivations.

Evers Funds Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility

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

Contribution to Bob Peterson of $500

Judge Gabler Provided False Information

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

WJI supports Gov. Evers’ cannabis initiative

"Wisconsin's refusal so far to adopt a medical marijuana program is hurting the state's residents and its economy."

Why They’re In Prison

Offenses for men and women inmates in state prisons.

Tougher Drunk Driving Laws Proposed

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

WJI supports expunction reform initiative

"It is much-needed and positive legislation."

County Wins $2.3 Million Grant for Jail Reform

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

City’s Pot Cases Down 17% Last Year

Milwaukee Municipal Court sees decline in marijuana cases in 2018.

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

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

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

Chisholm Supports Fully Legal Pot

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

Everyone Wants Legal Pot!

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

41% of State Inmates Have Mental Health Issues

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

State Investigators Leave Teachers in Limbo

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

Wood County Defendants Go Without Lawyers

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

Will Referendums Lead to Legal Pot?

Some legislators hope for change after medical or fully legai pot approved in 18 local referendums.

Borowski Vacates Contempt Order, Recuses Himself

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

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!

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

Apologize or Resign, Lawyers Tell Judge

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

225 Substitution Requests Against One Judge!

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

Judge Goes Easy on Violent Cop

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

Appeals Court Revives Girls Prison Lawsuit

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

42 Days in Jail for Rolling His Eyes

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

Public Defender Pushes $70 Rate for Appointed Counsel

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

Court Reverses $6.7 Million Rape Verdict

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

18-Year-Old Hangs Himself, Lacked Lawyer

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

Pot Referendums on November Ballot

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

Experts Question Schimel’s School Safety Grants

Sending mental health professionals to training designed for security officers?

16 Court Reforms of Police Department

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

Bail Jumping Charges Soar in Some Counties

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

The Plague of Bail Jumping Charges

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

Judge Overrules Traffic Stop Arrest

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

County Board Okays Pot Referendum

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

Offense At Age Nine a Felony?

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

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.

36 Judges Call for Defense Lawyer Pay Hikes

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

Committee Okays Referendum on Legalizing Pot

Unanimous vote in favor of November referendum asking to legalize and tax marijuana.

State Incarcerations Surpass National Average

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

Public Defenders Group Backs Higher Lawyer Fees

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

State Has Lowest Appointed Lawyer Fee

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

Whites Just 9% of County Pot Arrests

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

Attorney Fees Challenge Ashland County

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

State Bar Backs Pay Hike for Appointed Lawyers

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

Low Lawyer Fees a “Constitutional Crisis”?

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

Will Robert Lee Stinson Get Justice?

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

Dallet Won 313 of 322 City Wards

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

Dallet Won in Trumpland

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

MPD Traffic Citations Hit Minorities Heavily

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

Public Defender Pay At Issue

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

The Judge That Robin Vos Hates

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

Vukmir’s Prison Bill Dies in State Senate

Would have jailed 1,800 more people per year at annual cost of $57 million.

City Seeks Dismissal of Stop & Frisk Suit

Says Chief Flynn retired and practice ended.

County’s Felony Traffic Cases Up 21%

2017 increase probably driven by tougher drunk driving laws.

Felony Drug Cases Rose 14% In 2017

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

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

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

Muni Court Traffic Cases Up 30% in 2017

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

County Jails Handle State Prison Overflow

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

Voter’s Choice, Burns vs. Dallet

Two Supreme Court candidates answer questions, but Screnock declines.

Ellsworth Prison at 213% of Capacity

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

Green Bay Prison To Be Replaced?

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

Bill Hikes Pay For Private Bar Lawyers

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

Federal Judge Slams Lawyers in Jail Suit

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

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

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

Why John Doe Probe Saved Emails

And why Schimel report complaining about investigators could be wrong.

Council Okays Lawyers for Muni Court

Will help defendants who can be jailed when they can’t afford to pay fines.

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.

A Primer on Overcrowded Prisons, Part II

Percent of old inmates with costly medical problems keeps rising.

A Primer On Crowded State Prisons

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

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

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

State Won’t Meet Prison Rape Guidelines

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

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.

County Must Pay $6.7 Million Verdict

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

Any Whites Nabbed for Pot Possession?

Research of Milwaukee County cases show whites rarely arrested.

Council Supports Restricting Asset Forfeiture

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

Reduce Penalties for Pot Possession

Second offense possession still a felony in Wisconsin.

Predatory Loan King Backs Schimel

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

5-Year Drop in County’s Felony Cases

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

Pictures of Youths in Prison

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

Appeals Court Clarifies Police Custody

State claims a handcuffed man not in “custody.”

2,030 Strip Searches at Youth Prisons

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

Municipal Court Gets Creative

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

County Tougher on Misdemeanors

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

Dallet May Run for Supreme Court

Judge Rebecca Dallet could oppose Justice Michael Gableman.

County May Settle With Beaten Inmate

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

County Hikes Jailing Fee for City

Milwaukee, suburbs face big hikes for municipal offenders jailed.

Abele Blasts State on Juvenile Prisons

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

ACLU Seeks Lincoln Hills Injunction

Wants court to temporarily ban solitary confinement at juvenile prisons.

Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year

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

Wales v. Yang, Closing Arguments

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

Drunk Driving Law’s Annual Cost $20 Million?

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

Bail Jumping Charges Need Reform?

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

Another Suit Against Clarke, County Jail

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

Man Charged for Childhood Crime

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

Why Gorsuch’s Wrong for Supreme Court

He favors corporations over people and holds radical views.

Yang vs. Wales; Should Judges Recuse?

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

Wales and Yang on Judicial Pay

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

Clarke Could Face Constitutional Claim

Oregon court decision suggests Sheriff is wrongly detaining immigrants.

Clarke Can’t Delay Class Action Suit

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

Clarke Clueless On Department Violations?

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

Shocking Charges in Lincoln Hills Suit

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

Municipal Court Cases Drop By 54%

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

Big Donors Like Justice Ziegler

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

Most Reversed Judge Of The Year

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

Four Candidates For Muni Court Judge

Incumbent Judge Valarie Hill faces three challengers and many questions.

Justice Ziegler, 37 Judges Unopposed

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

Supreme Court Rules Against Open Records

Conservative majority exempts Schimel’s training videos from disclosure.

Muni Court “Warrant Withdrawal” Draws Thousands

Special one-day clemency program a success, but treatment of indigent questioned.

Sheriff’s History Of Inmate Mistreatment

Problems at county jail just the latest incidents of mistreatment under Sheriff Clarke.

Judge Valarie Hill Faces Challenger

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

Four Key Judge Races Coming

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

Blacks Slammed by Municipal Court Fines

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

Prison for Profit?

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

Decriminalize Pot?

State Public Defender's office recommends decriminalizing marijuana possession.

Sylville Smith Probe Looks Suspicious

AG Brad Schimel’s links to Milwaukee Police raise questions about his investigation.

Walker Appointee Says God Decides Law

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

95% of Wisconsin State Judges Are White

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

Chisholm Far More Experienced Than Opponent

He’s handled 14 times more cases than Swanigan. He also shows up for debates.

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.

At it Again

Alderman asked to make big money decision on 24 hour notice.

In-House Election Commission Good Idea?

It is more of an internal workgroup,” Pat Curley said.

Crisses Averted

Barrett and Walker Announce Plan for Ballots in Milwaukee

Selig Take A Hit

Washington Post Trashes Commissioner and Journal Communications. Plus: The Mea Culpa of Charles J. Sykes and Thompson’s Boycott of Miller Park.