MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee County judge has been convicted of a felony for obstructing a legal proceeding, although she was acquitted of a related misdemeanor charge. The jury reached its verdict late Thursday night at the federal courthouse.
Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty of impeding a proceeding but cleared of concealing an individual to thwart his arrest. The charges stemmed from an April 18 incident where Dugan allegedly facilitated the evasion of a man sought by federal agents for being in the country illegally.
Sentencing for Dugan, who has held her position since 2016, will be determined by U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, although a date for this has yet to be announced. Dugan’s defense attorney, Steve Biskupic, expressed disappointment over the conviction and hinted at continued legal battles ahead. He questioned the jury’s decision, noting that the evidence for both charges was intertwined, which left him puzzled about the split verdict.
U.S. Attorney Brad Schimmel praised the work of federal prosecutors, emphasizing that the courthouse should be a safe environment for law enforcement. He stated that Dugan’s actions allowed a wanted individual to escape, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Schimmel added that he hoped Dugan might reflect on her actions with some regret.
During the trial, jurors sought clarification on legal definitions and requested exhibits, indicating the complexity of the case. After the verdict, one juror described the deliberation process as challenging, affirming that the group adhered to the judge’s instructions throughout.
While the felony charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, experts suggest that actual imprisonment is unlikely, given Dugan’s clean record and the nature of the offense. University of Wisconsin-Madison Law Professor John Gross noted the exceptional nature of a judge facing criminal charges, stating that such occurrences are rare.
The trial has sparked discussions on the issue of judicial conduct amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. Schimmel clarified that this case was not about a broader political struggle but rather focused on the specific actions of Dugan on a single day.
Dugan’s defense argued that the case exemplified government overreach, saying it was filled with doubt about her intentions. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors contended that she had compromised the integrity of the justice system by abusing her judicial power.
Before Dugan’s indictment, a letter signed by over 100 judges criticized the actions leading to her arrest, claiming it aimed to intimidate the judiciary. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi remarked that judges are not above the law and cannot obstruct legal processes.
Dugan opted not to testify during her trial, and the presiding judge instructed jurors not to interpret her silence as evidence of guilt. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended her from her judicial responsibilities pending the outcome of the case, further clouding her future in the judiciary.