Court gavel. MWC file photo.
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – Hannah Dugan’s felony conviction on Thursday disqualifies her from serving as a Milwaukee County judge, unless it is overturned on appeal. Dugan was convicted of obstructing ICE agents who arrived at the Milwaukee County courthouse to arrest an illegal immigrant who was appearing in her courtroom. Instead Dugan allowed the suspect and his lawyer to exit her courtroom through a private hallway used by juries.
Dugan was acquitted on a misdemeanor concealment charge. Her lawyers are planning to appeal.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader Tyler August, cited a legal opinion issued by then-Attorney General Bronson La Follette in 1976 that a state senator lost his seat immediately after being convicted of a felony. Under the state constitution felons cannot hold public office.
Dugan may also lose her law license. The state bar association usually suspends law licenses immediately, pending a formal misconduct hearing.
A sentencing date in Dugan’s case has not been sent. Legal experts say as a first-time non-violent offender she is unlikely to face jail time. Her conviction carries a maximum five years in prison.
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