Dugan legal team claims judge is being “unfairly prosecuted” in new court filing

MILWAUKEE, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – A new court filing claims that Judge Hannah Dugan is being unfairly prosecuted for carrying out her judicial duties.

Her attorneys argued in a filing this week the law protects judges from criminal liability for their official actions, warning that prosecuting her could threaten judicial independence. Her lawyers alleged the conduct, like allowing alternative court exits or remote appearances, does not amount to crimes with a victim.

This most recent court filing is the latest effort by Judge Dugan’s lawyers to have the case dismissed; her legal team filed for a case dismissal in late May, claiming the judge had absolute immunity for her actions in the courtroom. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph countered that shielding an individual from criminal law is not part of a judge’s duties, recommending that the trial moves forward.

Federal prosecutors are expected to respond by the end of the month. Judge Lynn Adelman will rule on whether the case proceeds.