Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan Convicted of Felony Obstruction
Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan Convicted on Felony Obstruction
In a stunning courtroom drama, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty of felony obstruction of justice after a federal jury deliberated for six hours on December 18, 2025. The verdict acquitted her on a misdemeanor concealment charge but held her accountable for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade federal agents outside her courtroom. This split decision underscores the complexities of judicial accountability amid heated immigration debates.
Case Details and Trial Highlights
The charges stemmed from an April incident where Dugan reportedly assisted 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, facing a state battery case, in avoiding immigration authorities. Over a four-day trial with 23 witnesses, prosecutors argued she abused her power, while her defense decried government overreach. Notably, Dugan did not testify, and more than 100 judges had earlier condemned her arrest as judicial intimidation. Her attorney called the outcome disappointing, hinting at appeals.
Potential Consequences and Broader Impact
Facing up to five years in prison, Dugan's sentencing by Judge Lynn Adelman awaits scheduling. The case fuels national tensions over immigration enforcement under President Trump, with officials praising the ruling as a reminder that no one is above the law. Critics see it as an effort to curb judicial resistance, potentially reshaping courthouse dynamics nationwide.
About the People Mentioned
Hannah Dugan
Hannah C. Dugan is a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge who has served since 2016, focusing primarily on misdemeanor cases. She has built a nearly 30-year career centered on civil law, community leadership, and advocacy for the poor and vulnerable. Dugan earned a B.A. and J.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.A. in American Studies from Boston College. Before her judgeship, she worked extensively with legal aid organizations such as Legal Action of Wisconsin and the Legal Aid Society, and held leadership roles in major local nonprofits, including serving as executive director of Catholic Charities. She has also taught law at Marquette University as an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor. Dugan has played active roles beyond the bench, including serving as a member of the Wisconsin Judicial Council, the Wisconsin Trial Judges Association board, and chairing the Zeidler Group Advisory Board. She has been involved in multiple professional and community organizations such as the Milwaukee Bar Association (MBA), where she was president from 1999 to 2000, the Association for Women Lawyers, and the League of Women Voters. Additionally, she has served as a referee on attorney discipline cases for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. In recent years, Dugan was reported to be under federal scrutiny related to an alleged incident involving assistance to an undocumented immigrant at the courthouse, as reported in 2025. Despite this, she faced no opposition in her 2022 re-election for a six-year term ending in 2028. She remains an influential figure in Wisconsin’s legal community, known for her dedication to public service and justice for marginalized populations[1][2][3][4].
