Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan could lose her law license after state officials moved to suspend her ability to practice law following her felony conviction for obstruction.
The Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) filed a motion Wednesday requesting that Dugan’s law license be suspended, arguing that her conviction qualifies as a “serious crime” under state legal rules.
State Officials Seek Immediate Suspension
In its filing, the Office of Lawyer Regulation said Dugan’s felony conviction meets the requirements for a summary suspension of her law license.
“The OLR states that this felony conviction satisfies the standard for a summary suspension,” the motion stated.
Dugan has 20 days to respond to the request and provide reasons why her law license should not be suspended.
The matter will now move through the state’s attorney discipline process as officials consider whether further action is necessary.
Conviction Stemmed From ICE Arrest Dispute
Dugan’s felony conviction came from allegations that she obstructed federal immigration authorities during an incident outside her Milwaukee County courtroom.
Prosecutors accused Dugan of interfering with the arrest of a defendant by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who were attempting to take the person into custody outside her courtroom.
A jury found Dugan guilty of felony obstruction in December.
However, jurors acquitted her of a misdemeanor charge related to concealing information connected to the defendant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz.
Flores-Ruiz was later arrested outside the courthouse and has since been deported.
Dugan Avoided Jail Time and Resigned From Bench
Dugan was sentenced on July 8 and received a $5,000 fine but avoided prison time.
The obstruction conviction carried a potential maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.
Following her conviction, Dugan resigned from her position as a Milwaukee County judge.
Her resignation came after leaders in the Wisconsin Assembly threatened to pursue impeachment proceedings against her.
Legal Future Remains Uncertain
The possible suspension of Dugan’s law license could affect her ability to continue practicing law in Wisconsin.
The Office of Lawyer Regulation’s action is separate from her criminal case and focuses on whether her felony conviction impacts her professional standing as an attorney.
Dugan now has the opportunity to challenge the requested suspension before a final decision is made regarding her law license.
