Former Judge Hannah Dugan Requests Reconsideration of Conviction in Immigration Case

Former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has requested that a federal judge dismiss her conviction on obstruction charges related to assisting an illegal immigrant in evading arrest. Dugan's motion was presented in a federal courtroom in Milwaukee, where U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman heard arguments regarding the request. Dugan's legal team contends that a recent ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which reversed a related indictment, should influence the outcome of her case. They argue that the Fourth Circuit's decision indicates that the immigration arrest in question was not a 'pending proceeding' as defined by federal law. Although the Fourth Circuit's ruling is not binding in Wisconsin, Dugan's lawyers believe it warrants the dismissal of her conviction. Judge Adelman questioned both parties about the definition of 'pending proceeding' under the law. Dugan's sentencing, initially scheduled for the same day, has been postponed pending the resolution of her motion. If upheld, Dugan's conviction could result in a maximum penalty of five years in prison, although her lack of prior criminal history may lead to a lesser sentence. Dugan's conviction arose from her actions to assist Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an illegal immigrant, in leaving the courthouse before federal officers could arrest him.