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State Public Defender's Office

Dec 20, 2021

First female state public defender leads staff of 620

While at Marquette University Law School, Kelli Thompson said she didn't envision herself practicing law. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do, but knew a law degree would lead to other paths.

Jan 22, 2020

Senate passes amended public defender pay parity bill

Wisconsin public defenders are on pace to receive pay parity with state prosecutors. The state Senate on Tuesday passed an amended version of Senate Bill 468 to provide a pay-progression plan for assistant state public defenders.

Nov 22, 2019

Bill proposes $20,000 in student-loan repayments for rural public defenders

Attorneys who take public-defender cases in rural Wisconsin could receive as much as $20,000 a year in student-loan repayments under a proposed bill.

Jan 17, 2019

Wisconsin defendants sue over lack of public defenders

A group of defendants from northern Wisconsin is suing over what they're calling a lack of adequate staff and funding in the state Public Defender's Office, arguing the rights of indigent defendants in Wisconsin to competent attorneys and speedy trials have been violated.

Oct 31, 2018

Criminal defense bar wants judge to apologize, vacate contempt finding

The state’s criminal defense bar is calling out a Milwaukee trial court judge for his behavior at a hearing last week.

Oct 29, 2018

Defense attorney cuffed, chained at hearing

A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge on Friday had a defense attorney handcuffed and chained during a hearing on Friday for contempt of court.

Jun 28, 2018

High court delays pay increase for court-appointed attorneys

The Wisconsin Supreme Court won’t increase pay for court-appointed attorneys until January 2020.

May 14, 2018

Lawyers line up to testify at public hearing on appointed counsel proposal

The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s final public hearing of the term will look at something that has long been a matter of concern: the low rate of compensation private attorneys receive when they are appointed to defend indigent criminal defendants.

Jun 1, 2017

Panel creates prosecutor board, approves raises for judges (UPDATE)

A budget-writing committee has given its endorsement to providing raises to the state’s judges, prosecutors and public defenders.

Jun 23, 2016

Riek puts the ‘public’ in ‘public defender’

Amanda Riek enjoys rooting for the underdog.

Apr 1, 2016

Budget requests likely to include increases for judicial salaries, private rate for public-defender appointments

Among the proposals likely to be up for inclusion in the state's next budget are pay increases for judges, government lawyers and private attorneys who serve as public defender.

Sep 30, 2015

SPD’s office has strong pull for Moses

Faun Moses is driven to help those who need it.

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