Hannah Dugan, a Wisconsin judge indicted on federal charges for allegedly obstructing a government immigration operation, is eager for a trial date.
Her legal team has expressed frustration with the delays, stating that the case is “hanging over her head” as she remains out of a job.
The Case Against Dugan
Dugan, 65, was indicted last month for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade federal agents after he appeared in her courtroom for a domestic abuse case. The charges against her include obstructing law enforcement, which she denies, and her lawyers argue that her actions were protected by judicial immunity.
Dugan’s legal team filed a motion last month seeking to have the obstruction charges dismissed, claiming she was exercising her judicial duties.
In a hearing on Wednesday, June 18, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman decided to delay the original July 21 trial date indefinitely. Dugan’s lawyers, led by former U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic, argued for keeping the trial schedule, emphasizing that Dugan is currently without a job and under considerable stress due to the case.
Delay and Legal Tensions
Judge Adelman acknowledged Dugan’s desire to resolve the case but stated that the complexity of the case warranted a thorough review before setting a final trial date. “I understand that she wants to be working, but this is a sort of complicated case,” Adelman remarked, stressing the importance of handling the case “right.”
Although Dugan’s attorneys are disappointed with the delay, they remain committed to going to trial as soon as possible. “We’re ready to go to trial,” said attorney Jason Luczak, adding that the case had been progressing quickly and that they were prepared for trial whether it happens in July or at a later date.
Legal Immunity and Support for Dugan
Dugan’s legal team is arguing that, like the president, judges should be protected by broad judicial immunity for actions taken in their official capacity. They believe that Dugan should not be held liable for the alleged interference with law enforcement.
In support of this, more than 130 former state and federal judges filed an amicus brief urging the dismissal of the charges, calling the prosecution an “extraordinary and direct assault on the independence of the entire judicial system.”
On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has strongly opposed the dismissal, arguing that granting judicial immunity in this case would create a dangerous precedent.
The DOJ claims that if Dugan were granted immunity, it could open the door for judges to interfere with valid law enforcement actions, undermining the authority of federal agents in courthouses and beyond.
Dugan’s Ongoing Legal Battle
As the case continues, Dugan remains in a precarious position. The uncertainty surrounding her trial date and the charges against her has left her in a state of limbo, and her lawyers are eager to get the trial underway.
Despite the legal challenges, Dugan’s legal team is determined to fight the charges and clear her name.
In the meantime, Judge Adelman has indicated that a new trial date will be set once the motion to dismiss is fully considered.
