Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has resigned from her position following a criminal conviction. Her resignation ​comes as Wisconsin Assembly Republicans​ considered initiating impeachment proceedings‌ against ‍her.

dugan was convicted after attempting ⁢to elude Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICE)​ agents when they arrived at the county courthouse to arrest an individual. details of the‌ original charges and‌ conviction remain under seal.

While appealing her conviction, Dugan preemptively submitted ⁣her‍ resignation to Governor Tony Evers. She explained ​her decision in a ⁣letter,stating that Wisconsin citizens “deserve‍ to ⁣start the ⁢year ‌with a judge on the bench ‍in Milwaukee County Branch 31 rather ‌than have the fate ⁤of⁤ that court rest in‌ a partisan fight ⁤in the state legislature.”

Dugan served as a judge for nine years. Governor Evers’ spokesperson, Britt⁣ Cudaback, confirmed the ⁤receipt ⁤of the resignation letter on Saturday and stated that the governor will ⁢not delay in appointing a replacement to the vacant bench seat.

Background on Impeachment in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin State Assembly has the sole power to impeach⁤ state officials, including judges. Impeachment requires a ⁢majority vote in the assembly. If⁣ impeached,⁢ the official is then tried​ by the State Senate,‌ with a two-thirds ‍vote required for conviction and‌ removal⁣ from office.⁣ Wisconsin Statute 6.85 details‍ the grounds and procedures for impeachment.

Previous ​Wisconsin Judicial impeachment attempts

While‍ relatively rare, attempts at judicial impeachment have ‌occurred in Wisconsin’s history.The most recent‌ instance involved a judge in ‍the 1930s. prosperous impeachments are even rarer,highlighting the high bar for ⁤removing a judge from office.