milwaukee – A federal jury has found Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan guilty on a felony charge, but it seems she might still be able to retain her pension.
Questions about Dugan’s Pension
Here’s what we know:
The Wisconsin Supreme Court put Dugan on suspension in spring 2025 following her arrest by the FBI for allegedly helping someone evade arrest due to their immigration status. It’s reported that her legal team plans to appeal, which might add further costs to an already complex situation.
Judge Dugan had been serving as a circuit court judge for about a decade and officially resigned on January 3rd.
Notice of Resignation
In her resignation letter to Governor Tony Evers, Dugan expressed that she is facing an unparalleled federal lawsuit. Though she suggests the case isn’t conclusive, she notes that it presents significant challenges to judicial independence.
Dugan stated she is committed to this fight for both herself and judicial integrity, but she believes the residents of Wisconsin deserve stable leadership as a judge instead of embroiling the situation in state legislative politics.
Prior to her resignation, there were threats from Republican lawmakers regarding possible impeachment proceedings against her.
Questions about Retirement Benefits
Let’s take a closer look:
A big question now is about Dugan’s retirement benefits—will she still receive them? Following her arrest in April, the state Supreme Court indicated that Dugan would remain suspended but with pay. Labor lawyers have mentioned that her resignation may actually secure her eligibility for those state pension benefits.
Dugan was first elected in 2016, with a reported salary exceeding $174,000 in her last two years.
In December 2025, a federal jury reached a mixed verdict, acquitting her of a misdemeanor related to helping an illegal immigrant but finding her guilty of a felony for obstructing federal proceedings.
Looking ahead, immediately after the jury’s decision, her legal team pledged to continue fighting, emphasizing that public support for Dugan is crucial for her defense fund’s next steps.
They plan to file a post-trial motion for the judge to reconsider the verdict. Although District Judge Lynn Adelman has not yet issued a conviction, it’s expected they will appeal to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.
Since her suspension, a preliminary judge has been managing Dugan’s calendar. In Wisconsin, circuit court judges serve six-year terms. Dugan was last elected to this position in 2022. With her resignation, the governor will need to appoint someone to complete her term.
Statement from WRS
In terms of her pension, Mark Lamkins, the Director of Communications for the Wisconsin Department of State Retirement System Employees Trust Fund, commented on the Dugan situation. He clarified that, generally speaking, Wisconsin law does not require an individual to lose their WRS pension due to being terminated or facing criminal charges. Essentially, a WRS pension is earned through employment and cannot simply be revoked.
