Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine), and Representative Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee
Falls) released the following statement:
“On October 21, 2021, Dionta’e Hayes, one of two suspects in the attempted murder of an off-duty Milwaukee Police Officer yesterday, was charged with Operating a Vehicle Without
Consent (a class A misdemeanor) and Resisting an Officer causing Substantial Bodily Harm (aClass H Felony) in Milwaukee County. The very next day, he was released on a $500 signature bond.
“We saw it last Christmas in Waukesha. We saw it yesterday in broad daylight in Milwaukee. We’ve seen it each of the last 3 years in Milwaukee and surrounding communities. John Chisholm’s catch-and-release, no bail or low bail policy, is making us all less safe.
“People need to feel safe in their community. Without that, they don’t have much of a life, or a neighborhood. Chisholm’s social justice cause has made neighborhoods in Milwaukee County and southeastern Wisconsin less safe. It has to stop.”
Senator Wanggaard added:
“On Thursday, I will hold a hearing on 4 proposals reforming bail in Wisconsin. I encourage
John Chisholm to come and testify. He can give his thoughts on improving bail in Wisconsin, because whatever he’s doing isn’t working.”
The bills that will be heard in the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on Thursday are:
Senate Joint Resolution 82, which allows judges to consider criminal history, dangerousness to the community and other factors when setting cash bail, Senate Bill 856, which prohibits release without cash bail for individuals with previous felony convictions, Senate Bill 857, requiring the Attorney General to collect data on the use of appearance bonds, and Senate Bill 858, which sets minimums bails for defendants previously charged with bail jumping.
