Waukesha & Washington Counties – State Representatives Jim Piwowarczyk and Dan Knodl, along with other area representatives, submitted budget amendments to provide critical prosecutorial support by adding 10 Assistant District Attorney (ADA) positions in Waukesha County and 2.6 ADA positions in Washington County. This proposal addresses rising caseloads, increased crime spilling over from Milwaukee, and the urgent need to restore public trust in our justice system.
Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk said, “Waukesha and Washington Counties are a great place to raise a family and to live and work, and we must ensure it stays that way by giving our public safety partners the resources they need to hold the line on crime and to hold criminals accountable. Our strong conservative DAs Barry Braatz and Lesli Boese work in conjunction with our great police chiefs and sheriffs to do just that, and I am proud to support their efforts. As a former law enforcement officer, I know how vitally important it is that we strengthen public safety. It’s an issue I campaigned on and that I will always work hard to deliver.”
Washington County District Attorney Barry J. Braatz stated, “For years, prosecutors have been working under enormous pressure, handling more cases with fewer resources. We are seeing more violent crime, more complex investigations, and more victims who need our help. A deficient number of prosecutors is not just a strain on our attorneys – it is a threat to public safety. Oversized caseloads have led to backlogs, longer wait times for trial, delayed justice for victims, and growing frustration among law enforcement and the community. The Washington County District Attorney’s Office is committed to working side-by-side with law enforcement to combat crime and provide safe streets and neighborhoods for Washington County families, and I applaud and appreciate Rep. Piwowarczyk,. Knodl, Melotik, and Gundrums’s support for these critical positions in Washington County, as they recognize the need to invest in public safety, justice, and protection of our communities.”
Rep. Dan Knodl said, “As criminal activity spreads outward from Milwaukee into neighboring areas, Washington County must reinforce its commitment to public safety. The addition of more prosecutors is essential to help manage the growing caseload and ensure justice for our residents.”
