Waukesha County – Today, State Representatives Adam Neylon, Scott Allen, Barbara Dittrich, Cindi Duchow, Dan Knodl, Dave Maxey, Jim Piwowarczyk and Chuck Wichgers submitted a budget amendment to add 10 positions to the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office. The proposal addresses rising caseloads, enhances the efficiency of the criminal justice system, and helps ensure timely justice for residents.
The Representatives made the following comments in support of the motion:
Rep. Adam Neylon
“The justice system in Waukesha County is under immense strain, with a growing backlog of unresolved cases. This backlog denies both victims and defendants their fundamental right to timely justice. Without immediate investment in staffing, our courts cannot ensure a fair and swift judicial process. It’s time to give Waukesha County’s justice system the tools it needs to serve our community.”
Rep. Chuck Wichgers
“Waukesha County shoulders an increasing load of criminal cases. We need to meet this need, and proactively ensure we have the district attorneys to keep citizens safe. We cannot kick the can any longer.”
Rep. Barbara Dittrich
“We cannot claim that Waukesha County is tough on crime if certain types of offenses go uncharged. Without help, our county will soon suffer the same fate others have with lawlessness and courts that are ineffective in carrying out justice.”
Rep. Dan Knodl
“As crime continues to spill from Milwaukee toward Waukesha, we must step up our law enforcement efforts. Additional prosecutors are necessary to address this burden that has come upon Waukesha County residents.”
Rep. Dave Maxey
“This is a critical step if we’re going to fight the Milwaukee crime problem that’s bleeding into our communities.”
Rep. Scott Allen
“Public safety is the primary function of government. We cannot keep our community safe if our justice system does not have enough staff to do the work.”
Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk
“Waukesha County is 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 DA Lesli Boese works 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.”
Rep. Cindi Duchow
“The Waukesha County’s DA office has been and continues to be understaffed and overwhelmed. We’re not talking about a few vacant positions, or having a few extra cases to manage, Waukesha County has the second fewest prosecutors per capita in the entire State. The County needs an additional eleven full-time ADAs to manage the caseload. Considering that about 40% of their cases are the result of spillover from Milwaukee and crime continues to increase, this is simply not sustainable. My colleagues and I will continue to fight until this crisis is resolved.”
