Ex-judge Hannah Dugan avoids jail time

Prosecutors did not recommend a sentence, but had noted that the average for the offense was 16 months in prison.

By Ben Whedon

Published: July 8, 2026 1:20pm

Former state judge Hannah Dugan managed to avoid prison time after her conviction for felony obstruction of justice.

Instead, Dugan received a $5,000 fine, the Associated Press reported. She was previously convicted for attempting to shield an illegal alien from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Dugan was convicted in December. She previously served as a Milwaukee County circuit judge for nine years. Her case gained national attention amid political backlash to President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts.

Prosecutors did not recommend a sentence, but had noted that the average for the offense was 16 months in prison.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.