Judge Hannah Dugan Obstruction Conviction Review

A federal judge is currently considering whether to overturn the felony obstruction conviction of former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan. Hannah Dugan was convicted for helping an immigrant, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, evade United States — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Her attorney, Steven M. Biskupic, argues the conviction is invalid based on a recent ruling by the United States — United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in a similar Virginia immigration case, which found that an administrative warrant does not constitute a 'pending proceeding' under federal obstruction law. Prosecutors, led by Richard Frohling, contend the cases are different and that the appeals court ruling was incorrect. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman has postponed Hannah Dugan's sentencing indefinitely to hear these arguments. This case has been highlighted as a test of the courts' response to the Donald Trump administration's immigration crackdown, with Hannah Dugan having resigned from her position as a United States — Milwaukee County, Wisconsin circuit judge after her conviction.