Milwaukee, WI – January 20, 2025 – A recent analysis by Court Watch MKE, part of the “Enough is Enough” initiative, sheds light on the handling of reckless driving and fleeing/eluding cases in Milwaukee County Felony Court. Over the period from June 24, 2024, to November 30, 2024, the group observed 109 cases, highlighting a troubling trend where judges issued more lenient sentences than the State recommendation 69% of the time.

The report, titled “Battling Reckless Driving in Milwaukee: Analysis of Court Watch MKE’s Reckless Driving Case Observations in Milwaukee County Court,” was compiled by 16 volunteers who observed various stages of court proceedings, focusing primarily on sentencing. According to the findings, judges should use statutory guidelines and sentencing recommendations to impose penalties that act as both specific and general deterrents, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on reckless driving in the community.

“We need accountability from both offenders and the judges who preside over these cases,” said Jeanne Lupo, President of Enough is Enough. “Our community deserves better protections from reckless driving.”

Key observations from the report include:

  • Sentencing Discrepancies: Among the cases monitored, only 23% aligned with the State’s recommended sentences, with 8% receiving tougher sentences than suggested. The majority, however, saw lighter penalties, raising concerns about deterrence and public safety.
  • Dismissals and Plea Bargaining: The report criticizes the practice of dismissing charges like fleeing/eluding and reckless endangering safety (RES) during plea negotiations, advocating for these charges to remain part of the formal record to underscore the severity of the offenses.
  • Impact of New Legislation: Senate Bill 514, which increased penalties for fleeing from law enforcement, was noted, although its impact was minimal due to the lengthy judicial process. Future cases are expected to reflect these tougher penalties more significantly.
  • Court Efficiency: The analysis also pointed out systemic inefficiencies, including frequent rescheduling, which could take years to resolve cases, potentially allowing repeat offenders to continue their activities while on probation or bail.
  • Victim and Community Impact: There’s a noted lack of acknowledgment of victims and the broader community impact of crimes, suggesting a disconnect in how sentencing reflects the gravity of offenses.

The report calls for:

  • Tougher sentencing aligned with state recommendations.
  • Reduction in dismissed charges through plea negotiations.
  • Improved court efficiency to enhance public safety.

“Enough is Enough ~ A Legacy for Erin” was founded in memory of Erin Mogensen and her unborn child, victims of a reckless driving incident. The group’s mission is to eliminate such driving behaviors in Wisconsin by promoting judicial accountability and community involvement.

This analysis not only highlights the need for judicial reform but also underscores the community’s role in advocating for safer streets and a more responsive legal system in Milwaukee.

The report concludes with a call to action, urging the public to engage with the judicial process either by becoming court watchers or supporting the initiative through donations. For more information or to get involved, visit ene4erin.org or contact them at ene4erin @ gmail . com.