Cody J. Horlacher at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Cody J. Horlacher
Judge · Waukesha County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Cody Horlacher currently serves as a Wisconsin circuit court judge in Waukesha County, Branch 7, a position he won in the April 4, 2023 election, defeating incumbent Judge Fred Strampe
- Since 2017, he has maintained a private law practice, including estate planning and small business consulting, and has been a managing partner at Horlacher Law LLC.
- Prior to his judicial role, Horlacher served four terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 33rd Assembly District from 2015 through 2022, where he focused on public safety, law enforcement protections, and criminal justice issues.
- During his tenure in the State Assembly, Horlacher held the role of Vice-Chair of the Judiciary and Criminal Justice Committees, contributing to legislation affecting law enforcement and public safety
Education
- Marquette University Law School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater — J.D.
Additional information
- He will hold this office until April 5, 2027.
- Horlacher emphasizes upholding the rule of law, protecting constitutional rights, and avoiding legislating from the bench.
- He also maintained a private practice while serving in the legislature, demonstrating a balance of public service and legal expertise.
- His campaign highlighted his commitment to principled public service and applying his prosecutorial and legislative experience to ensure fair and equitable judicial decisions.
- Began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney and later Special Prosecutor in Walworth County, gaining experience in criminal law and courtroom procedures.
- Horlacher resides in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, with his wife Karlee and their four children.
- His background combines legal, legislative, and community experience, positioning him as a knowledgeable and experienced candidate for the Waukesha County Circuit Court.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Camera Notice
Statewide
Wisconsin SCR 61 asks media to give the trial judge advance notice before bringing cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom.
the trial judge shall be given notice, at least 3 days in advanceWisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗
Courtroom Equipment Control
Statewide
Wisconsin SCR 61 leaves courtroom equipment placement, lighting, and use subject to trial-judge control.
Only equipment approved by the trial judge in advance of the court proceeding may be usedWisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
Wisconsin's court system instructs parties that courts will notify them when a hearing is remote and provide joining instructions.
The court will send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing by video or by phone.Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗
Statewide
Wisconsin remote-hearing guidance tells participants to contact the clerk promptly if they lack reliable internet or phone access.
Contact the clerk of circuit court as soon as possible.Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings
Waukesha County Circuit Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked August 22, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked August 22, 2026
View Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster ↗Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗