David O. Hughes at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
David O. Hughes
Judge · Kenosha County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judicial service before appointment: Since 2021, supplemental court commissioner for Kenosha County Circuit Court, presiding over small claims, juvenile, family, traffic, and criminal intake matters.
- Legal career: Attorney at Puntillo Camilli & Hughes, Kenosha, WI, since 2012
- Wisconsin circuit court judge appointed by Gov
- Prosecutors and defense counsel alike note that he listens to arguments, relies on records, and explains decisions without apparent bias
- In his own words, he aims to “continue the legacy of justice set forth by my predecessors”
Education
- Undergraduate at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Law School — J.D.
Additional information
- Tony Evers in December 2025 to serve Branch 4 of the Kenosha County Circuit Court until July 31, 2027.
- Began serving in January 2026 and held a formal investiture in September 2026 in the restored ceremonial courtroom at the Kenosha County Courthouse.
- focusing on commercial litigation, estate planning, probate, and business transactions.
- Community involvement: Active in the Kenosha County Bar Association, Friends of the Kenosha Public Museum, and other local organizations.
- Governor Tony Evers appointed Hughes to succeed Judge Anthony Milisauskas, who resigned.
- One of eight judges on the Kenosha County Circuit Court, selected by nonpartisan election.
- Reports from attorneys and local media describe Hughes as firm on violent crime cases, attentive to legal process, and impartial in applying the law.
- His approach is described as grounded in statutes and facts rather than ideology.
- Hughes lives in Kenosha with his family and has a family tradition in the judiciary — his father, Jeffrey R. Hughes, is a retired U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge for the Western District of Michigan.
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
Kenosha 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 ↗