Douglas R. Edelstein at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Douglas R. Edelstein
Judge · Fond du Lac County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- the presiding judge of Branch 5 of the Fond du Lac County Circuit Court in Wisconsin, a position he was elected to on April 5, 2022, following the retirement of Judge Paul Czisny
- Before his election to the bench, Edelstein held the role of Deputy District Attorney for Fond du Lac County starting in 2019, where he managed a full caseload and participated in initiatives such as the Fond du Lac County Drug Court and the Release Advance Planning Team.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Marian University and completed his J.D. at Hamline University School of Law in 2009.
Additional information
- His term extends until April 5, 2028.
- As a circuit court judge, he presides over both criminal and civil cases, including recent filings in August 2026.
- He was admitted to practice law in both Wyoming and Wisconsin in 2009.
- Edelstein emphasizes fairness and accountability, aiming to balance the rights of defendants with the protection of victims and the broader community.
- focusing on community safety and justice.
- He has conducted over 75 jury trials, bringing extensive trial experience to his judicial role.
- His experience as a prosecutor informs his approach to sentencing and case management
- Recognized for his combination of extensive trial experience, prosecutorial background, and commitment to public service, making him a prominent figure in the Fond du Lac County judicial system.
- After law school, he initially practiced privately alongside his father in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, before joining the Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney, specializing in OWI-related cases and vehicle-related homicides.
- Born in Ft.
- Smith, Arkansas, Edelstein was raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
- He is married to Megan Edelstein, and they have two children.
- Outside the courtroom, he is a passionate outdoorsman, a second amendment advocate, and a conservationist dedicated to wildlife preservation.
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
Fond du Lac 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 ↗