--- title: "Douglas R. Edelstein | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/douglas-r-edelstein-judge-fond-du-lac-county-circuit-court-wi" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-22" --- # Douglas R. Edelstein Fond du Lac County Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Fond du Lac County Circuit Court - State: Wisconsin - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-08-22 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### camera notice Scope: statewide Wisconsin SCR 61 asks media to give the trial judge advance notice before bringing cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom. Evidence excerpt: the trial judge shall be given notice, at least 3 days in advance [Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### courtroom equipment control Scope: statewide Wisconsin SCR 61 leaves courtroom equipment placement, lighting, and use subject to trial-judge control. Evidence excerpt: Only equipment approved by the trial judge in advance of the court proceeding may be used [Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### remote hearing notice Scope: statewide Wisconsin's court system instructs parties that courts will notify them when a hearing is remote and provide joining instructions. Evidence excerpt: The court will send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing by video or by phone. [Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### remote hearing technology Scope: statewide Wisconsin remote-hearing guidance tells participants to contact the clerk promptly if they lack reliable internet or phone access. Evidence excerpt: Contact the clerk of circuit court as soon as possible. [Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/circuit/judges.htm) - [Official roster](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/circuit/judges.htm) - [Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/circuit/judges.htm) - [Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099) - [Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/douglas-r-edelstein-judge-fond-du-lac-county-circuit-court-wi", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/douglas-r-edelstein-judge-fond-du-lac-county-circuit-court-wi", "name": "Douglas R. 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Edelstein", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/douglas-r-edelstein-judge-fond-du-lac-county-circuit-court-wi" } ] } ] } ``` ## 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. ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-36fa3f826227447b1512eede) — 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](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099). Collected 2026-07-26.