--- title: "Jonathan D. Richards | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jonathan-d-richards-judge-milwaukee-county-circuit-court-wi" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Jonathan D. Richards Milwaukee County Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Milwaukee 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/jonathan-d-richards-judge-milwaukee-county-circuit-court-wi", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jonathan-d-richards-judge-milwaukee-county-circuit-court-wi", "name": "Jonathan D. 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Richards", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jonathan-d-richards-judge-milwaukee-county-circuit-court-wi" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - ran for Wisconsin Attorney General in 2014 but lost in the Democratic primary - Jonathan Richards combines extensive legal, legislative, and community experience in his role as a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge - He has also been active in initiatives to improve the justice system, address racial disparities, and support victims of domestic violence, gun violence, and human trafficking ### Education - Bachelor's degree — Lawrence University - University of Wisconsin Law School — J.D. ### Additional information - Jonathan Richards, born September 5, 1963, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, currently serves as a judge for Branch 30 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, having been appointed on September 22, 2020, by Governor Tony Evers and officially assuming office on November 9, 2020, with his current term ending on August 1, 2027 - He successfully ran for election to a full term in April 2021 - Served 16 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing Milwaukee’s 19th District from 1998 to 2015 - During his tenure, he was Assistant Minority Leader (2003–2007), chaired the Public Health Committee, and served on the Joint Finance Committee - studied at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, and taught English there - As a circuit court judge, Richards has presided over cases including criminal, civil, and hate crime matters - Before entering law, he held a position as a reporter and has over 25 years of experience as an attorney - For example, he sentenced defendants involved in a Cathedral Square hate crime, emphasizing accountability and community values - His background in law, politics, and public service informs his judicial approach, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and community engagement - Additionally, he volunteered with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India - Richards continues to engage in community service, volunteering with the Eviction Defense Project, Lotus Legal Clinic, and the Take Back Your Meds coalition - He is also a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Milwaukee and participates in local civic organizations ## 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.