Jorge R. Fragoso at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Jorge R. Fragoso
Judge · Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Current Legal Work (pre‐judgeship): Associate at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP since 2021
- Jorge R. Fragoso is a judge on Branch 23 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in Wisconsin, appointed by Governor Tony Evers in 2023 and re‐elected in 2024, with a term running through 2030
- Appointed to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court – Branch 23 on September 18, 2023, effective November 4, 2023, to fill the vacancy left by Judge Lindsey Grady’s resignation
- Early Career: Trial attorney for the Wisconsin State Public Defender in Waukesha County (2012–2016), then appellate attorney in Milwaukee (2016–2021)
- In summary: Jorge R. Fragoso is a well‐regarded criminal defense attorney turned judge, now serving a full term on Milwaukee County’s Branch 23 Circuit Court, with a background in both trial and appellate work, a commitment to equitable justice, and active community engagement
Education
- Undergraduate at University of Notre Dame (Indiana) and J.D. from University of Wisconsin–Madison Law School.
Additional information
- His initial term was set to end July 31, 2024, but he ran and won a nonpartisan general election on April 2, 2024, securing a full term through August 1, 2030.
- Fragoso has served on the Wisconsin Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (2019–2021) and volunteered with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Milwaukee.
- focusing on criminal defense, appeals, and civil litigation.
- Fragoso has emphasized fairness, efficiency, and public confidence in the judiciary.
- Notable Experience: Has argued before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, handled juvenile, CHIPS, and termination of parental rights cases, and represented clients including many Spanish‐speaking individuals.
- He has presided over misdemeanor cases since his appointment.
- He values swift justice balanced with due process, and has highlighted the importance of judges being accessible and respectful to all parties, including non‐English speakers.
- He describes himself as “at heart, an institutionalist” who believes strong institutions improve civic life.
- He is active in the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association.
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
Milwaukee 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 ↗