--- title: "Michael S. Kenitz | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-s-kenitz-judge-washington-county-circuit-court-wi" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-22" --- # Michael S. Kenitz Washington County Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Washington 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/michael-s-kenitz-judge-washington-county-circuit-court-wi", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-s-kenitz-judge-washington-county-circuit-court-wi", "name": "Michael S. 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Martens - Circuit Judge, Branch 3 of the Washington County Circuit Court, one of four branches in the county’s single judicial circuit ### Education - B.A. and J.D. from Marquette University (2004, 2006). ### Additional information - Pre‐judicial career: Since 2006, Kenitz has practiced law in Hartford, WI, through Kenitz Law Office, LLC - Appointed: March 4, 2022, by Governor Tony Evers. - Governor Evers and former Judge Martens praised Kenitz’s broad legal experience, community commitment, and integrity, noting his suitability to preside over Branch 3. - handling criminal and traffic defense, family law, civil litigation, small claims, landlord–tenant disputes, estate planning, and serving as a Guardian ad Litem in custody and guardianship cases. - His jurisdiction covers a broad range of cases, including criminal, traffic, civil, family, small claims, and landlord–tenant matters. - Community service: Active in the Washington County Family Law Assistance Program, United Way of Washington County Board, and Sycamore Tree Daycare Center Board (past president); also a youth football coach. - Kenitz himself described the appointment as “an enormous honor” and expressed commitment to serving the people of Washington County faithfully. ## 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.