--- title: "Ralph M. Ramirez | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/ralph-m-ramirez-judge-waukesha-county-circuit-court-wi" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Ralph M. Ramirez Waukesha County Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Waukesha County Circuit Court - State: Wisconsin - Role: Judge - Service status: former - 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) - [Final gavel: 2026 judicial retirements](https://www.wicourts.gov/news/thirdbranch/may26/finalgavel.htm) - [Gov. Evers Appoints Jeremy Guza](https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/41ee947) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/ralph-m-ramirez-judge-waukesha-county-circuit-court-wi", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/ralph-m-ramirez-judge-waukesha-county-circuit-court-wi", "name": "Ralph M. Ramirez | KnowJudges", "description": "Ralph M. Ramirez, Waukesha County Circuit Court. Source-linked judicial identity, courtroom procedures, and presentation guidance.", "dateModified": "2026-10-07", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/#website" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/ralph-m-ramirez-judge-waukesha-county-circuit-court-wi#judge" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/ralph-m-ramirez-judge-waukesha-county-circuit-court-wi#judge", "name": "Ralph M. 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Ramirez", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/ralph-m-ramirez-judge-waukesha-county-circuit-court-wi" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - Retired Branch 3 judge of the Waukesha County Circuit Court in Wisconsin, having served 27 years on the bench and announced his retirement effective August 9, 2026 - In his retirement message, he expressed gratitude to colleagues, staff, and the justice system partners who made his service rewarding ### Education - B.A. in Political Science and Government from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1981 and a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1984. ### Additional information - Judge Ramirez announced his retirement on August 9, 2026, marking the end of a 27‐year judicial career. - A farewell celebration was scheduled for July 31, 2026, at the Waukesha County Courthouse. - Ralph M. Ramirez was elected to the Waukesha County Circuit Court in 1999 and re‐elected four times. - Before joining the judiciary, he served 13 years as a district attorney in the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office, after starting as an assistant district attorney in Eau Claire County. - The son and grandson of migrant workers, Ramirez grew up in Waukesha County, attended Waukesha South High School, and is married to Renee, who runs Community Smiles Dental Clinics. - He enjoys kayaking, biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, and cooking.