Sandra J. Giernoth at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Sandra J. Giernoth
Judge · Washington County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Before becoming a judge, Giernoth had 16 years in the Washington County District Attorney’s Office — first as Assistant District Attorney (2010–2019) and later as Deputy District Attorney (2019–present).
- Wisconsin Circuit Judge for Washington County, appointed in 2020 and elected to a six‐year term in 2021
Education
- a J.D. from Marquette University Law School (2009), and was admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin in 2009.
- She obtained a B.A. in History and Politics from Carroll College (2004)
Additional information
- Since 2020, Judge Giernoth has presided over cases including homicide, sexual assault, drug trafficking, divorce, child custody, guardianship, and estate matters.
- Seeking re‐election in the spring of 2027 on the nonpartisan ballot.
- Later elected to a six‐year term on April 6, 2021.
- Appointed by Governor Tony Evers in February 2020 to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Andrew Gonring.
- handling a broad range of serious and complex cases.
- Branch 4 of the Washington County Circuit Court in Wisconsin’s Third Judicial District.
- Also Chair of the Washington County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and presides over the county’s Drug Treatment Court.
- She handled misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, children in need of protective services (CHIPS) cases, and civil forfeiture actions.
- She also helped implement the Washington County Drug Treatment Court.
- She continues to emphasize upholding the rule of law, protecting rights, and strengthening community safety.
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
Washington 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 ↗