Todd J. Hepler at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Todd J. Hepler
Judge · Columbia County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- In summary: Judge Todd J. Hepler is an experienced Wisconsin circuit court judge with a background in journalism and private legal practice, serving Columbia County since 2015 and continuing through his current term
- Todd J. Hepler is a judge on the Columbia County Circuit Court in Wisconsin, elected in 2015 and re‐elected in 2021, serving in Branch 1 until at least July 31, 2027
Education
- University of Nebraska College of Law — J.D. (2004)
- B.A. in Business Management from National American University (2000)
- Also attended Ripon College before completing his bachelor’s degree
Additional information
- Elected: April 7, 2015; re‐elected in 2021
- Before joining the judiciary, Hepler held a position as a newspaper reporter and editor in Wisconsin, Texas, and Colorado.
- Began his legal career at Lathrop & Clark (later Boardman & Clark), specializing in family law, litigation, estate planning, and misdemeanor/traffic cases.
- Born and raised in Columbia County, WI; attended Marcellon Elementary and Pardeeville High School
- Married to Tamara; two children; resides in the Village of Wyocena.
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
Columbia 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 ↗