State legislators are being urged to take away a tool that's increasingly being used by accused crooks.
Milwaukee County District Attorney Jeff Greip says a growing number of defendants are waiting until the day of their trial to file for a substitution of judge. He says that's not fair to victims who show up to testify, but then are told they may have to come back in up to six months for a rescheduled trial. Greip says that can be emotionally damaging for witnesses and may even keep them from being willing to come back.
A legislative proposal being considered at the Capitol would require criminal defendants to petition for a new judge within 60 days of the date they're officially charged.