(Beaver Dam) Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Brian Pfitzinger is seeking a third term. Pfitzinger was first elected in 2008 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Daniel Klossner.
In a press release announcing his run, Pfitzinger noted that he worked with Judge Steven Bauer in creating the first treatment court in the county intended to meet the needs of offenders who are suffering from addiction issues. Pfitzinger also assisted his colleagues in developing the One Chance program for juvenile alcohol and drug offenders, giving them a chance to prove they made a one time mistake. Pfitzinger also worked to create the Restitution Court which is designed to make sure that victims of crimes are compensated for their loss by the perpetrator.
In June, he took over the responsibilities of being Dodge County’s presiding judge from Judge Bauer. In his new role with the courts, Pfitzinger is overseeing administrative matters in addition to maintaining his current case load.
“The opportunity to help shape the Courts is really an exciting one for me,” Pfitzinger says, “The Courts have an obligation to the people we serve, both citizens and attorneys, to make the system user friendly and a comfortable place to litigate disputes. Having been practicing law in Dodge County for over 31 years, I really do understand the needs of the citizens and attorneys and how they best can be met.”
Among the proceedings that Pfitzinger has presided over is the recently completed trial of Laverne Ware Jr, who was convicted of First Degree Intentional Homicide.
Pfitzinger is also a regular presenter at the American Legion Student Government Day and the City of Beaver Dam Citizens Police Academy and has been a presiding judge at Dodge County and State Bar-sponsored Mock Trial Competition.
Pfitzinger graduated from Marquette University in 1985 and Marquette Law School in 1988. He started his legal career in Dodge County in 1988 as assistant district attorney and later went into private practice with the law firm of Elbert and Pfitzinger, LTD specializing in family, criminal and civil work until 2008.
Pfitzinger is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar, is a member of and past president of the Dodge County Bar, the Juneau Lions, Dodge County Farm Bureau and works yearly with the Shop with Cops program. He counts among his proudest involvements with the community his work with Badger Honor Flight. Pfitzinger is a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon and resides with his wife Mary Jo in Mayville.
The election for Branch One Judge is on April 7, 2020. There are currently no challengers for the seat. However, there is a contested race shaping up for the Branch Four seat being vacated by Judge Bauer.
