Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis had a busy first day today. He went to several court hearings, met with victims, staff, and defense attorneys. He graciously granted KCE a short interview.

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Solis, a graduate of Parkside, went to law school at John Marshall Law School in Chicago. (It is now known as University of Illinois in Chicago.) He was admitted into the Wisconsin BAR in 2013 and worked for another attorney for a year. Since then, he’s been working for himself, mostly as a criminal defense attorney. He also practiced family law, juvenile law, CHIPS, TPR, and some civil law.

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“Today seemed like an ordinary day for me, not surreal. I have a great staff and the reception was welcoming. They have been a big help with the transition,” said Solis.

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Solis tapped DA staffer, Ashley Bermudez, as his paralegal. “She’s been extremely diligent in getting everything ready for me to start this new career.” Indeed, Solis had his name on the door, a state-issued laptop, swipe card, business card and everything he needs to begin his duty. As we were talking, she came into the office with tomorrow’s schedule. It was a mountain of papers.

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Solis says that like prior DAs, he will take some cases personally, but wants to get everything in order first. The office had about eight prosecutors resign in the last couple of months, but he’s not worried. “We’ve sent three offer letters out and have already had one accept as a Assistant District Attorney. He was hired and is starting later this month.” Another vacancy, victim witness advocate, had more than 30 applicants. “People are eager to work here,” said Solis. “I’m happy about that.”

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In an office with barren walls, absent of family photos or decorations, Solis said that decorating his office will have to wait. “My first priority is getting fully staffed. I feel very humbled and honored that the voters put their trust in me and I’m feeling a lot of support from the community, confidence from the community, for me to do this job. I have received many communications from individuals in the community wishing me the best of luck on my first day,” said Solis.

As for leadership style, Solis said he will not be a micro-manager, but says he won’t be scared to intervene when he feels justice isn’t being done consistent to his vision. About five attorneys have expressed interest in coming aboard the Kenosha County DA’s Office as prosecutors. Also, many college students want to work for Solis when they graduate and many want to intern until then.

Solis said that violent crime, dangerous drugs, and organized retail thefts that harm small businesses are a big part of his priority. Simple possession of marijuana won’t be a big priority for this office. We don’t make the laws but we have discretion. I don’t want to try these minor cases.

Part of why Solis isn’t feeling overwhelmed, is because he says his # 2 is a great prosecutor and leader. Today, Solis officially made Drew Burgoyne the Deputy District Attorney. Both members of the DA’s staff, and the defense bar, both praised the decision to hire Burgoyne. One lawyer told KCE, “when you have both sides happy with your pick, you know it must be a good one.”

When asked if outgoing DA Mike Graveley (D) was helpful with the transition, Solis seemed to take the high road, not wanting to admit that Graveley “punched out” weeks ago, as KCE has been told.

Solis has a modest wish list for the County Board. “I would like a small amount of resources for some of our support staff like laptops for the paralegals. I also am open to the idea of folks working from home here and there. They know their jobs and I trust them to get the work done.

“I’m glad to be here, and I’m excited to do the people’s work to make Kenosha County a safe place for residents and visitors.”