(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
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.
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.
“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.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
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 cards, 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.
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, a victim witness advocate, had more than 30 applicants. “People are eager to work here,” said Solis. “I’m happy about that.”
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
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.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
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.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Socks Gifted by Kat Woods)
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.”
27 Responses
Will he go after criminals like berg and the groomers that have been passed?
Hopefully!!!!
100%!!
After 100 years, time to show the Dem’s how to utilize the law to protect the Kenosha County Taxpayers. Thanks Kevin for your support, Xavier time to shine.
Yup!!
I still am beside myself at how many prosectors quit because of this election. The wording of the laws have not changed due to an election. Why were those prosecutors so partial? They should be mandated to do an exit interview before being allowed to prosecute anywhere else in WI with a walkout/strike such as that. If 50 cops , fireman, nurses, or teachers quit, they would give an explanation as to what egregious thing they’re fleeing.
Glad they are gone. Even you recognize they had a political bias so why waste tome with an exit interview. It would accomplish nothing.
Agreed.
It’s obvious as to why they quit.
Change of philosophy.
No different than not dating someone who doesn’t have similar beliefs in politics or religion.
We all should be thankful they left.
Because It also proves the point that this particular office had bias employees that couldn’t separate their personal beliefs from their work life.
Of all professions, those in the justice system, especially in local offices, should be the most neutral in how they conduct themselves.
This is the closest you get to the common man on the street seeking fair justice.
DA is a thankless grossly underpaid job. Thank you Xavier for going to bat for us. It’s obviously a selfless act. He could be making substantially better money in the private sector. As well as Police. Thankless. Underpaid. Hence a huge shortage of both.
They would lie in an exit interview. So what’s the point
Ran like cockroaches when Kenosha voters finally turned the lights on didn’t they?
That’s okay. They show their allegiance with their feet. Not true prosecutors. This way Solis did not need to fire them.
Did Berg get charged/arrested yet?
👀
Inquiring minds would like to know!! 😏
Love the name by the way!!!! LMAO!!!! 😅
You got this xavier I believe in u.. 👏👌🏼
I second that!!
Make Kenosha Great Again Sir ,
Do what you Promised in your election campaign, and you will do great things
thank you
Thank you Kenosha !! Your votes facilitated the trash removal from this office .
Time to fight back against the Maoist and Trotskyites trying to destroy our way of life
I would love to work for the DA. I’ve tried so many times to work there and never had the opportunity. Solis please create a pt position with flexible hours
It will definitely be interesting to see if Solis takes up some of the cases that have been brought to the attention of the citizens of Kenosha, such as Berg’s criminal schemes, Baby River, and the Kmiec Crime Family.
We should soon know if he’s going to serve the letter of the law & will of the people, or if he’s going to be another do-nothing Kenosha politician like Kerkman & Zoerner.
Lmao, who would dislike this besides Berg, Kerkman, or Zoerner.
Everyone else sees you people for what you are 👀
Three dislikes: Kmiec, Stef Cap, and her eyeliner. Boom 🎤
Xavier, all these pedophiles need to serve time, zero tolerance! Don’t let KUSD continue like this, set some examples please!
I thought it was funny seeing that the twin lakes chief take a photo op with DA Solis, as she was a huge Carly McNeil supporter. Careful Mr. DA…..snakes in the weeds.