(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly two months after Kenosha County Eye exclusively reported that Court Commissioner William "Bargain Bail Billy" Michel II had been fired, newly released public records confirm that Kenosha County Chief Judge Wynne Laufenberg personally made the decision to terminate him on May 15, 2026. The records also reveal the reasons she cited for his removal, while raising new questions among legal insiders about the quality of the termination letter itself.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
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14 Responses
He honestly looked like a weirdo. Not a good look for whoever hired him
No surprises.
Re: “Several attorneys also observed that nowhere in the letter does Laufenberg actually conclude Michel made the wrong legal decision.”
That’s a great point. You can’t fire a guy because of subsequent events that were out of his control and that he couldn’t predict. If that were the case, then every single restraining order would automatically be granted without a hearing.
And if Lauf doesn’t need to give any reason at all to terminate him, then why is she trying to cobble together some sort of irrational, hindsight justification? The substance of the letter matches is form: piss-poor.
Well, see, there were subsequent events he could control….such as granting the restraining order against the person who ended up killing her.
He wasn’t fired because of that. He was fired because of his MO of issuing ridiculously low bails for repeat and violent criminals. This was simply the first time he got burnt but it most definitely wasn’t going to be the last if they didn’t can him.
False. Granting the restraining order was not the subsequent event. It was the issue he had to decide based on the facts and the law of restraining orders. And what information, outside of the letter, do you have as to why he was fired? You have me at a disadvantage here. You must be an insider with knowledge that the rest of us don’t have. Please, tell us your sources.
Can’t argue with stupid here.
Now the system is handing our restraining orders like candy.
When every guy has one against him from every whack broad in Kenosha we will see what public opinion is.
Remember, the restraining order is just step one for many of the scorned women of Kenosha. Step two is every time they think they see the guy, or when they are mad at him over an imaged past slight, they call 911 “Bobby just drove past me, I think he is stalking me”. Then Bobby is in jail for his “civil” restraining order facing criminal charges for violating the restraining order.
Oh well , police will be couples counselors, double money for lawyers and double work for these judges rehearing weak cases after the court commissioner.
Unintended consequences people…
Sara Rodriguez(D) could use someone who’s good with numbers trying to balance her campaign books, maybe Laufenberg (D) can put a good word in for ‘Bargain Bail Billy’(D). 🤑
Come on “Logan’s Law”!
Bring on “Logan’s Law”!
Looks like this judge offers the same thing as KUSD…I’ll fire you, but then allow you to resign instead.
He was useless as a defense attorney and never made any sense as a commissioner. I feel sorry for anyone he will represent in the future. The man is a county joke — impossible to take seriously. On top of everything, a person died as a result of his ignorance and complete lack of competence.
Son of a liberal union steward who taught him to apply for everything and then figure out how to manage if selected, he never learned the basics even after three years. He badmouthed judges when they weren’t present and backstabbed everyone else when he was with them. In the end, he brought only disgrace and a very poor image to our court system.
Ya, he’s a bitch.