Hemmingson Walter01

Waupaca County News

November 19, 1925

Hemmingson Springs a Surprise When He Enters a Guilty Plea

Given Fine of $200.00 and Court Costs Which Will Be Extra Heavy

A peculiar situation arose on the opening of this week’s session of circuit court Monday morning, when Walter Hemmingson of Scandinavia plead guilty to the charge of illegal possession and sale of intoxicating liquor. When Judge Park adjourned the court a week ago he called Judge G.N. Risjord of the fifteenth circuit district to try this case as the defendant had filed an affidavit that he believed Judge Park to be prejudiced. The regular November term jury of 36 members was also called, but when the case came to trial Mr. Hemmingson, through agreement between his attorney, Frank B. Keefe of Oshkosh, and District Attorney Otto L. Olen, decided to plead guilty. Judge Risjord expressed some surprise as this was to be the only case he was to try. After some lengthy questioning of the defendant which brought out a number of facts that tended to influence the verdict of the court a fine of $200 and costs was meted out. The court costs will be heavy on account of the jury being called in to try this one case, likely in excess of $150. In the questioning of the defendant it was revealed that Mr. Hemmingson is the father of three children who are motherless. He is the owner of a garage at Scandinavia and declared he had not violated the liquor laws before, except to the extent of being arrested for being drunk and disorderly. Judge Risjord adjourned court when the case was finished until Monday, Nov. 30^th, when Judge Park will be back on the bench.