An attorney for state Rep. Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, who had his first court appearance on Monday after being charged with sexual assault, says his client will plead not guilty.
As he stood before Court Commissioner Thomas Pieper in the Waukesha County Courthouse, Kramer said nothing as Pieper and the prosecution agreed that Kramer could be released on a $5,000 bond, as long as he stays away from witnesses and the woman he allegedly assaulted. He also would have to stay sober and stay out of taverns.
Later, Kramer’s attorney Ed Borda briefly spoke to reporters.
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“This knee-jerk reaction to discredit or destroy a politician is not a substitute for the presumption of innocence,” said Borda. “He’s presumed innocent. At his arraignment, he’s going to enter pleas of not guilty to the charges that have been leveled against him. The defense is certainly going to scrutinize the claims and conducts of the witnesses.”
Kramer’s next scheduled court appearance is about a month from now. Borda didn’t respond when asked if Kramer will resign from the Legislature.
Gov. Scott Walker again said today that if the allegations against Kramer are accurate, the lawmaker should step down.
“Someone, if they’ve done something like that, they’re in no position to be in a position of public trust,” said Walker.
Walker says Kramer’s not-guilty plea will “play out in court.” Republican lawmakers have already stripped Kramer of his leadership post in the Assembly, following claims that he sexually harassed two other women.
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