GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A change of plans has been announced in the campaign finance violations case against Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt.
According to online court records, Schmitt will now have an initial appearance before a court commissioner on Wednesday morning. Schmitt initially was to appear in court Wednesday afternoon before Outagamie County Judge Mitchell Metropulos.
Schmitt’s attorney, Patrick Knight, tells FOX 11 that Schmitt will not appear in court Wednesday. Defendants in misdemeanor cases are not required to appear at their initial appearance with authorization to the attorney.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Knight says a plea and sentencing hearing will be scheduled. Judge Metropulos, according to his office, will not preside at the initial appearance.
Schmitt is charged with three misdemeanor counts for allegedly accepting improper donations. Prosecutors have agreed not to recommend any jail or probation time for Schmitt in a plea deal.