Waukesha Attack Suspect’s Lawyer Withdraws From Prior Cases

Joseph Domask, an attorney who was representing Darrell E. Brooks, the prime suspect of the Waukesha parade attack, in prior cases, filed a motion to withdraw from the case due to personal relationships with those affected by the attack.

During the motion hearing, which was presided over by Judge David Feiss, Domask invoked a Supreme Court Rule 20:1.7:2A, which states that an attorney shall not represent a client if the representation were to be limited by the attorney’s personal relationships.

“Relationships and familiarities, both direct and indirect between Attorney Domask, members of Domask Law Offices, and individuals, families, groups, organizations and the communities affected by the incidents arising on Nov.21, 2021, in the Waukesha County Holiday parade have created a concurrent conflict of interest in Attorney Domask’s representation of Mr. Brooks,” said Domask, reading from his withdrawal motion.  

Domask did not have a private meeting with Brooks and was unable to explain the situation to him, prior to the hearing, as he has not been in contact with him.

Brooks, the prime suspect, allegedly drove a red SUV into a Christmas parade that the suburb of Waukesha held every year, injuring 62 people and killing six people, including 8 year old Jackson Sparks.

He had been previously released on bail, more than two weeks before the Waukesha Incident, because he allegedly ran over his child’s mother with the same SUV. He was also released on bail in Feiss’ courtroom for allegedly firing a gun at his nephew.

 Brooks, who has been charged with six counts of first-degree intentional homicide, has been previously charged with 2nd -Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Disorderly Conduct, and Battery, all of which were under Domestic Abuse Assessments.

Domask did request a private, in-chamber conversation prior to the hearing, concerning specific names and details of those close to Domask. Due to the hearing taking place on Zoom, the court was not able to accommodate him.

“Mr. Domask, as you know, this is a case that draws significant attention. I have concerns about doing anything off the record, “said Feiss, “Because anything we do in connection to Mr. Brook’s matters is going to be subject to intense scrutiny.”

However, during the hearing, the judge did respect Domask’s wishes because of his role as an attorney and that no further detailing of Domask’s relationships was to be explored.

Feiss ruled to grant Domask’s motion to withdraw.

“I barely believe that my withdraw of counsel at this stage with both matters being set for status conferences would not cause any undue prejudice to Mr. Brooks,” said Domask during the hearing.

Brooks is currently incarcerated at Waukesha County Jail, awaiting trial.