BURNETT COUNTY, WI — A Wisconsin judge abruptly ended a virtual court hearing, quashed an outstanding warrant, and permanently revoked a defendant’s privilege to ever appear by video again after he attempted to deploy “sovereign citizen” legal jargon and refused to verify his identity.
The short but explosive hearing in the case of State of Wisconsin v. Ryan Lockach highlighted a court’s zero-tolerance policy for sovereign citizen tactics and non-cooperative behavior during virtual proceedings.
Identity Games and Sovereign Jargon
The defendant, Ryan Lockach, appeared virtually via video conference after previously calling the court to request permission to appear remotely rather than in person.
However, as soon as the judge attempted to confirm his identity on the record, Lockach immediately began interjecting with legal objections, attempting to avoid answering simple questions about his name.
When the judge asked if he was Ryan Lockach, the defendant interjected: “Object!”
When the judge asked if his parents named him Ryan Lockach on his birth certificate, Lockach again refused to give a simple yes-or-no answer, claiming: “I objected, and it sounds like the court is trying to get me into their jurisdiction.”
The judge quickly cut off the pseudo-legal maneuver, reminding Lockach that appearing by Zoom was a courtesy that could be revoked instantly if he refused to participate respectfully.
“If this is the route it’s going to go—and I think I’ve been super fair to you with your bail and with all of those other things—then I will never allow you to be by Zoom again,” the judge warned. “I granted you leniency, Mr. Lockach. I have every right to never allow that to happen ever.”
Permanent Zoom Ban and Attorney Withdrawal
Recognizing that Lockach was intent on obstructing the hearing, the judge formally went on the record to outline severe consequences for his behavior.
Declaring that Lockach had abused the court’s leniency, the judge issued a permanent mandate:
“At no time in the future, at any time whatsoever, Mr. Lockach, may you appear by video conferencing or telephone. Your hearings will always be in-person hearings.”
Furthermore, defense attorney Emma Hanu moved to withdraw as Lockach’s counsel of record. Granting the motion without requiring further explanation, the judge officially allowed Hanu to step down, strongly advising Lockach to contact the Public Defender’s office immediately to secure new legal representation.
A Final Courtesy Before “Byeeee!”
Despite Lockach’s non-cooperative attitude, the judge demonstrated restraint by quashing his outstanding arrest warrant rather than sending law enforcement to take him into custody.
The judge rescheduled his hearing for May 27 at 2:45 p.m., emphasizing that Lockach must appear physically in the courtroom or face an immediate warrant for his arrest.
As Lockach attempted to interject with another objection, the judge cut off his audio feed, cheerily calling out, “Thank you very much, we are [adjourned]… Byeeee!” before concluding the proceeding.
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HE4j2VPDvA