Former Senator Wadsack Faces Contempt for Missing Court Hearing

Former Senator Faces Potential Sanctions After Missing Court Session

Justine Wadsack, a former state senator, is under scrutiny by a federal judge after failing to appear for a court hearing related to her lawsuit against the city of Tucson. The legal action, initiated by Wadsack, accuses the city and its Police Department of politically motivated misconduct concerning a speeding ticket. Tucson police claim Wadsack was caught driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Wadsack’s legal representative recently filed a request to withdraw from the case, prompting a court meeting scheduled with Judge Jennifer Zipps in Tucson. However, Wadsack was absent from the hearing, despite her attorney notifying her of the session.

Court records state, “Mr. Fischbach advises Plaintiff was made aware of this hearing by email on August 4 and that no further communications have been made.”

Joseph Williams, the attorney representing Tucson, has asked Judge Zipps to impose sanctions on Wadsack, hold her in contempt, and dismiss the lawsuit. Judge Zipps is expected to issue an order demanding Wadsack explain why she should not face these actions.

Wadsack’s attorney, Caitlin Fitz-Maurice, provided a statement citing personal difficulties as the reason for her absence. “On behalf of Ms. Wadsack, she is going through a tough time in her personal life and she certainly meant no disrespect towards the court,” the statement read. Fitz-Maurice is with the Wilenchik & Bartness law firm, which is also seeking to withdraw from the case.

The Tucson Sentinel reported that, coinciding with the court date, Wadsack attended a political event featuring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, as indicated by her social media post.

The court session had already been postponed several times at Wadsack’s request. An initial delay was sought in July, citing her daughter’s hospitalization due to a severe injury.

Wadsack’s lawsuit seeks over $8 million in damages, claiming the police targeted her during her re-election campaign for a legislative district in Tucson. She was defeated in the Republican primary by Sen. Vince Leach. The city’s attorneys have dismissed the lawsuit as a “political charade.”