[1][3] When McCauley died in 1964, O'Connell was named to replace him on the Democratic ticket, edging out the party's preferred candidate, Donald W. Steinmetz.
[3] O'Connell served as district attorney until 1968, when he sought election to a criminal judgeship on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
[1] The Milwaukee Journal contrasted his moderate judicial philosophy favorably with the conservatism of fellow judge John L. Coffey, who was later appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
[6] The Sentinel also noted that, three years after defeating Frinzi, O'Connell appointed Frank Balistrieri's son Joseph as a court commissioner.
[6] O'Connell retired from the bench in 1983, citing his growing frustration with his criminal calendar and his desire to write spy fiction.