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How To Find Court Records In Wisconsin

If you live in Madison, Wisconsin, and need to review a civil case filed years ago at the Dane County Courthouse, you can quickly realize how time-consuming the process can be.

Between traffic, limited parking, long security lines, and navigating multiple offices, obtaining court records in person can be frustrating. Even once inside, locating older files or understanding court procedures takes patience and effort.

CourtCaseFinder eliminates these obstacles by providing a fast, intuitive electronic case retrieval service. You can search Wisconsin court records by name, address, phone number, email, or case number and instantly access case summaries, liens, judgments, disputes, fines, bankruptcies, filing dates, court decisions, or outcomes when available.

We recognize the value these records hold for you. Wisconsin court records are not merely documents detailing legal disputes between individuals or organizations. They allow you to examine legal histories in depth, verify outcomes, review prior judgments, and prepare for upcoming court matters.

How To Access Wisconsin Public Court Records

Our quick and user-friendly platform puts court records at your fingertips, helping you save both time and money. Keep in mind, though, that Wisconsin also provides access through various official court resources and services. CourtCaseFinder simply makes the process faster and more convenient.

Online Access

Wisconsin Circuit Court records are available online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website. This free service is accessible anytime and allows searches by party name, business name, or case number.

WCCA is different from CCAP (Consolidated Court Automation Programs). CCAP is the internal system used by clerks of court to manage cases, while WCCA provides the public with access to that information.

Each WCCA search provides a case summary, which generally includes:

  • The type of case, such as criminal, divorce, or foreclosure
  • The case status, pending or completed
  • The parties involved
  • The judge or court official assigned
  • A chronological record of hearings, filings, and the final result

WCCA does not provide access to actual documents, only references to them. You must visit the Clerk of Court's office to review filings or obtain copies. For appellate cases, use the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access (WSCCA) system, a separate portal for higher court records.

In-Person via Courthouse Terminals

You can also access court records in person at courthouses across Wisconsin. For electronically stored cases, you'll find public access terminals inside the Clerk of Court's office, where you can review the contents of a file.

Even if a case no longer appears on the WCCA portal, the complete file remains available for viewing at the clerk's office.

If you need copies, specific fees apply under Wisconsin law. Standard copies cost $1.25 each page, per Wisconsin Statutes (Wis. Stat.) Section 814.61(10). Certified copies are $5 per document, while exemplified or "triple seal" copies are $15 plus $1.25 per page for attached materials.

Mail, Email, Facsimile, or Phone Requests

Many Wisconsin counties and courts permit record requests through other methods if you cannot visit the courthouse in person or conduct an online case search.

For example, the Dodge County Circuit Court accepts requests in several ways:

Clerk of Courts

210 W. Center Street

Juneau, WI 53039

When it comes to juvenile case records, stricter rules apply. You can only request them if you are the juvenile's parent, guardian, or attorney and must present proper identification.

The Madison City Municipal Court enforces this, while the Dane County Circuit Court requires you to complete specific forms, such as the Request to Inspect Juvenile Court Records (Form JD-1738A).

Wisconsin Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, court records are considered public records, meaning you may request to inspect or obtain copies in Wisconsin.

In criminal cases, you can view charges filed and determine whether the defendant was convicted, acquitted, or had the charges dismissed. In civil cases, records may show if a case was dismissed, if a judgment was entered against a party, and whether the judgment has been paid.

However, certain information is restricted from public access by law. These include:

  • Any court records that have been sealed by court order
  • Documents in ongoing cases containing sensitive information, like financial statements or personal identifiers
  • Records from confidential cases, such as child custody, adoption, termination of parental rights, guardianships, juvenile delinquency, and mental health commitments
  • Paternity case records, which remain private until the matter is resolved
  • Search warrants, which are confidential until they are executed

Who Oversees the Courts in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Supreme Court holds ultimate authority over the state's court system, with the Chief Justice serving as administrative head.

Under this leadership, the Director of State Courts functions as the chief non-judicial officer, handling operations as outlined in Supreme Court Rule, Chapter 70. The Director's office, headquartered in Madison and supported by nine district offices, oversees budgets, technology, and judicial education.

District administrators of these offices work with the chief and deputy chief judges appointed by the Supreme Court to manage courts in the designated counties.

What Types of Courts Exist in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, you start in Municipal Courts for minor issues like parking tickets. If your case is more serious, it moves to Circuit Courts, which handle civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters. Appeals Court reviews lower court decisions, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court rules on the state's most important legal questions.

Court Type Jurisdiction Common Case Types

Wisconsin Supreme Court

The highest court with seven justices in Madison. Has discretionary appellate authority over all state courts, may hear original actions, and oversees the judiciary and attorneys.

Appeals involving constitutional issues, statutory interpretation, cases of statewide importance, original actions (e.g., disputes between branches of government)

Court of Appeals

Statewide jurisdiction. Intermediate appellate court with 16 judges in 4 districts (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Wausau). Handles nearly all appeals from circuit courts.

Civil and criminal appeals, summary dispositions, oral arguments, certified cases

Circuit Courts

General trial courts with 261 judges across 72 counties. Hear all civil and criminal matters and appeals from Municipal Courts.

Felonies, misdemeanors, civil disputes, probate, juvenile, traffic, jury trials, municipal appeals

Municipal Courts

Local jurisdiction. Handle ordinance and minor statutory violations in 219 courts with 222 judges (71 joint courts).

Traffic and parking, underage alcohol, first-offense drunk driving, curfew, truancy, disorderly conduct, code, and minor drug violations

What Federal Courts Are In Wisconsin?

Federal courts in Wisconsin hear cases such as constitutional challenges, federal crimes, bankruptcy, immigration, and civil disputes where parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000 (diversity jurisdiction). State law issues typically remain in Wisconsin's state court system unless a federal question arises.

Below are the federal courts in Wisconsin:

Federal Court Jurisdiction Location & Contact Information

U.S. District Court - Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Hears federal civil and criminal cases, including drug and firearm offenses, fraud and health care violations, immigration and civil rights matters, environmental enforcement, and federal debt and restitution collection.

Wisconsin Eastern District Court

Website: wied.uscourts.gov

Milwaukee (Headquarters):

United States Federal Building and Courthouse

517 E. Wisconsin Ave., Room 362

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: (414) 297-3372

Green Bay:

Jefferson Court Building

125 S. Jefferson St., Room 102

Green Bay, WI 54301

Phone: (920) 884-3720

Wisconsin Western District Court

Website: wiwd.uscourts.gov

Madison (Headquarters):

Robert W. Kastenmeier United States Courthouse

120 N. Henry St., Room 320

Madison, WI 53703

Phone: (608) 264-5156

U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Handles all bankruptcy cases. Oversees U.S Bankruptcy Code Chapters 7, 11, and 13 filings, plus related adversary proceedings.

Wisconsin Eastern Bankruptcy Court

Milwaukee and Green Bay:

Co-located with the U.S. District Court offices in Milwaukee and Green Bay.

Oshkosh:

Winnebago County Courthouse

415 Jackson Street

Oshkosh, WI 54901

Phone: (414) 297-3291

Website: wieb.uscourts.gov/

Wisconsin Western Bankruptcy Court

Madison:

Co-located with the U.S.District Court office in Madison.

Eau Claire:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court

Western District of Wisconsin

500 South Barstow Street, Room 223

Eau Claire, WI 54701-3608

Phone: (833) 758-0380

Website: wiwb.uscourts.gov

Decisions from these courts can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. This court can review federal appeals from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Wisconsin Courts?

Wisconsin Circuit Courts open an estimated 698,000 cases each year, while Municipal Courts report an estimated 382,000 cases annually. These figures are drawn from the Director of State Courts Office and self-reported municipal judge questionnaires.

Across both court levels, traffic and forfeiture matters consistently make up the largest share of cases each year. The table below shows the approximate annual caseloads for Circuit and Municipal Courts.

Court Level Case Type Approx. Caseload (Circuit Court Cases + Municipal Court Cases)

Circuit Courts

Felony (Non-Traffic)

~39,000

Misdemeanor

~40,000

Delinquency

~4,300

Other Juvenile

~5,400

Traffic and Forfeiture

~391,000

Probate

~30,000

Family

~33,200

Restraining Orders

~14,100

Civil/Small Claims

~141,000

Municipals Courts

Traffic

~285,000

Parking

~10,000

Juvenile (Non-Traffic)

~15,700

Adult (Non-Traffic)

~63,200

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)/Prohibited Alcohol Concentration (PAC)

~8,200

For more detailed statistics, including monthly and annual filing reports for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, visit the Wisconsin Court System's Statistics page.

How Do I File a Case in Wisconsin Courts?

The guide below breaks down each step for filing cases in Wisconsin courts to make the process easier to navigate and improve your chances of achieving a positive outcome:

1. Identify the Appropriate Court and Prepare Your Case

The first step in filing a case in Wisconsin is selecting the correct court. Circuit Courts handle major civil and criminal cases, family law, probate, and small claims (under $10,000 for money or property, under $5,000 for personal injury, eviction, or replevin). Meanwhile, Municipal Courts hear local ordinance violations, infractions, and first-time OWI/PAC cases.

Next, obtain the required court forms from the Wisconsin Court System Forms page, Circuit or Municipal Court website, or the Clerk of Court's office.

Fill out each form carefully, including all parties' full names and addresses, the case type, a clear summary of the facts, and the relief you seek. Attach all necessary supporting documents, such as contracts, receipts, evidence, affidavits, or exhibits, to substantiate your claims.

2. Choose the Right Filing Method

You can file documents online through the Wisconsin Court System website's eFile/eCourts portal.

Attorneys must use e-filing in most case types, including civil, criminal misdemeanors, juvenile judgments, and temporary restraining orders. For individuals representing themselves, e-filing is optional. The fee for using the system is $35 per file.

If you are not an attorney but are filing on behalf of a business, such as a garnishee, you must use traditional filing, which means submitting documents by mail or delivering them in person to the clerk of court.

3. Pay Applicable Fees

Pay the required filing fees and surcharges. Costs vary by case type and court.

In Circuit Courts, civil cases range from $94.50 for small claims to $265.50 for cases over $10,000, with additional charges for non-monetary matters such as name changes or restraining orders. Criminal cases require a $163 filing fee per count, as set by Wis. Stat. Section 814.60(1).

If you cannot afford these fees, you may apply for a fee waiver by completing the Petition for Waiver of Fees and Costs, Declaration of Indigency (Form CV-410A).

4. Serve the Lawsuit

Serve the defendant with the summons and complaint through personal delivery, substitute service, or, if necessary, certified mail and publication. Pay close attention to required time limits, such as eight business days in small claims, and file proof of service to move your case forward.

How Is the Wisconsin Court System Unique?

The Wisconsin Court System is unique due to its single-tier trial court structure, with Circuit Courts handling all major civil, criminal, probate, and juvenile cases statewide.

Furthermore, the system features specialized divisions for family, probate, and small claims cases while promoting efficient, centralized judicial administration.

It also provides broad public access to court records through the WCCA website, which processes around a million daily data requests. This helps legal professionals, journalists, and the general public stay informed.

Wisconsin Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

Where to Find Additional Information About Wisconsin Courts?

FAQs

Where Should I File for a Divorce?

Divorce is filed in the Circuit Court of the county where you or your spouse lives. You must have lived in Wisconsin for six months and the county for 30 days.

Which Court Handles Felony Criminal Charges?

The Circuit Court handles all felony criminal cases in Wisconsin. Felonies range from Class A (most severe, e.g., first-degree murder) to Class I (least severe, e.g., theft over $2,500), with penalties varying by class.

What Court Should I File Charges in if I Am Being Evicted?

If you are being evicted, you must file an Answer and Counterclaim (SC-5200V) in the same small claims court where your landlord filed the case. Defenses may include proof of paid rent, unsafe or uninhabitable conditions, landlord retaliation, or violations of the lease agreement.

How To Sue Someone for Less Than $10,000, Which Court to Use?

If you are pursuing a monetary or property claim under $10,000, file your case in the small claims division of the Circuit Court in the county where the defendant lives or the incident occurred. Provide the original Summons and Complaint with copies to the Clerk of Courts, pay the $94.50 fee, and present your evidence.

Can I Represent Myself in Courts Without an Attorney?

Yes, you can represent yourself in court, but you must follow all applicable rules, procedures, and laws. Read the General Tips for Representing Yourself on the Self-Help Law Center for guidance.

What Happens if I Miss a Court Date?

Suppose you do not appear on your court or trial date. In that case, the judge may issue a default judgment against you, leading to license or registration suspension, tax refund interception, collections, or even an arrest warrant.

How Can I File an Appeal if I Disagree With a Court's Decision?

If you disagree with a court's decision, you can appeal by filing a notice of appeal, docketing statement, statement on transcript, and any motions under Wis. Stat. Section 809.41(1) or (4) in the Circuit Court. Supplemental transcript statements are filed there, and all other appeal documents go to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

Are Court Proceedings Open to the Public?

In Wisconsin, most court proceedings are open to the public. However, adoption, mental health, paternity, and certain family or juvenile cases are often confidential. Such proceedings may be restricted or closed to protect the privacy and welfare of those involved.

How Long Does It Typically Take for a Case To Be Resolved in the Trial Court?

Under Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 70.36, Circuit Court judges must decide cases within 90 days of submission. If they cannot, they must notify the chief judge, who may allow an additional 90-day extension.

How Can I File a Complaint Against a Judge or Court Staff?

Complaints against judges must be submitted in writing to the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which investigates allegations of misconduct or disability. Complaints regarding court staff should be filed with the appropriate court or administrative office for review and resolution.

Can I Access Court Hearings Remotely, and How?

Yes, some Wisconsin court hearings can be held remotely via phone or video using Zoom or other platforms. The court will inform you if your hearing qualifies and provide instructions for joining.

Are There Specific Courts That Handle Environmental or Business Disputes?

Business disputes, including contract, corporate, and commercial litigation, are primarily resolved in Circuit Courts. Environmental disputes, such as violations of water, air, or land regulations, are generally handled by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through administrative hearings and enforcement actions.

Can I Access Court Records for Free

Yes, you can retrieve Wisconsin Circuit Court records through WCCA and appellate case details via WSCCA without cost. Courthouse public terminals also offer free record viewing, though fees generally apply for printing, copies, or certified documents.

How Can I Search Wisconsin Court Records by Name?

You can search Wisconsin court records by name through two systems: WCCA (Wisconsin Circuit Court Access) and WSCCA (Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access). WCCA lets you search Circuit Court records by name, county, or case number. WSCCA provides appellate case access with searches by party name and other criteria.

How Far Back Do Online Wisconsin Public Court Records Go?

On WCCA, case details like findings, sentences, and miscellaneous notes are available for cases filed after July 1, 2001, with probation information from April 1, 2003. The WSCCA provides appeal statuses that have generally been in place since 1993.

Are Civil and Criminal Case Records Accessed Through the Same Online System?

Yes, as noted in the Wisconsin Legislative Council's " Public Access to Circuit Court Records"Issue Brief, you can obtain information about non-confidential civil and criminal case records on the WCCA website.

Is There a Way To Be Notified of Updates to a Court Case I'm Following?

Yes, when you register for an eFile/eCourts account, you must include a valid email address. The court uses this email to deliver important notifications and communications about a case.

Are Probate and Family Court Records (e.g., Divorce, Custody) Fully Public?

Probate and family court records in Wisconsin are generally public, including divorce details like asset division and custody. However, certain information remains confidential, such as trial transcripts, bank accounts, Social Security numbers, licenses or passports, adoption proceedings, and minor children's information.

Can I Request Redacted Copies of Court Records That Contain Sensitive Information?

Yes, in Wisconsin, individuals must remove protected numbers and confidential information from documents filed with the court. If sensitive details are necessary for a case, they can be submitted separately using the Confidential Disclosure of Protected Information (Form GF-241). You can request copies of the redacted records, which are treated as public case files.

Can I Request Bulk Access To Court Records or Data for Research Purposes?

Yes, you can download, analyze, and repackage information in bulk from the CCAP (Consolidated Court Automation Programs) database via a subscription-based service. This data can be used for research, news, credit reporting, and other legitimate purposes.

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