Milwaukee County Courts

Milwaukee County is home to over 930,000 residents, accounting for 15.7% of Wisconsin's population of about 5.7 million. According to data from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Caseload Statistics Dashboard, the county averages 47,000 criminal case filings annually.

The judicial system in Milwaukee County comprises several trial courts, each tasked with handling various case types, including the following:

• Milwaukee County Circuit Courts handle felonies, civil claims exceeding $10,000, juvenile proceedings, probate, divorces, and other family law matters
• Municipal Courts address municipal ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and other non-criminal matters within city limits

Most trial court proceedings are held in Milwaukee, the county seat and administrative center of Milwaukee County. However, some Municipal Courts operate independently within municipalities in the county, allowing residents convenient access to justice services in their respective communities.

How To Access Milwaukee County Court Records

According to Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39), members of the public have the right to access or request copies of Milwaukee County court records. These records may be accessed through various means, including online portals, in-person visits, or by submitting written requests through mail to the Clerk of Circuit Court's Office.

However, certain court records are exempt from public disclosure. These typically include records involving juvenile proceedings, adoption cases, mental health commitments, and substance abuse treatment, as well as any files that have been sealed by court order. These restrictions are in place to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. Interested parties seeking access to public court records may be required to present valid government-issued photo IDs and pay applicable fees, depending on the type and format of the record requested. Below are several ways to access the county's court records:

Online

Milwaukee County court records are generally accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal. This platform allows users to search for case information by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal typically provides access to basic case details, court dates, and publicly available filings, depending on the type of case and disclosure rules.

Alternatively, CourtCaseFinder offers online access to Milwaukee County court records. Requesters may use the search tool to find local court records and other public court records across the United States.

Federal court records for cases heard in Milwaukee County may be accessed through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records(PACER) system. Users must create a free account to search federal court records. The platform typically charges $0.10 per page viewed, with a quarterly fee waiver available for users whose charges do not exceed $30 per quarter. However, individuals who are unable to afford these costs may request a fee exemption.

In-Person

Requesters may obtain court records by visiting the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court Records Center. The clerk's office maintains and disseminates public case files to interested parties. They may also assist in identifying which case records are available and inform requesters of any required documentation or applicable fees.

Court clerks typically charge $1.25 per page for copies of court records, with an additional $5 fee for certified copies. Public-access terminals may be available at certain Milwaukee County courthouse locations, allowing users to search and view court records. It is advisable to contact the relevant court clerk's office by phone before making an in-person request.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) typically maintains and provides access to historical case files that may not be available at the local Clerk of Circuit Court's Office. These archived records may date back to the 1800s and often include civil, criminal, probate, and other legal proceedings. To access these records, interested individuals may search selected collections through the Wisconsin Historical Society's Electronic Records portal or submit a written request with detailed information about the case to:

How To File a Case in Milwaukee County

Individuals seeking to file a case in Milwaukee County may contact or visit the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court for guidance. The Clerk's Office may assist with identifying the appropriate court division for a particular case and provide instructions on the required steps and documentation.

Cases may typically be filed online, in person, or by mail, depending on the court's procedures. For online filings, most civil, family, small claims, and probate matters may be submitted through the eFileWisconsin platform. The Clerk of Court's website offers detailed instructions on account setup and accepted case types.

Individuals choosing to file in person may visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours. Some courts may allow filings by mail, with downloadable forms and submission instructions available on their respective official websites. It is strongly advised to confirm all filing procedures and requirements with the Clerk's Office.

The cost of filing a case in Milwaukee County typically varies depending on the case type and filing requirements. Individuals who are unable to afford court filing costs may request a fee waiver by completing and submitting the Petition for Waiver of Filing and Service Fees (CV-410A). The court will review the request and determine whether the applicant qualifies, taking into account their financial status. Local legal aid organizations may be able to assist with completing and submitting the necessary forms.

The following steps are generally required to file a case in Milwaukee County:

• Complete a court-approved petition or complaint form. Official forms are available on the Wisconsin Court System website
• Attach supporting documents such as contracts, medical records, photographs, police reports, affidavits, or any evidence relevant to the claim
• Provide accurate contact information, including full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved must be provided
• Pay the filing fees or submit a fee waiver request form
• Arrange for service of process: After filing, the plaintiff must ensure that the opposing party is officially notified. Proof of service must be filed with the court to confirm that the other party has received legal notice of the case

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

County court systems across the United States play a vital role in delivering access to justice. particularly for individuals representing themselves in civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. A significant part of ensuring access to justice is the availability of legal assistance and self-help resources. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online legal portals, nonprofit legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Litigants, particularly those with low income, may obtain legal guidance and support through nonprofit legal aid organizations and community-based law clinics in Milwaukee County. These groups generally provide free or affordable legal assistance and referrals to reduced-cost legal representation.

County-level legal aid programs and referral services for Milwaukee County residents include the following:

• Legal Action of Wisconsin- This nonprofit law firm provides free legal services to low-income individuals in Milwaukee County across several civil legal areas, including housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues
• Milwaukee Justice Center (MJC)- This organization offers self-help services, legal clinics, and guidance on court processes for self-represented litigants
• Wisconsin State Law Library - Milwaukee County Law Library (MCLL) - This resource provides public access to legal research materials, court forms, and librarian assistance for legal research

Here are some state-based self-help resources available to Milwaukee County residents:

• Wisconsin Free Legal Answers - This pro bono legal clinic allows eligible low-income residents to submit basic legal questions online and receive written answers from licensed Wisconsin attorneys
• State Bar of Wisconsin - Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) - This organization provides referral consultations and guidance to individuals seeking low-cost or pro bono legal assistance
• Wisconsin Law Help - This portal offers information on civil legal issues, court forms, and eligibility-screened referrals to legal aid providers across Wisconsin

Other legal aid services and self-help resources are listed below:

• Centro Legal - This Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization offers affordable bilingual legal services, particularly to immigrant and underserved communities on immigration, family law, and landlord-tenant disputes
• Disability Rights Wisconsin - This statewide advocacy organization assists low-income individuals with disabilities in accessing public benefits, educational accommodations, and housing protections

Types of Courts in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Milwaukee County residents are served by several courts, including circuit, municipal, and federal courts. The following outlines the jurisdiction and contact information for each court:

Milwaukee County Circuit Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Felony criminal cases, major civil cases exceeding $10,000, small claims, family law matters, juvenile cases, probate, and guardianship matters
• Address and Contact Information

Milwaukee County Courthouse

Milwaukee County Circuit Court - Children's Court

Milwaukee County Municipal Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - City ordinance violations, non-criminal traffic offenses, municipal citations occurring within city limits
• The Municipal Court locations in Milwaukee County are listed below:

City of Cudahy Municipal Court

City of Franklin Municipal Court

City of Greenfield Municipal Court

City of Milwaukee Municipal Court

City of Oak Creek Municipal Court

City of South Milwaukee Municipal Court

City of Wauwatosa Municipal Court

City of West Allis Municipal Court

North Shore Municipal Court - Glendale

Village of Bayside Municipal Court

Village of Brown Deer Municipal Court - North Shore

Village of Fox Point Municipal Court

Village of Greendale Municipal Court

Village of Hales Corners Municipal Court

Village of River Hills Municipal Court

Village of Shorewood Municipal Court

Village of West Milwaukee Municipal Court

Village of Whitefish Bay Municipal Court

Federal Courts in Milwaukee County

The following are the federal courts serving Milwaukee County residents:

United States District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Federal criminal and civil cases, including constitutional claims, federal criminal prosecutions, immigration, and civil rights cases
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - All cases filed under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Milwaukee County Courts

Below are the commonly asked questions about Milwaukee County courts in Wisconsin: