Wisconsin Court Records Online
Are Court Records in Wisconsin Open to the Public?
Yes, court records in Wisconsin are generally open to the public in accordance with the Wisconsin Open Records Law. This law allows citizens to inspect or obtain copies of records maintained by government authorities. To receive these records, requesters typically need to provide specific information such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, or other identifying details. However, certain records may be exempt from disclosure due to privacy concerns or other legal protections.
Records are presumed to be open for inspection or copying unless specific exemptions apply. Exemptions can include records related to juvenile cases, ongoing investigations, or instances where disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy. The law does not obligate authorities to create new records in response to a request; it only applies to records that exist at the time of the request.
What Information Appears in a Wisconsin Court Records Search?
A Wisconsin Court Records search typically includes:
- Names of parties involved in the case
- Case type and description
- Court officials assigned to the case
- Status of the case (pending or completed)
- Dockets, pleadings, motions, and briefs
- Orders and judgments
- Expert testimony and other relevant documents
How To Find Court Records in Wisconsin
To find court records in Wisconsin, the first step is to identify the court where the record is maintained. The Clerks of Court are the official custodians of court records and may keep records in both paper and electronic formats. Once the appropriate court is identified, a public record request can be made to the Clerk of Court.
Court records can also be accessed remotely through online portals like the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) and the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access (WSCCA). These platforms provide electronic access to case records from various courts across the state. Additionally, in-person requests can be made at the courthouse, where public access terminals are available for viewing electronic records.
Obtaining actual court documents or certified copies usually incurs a fee. For instance, copies of court records cost $1.25 per page, while certified copies are charged at $5 per document. Prepayment is required if the total cost exceeds $5.
Public Access to Wisconsin Court Records
Members of the public can access electronic versions of case records through the WCCA and WSCCA portals. The WCCA provides access to Circuit Court records, while WSCCA offers access to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals records. These platforms allow users to search for case information using various criteria such as party name, case number, or court location.
Searching Wisconsin Court Records by Name
To search Wisconsin court records by name, visit the Wisconsin Court System website and use the "Search For Cases" tool. This tool redirects users to either the WCCA or WSCCA portal, depending on the court of filing. Users must agree to the terms of use before proceeding to the search page.
On the search page, enter the required criteria such as the party name, case number, or county. The WCCA portal allows searches using case party names and other relevant details, while the WSCCA portal offers additional search criteria like appeal number, attorney name, and case status.
How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Wisconsin
Court records in Wisconsin can be accessed online for free through the WCCA and WSCCA portals. Users do not need to register an account but must consent to the terms of use displayed on the portal's welcome page. These platforms provide comprehensive access to case information without any cost.
Another free resource is the United States Courts Opinions website, which offers access to court opinions from US District Courts. Simply select the court and year from the dropdown list to access the records.
Exemptions for Wisconsin Court Case Lookup
Certain court records in Wisconsin are exempt from public access. These exemptions include:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child custody and adoption cases
- Termination of parental rights
- Mental health commitments
- Guardianship cases
- Financial disclosure statements
- Personally-identifying information
- Paternity disputes (until resolved)
- Unexecuted search warrants
- Sealed documents and case information
These exemptions are in place to protect privacy and sensitive information.
Finding a Court Docket in Wisconsin
A court docket in Wisconsin is a schedule of court proceedings maintained by the clerk of the court. Dockets include information about hearings, motions, orders, and case events. These can be inspected at the office of the court clerk or accessed online through court websites.
Case parties and their attorneys can use dockets to monitor court appearance dates and deadlines. Dockets also serve as a valuable resource for judicial research and case management.
What Information Is Found in Wisconsin Judgment Records?
Wisconsin judgment records typically include:
- Names of parties involved
- Case number and type
- Court issuing the judgment
- Date of judgment
- Specific terms and conditions of the judgment
- Financial penalties or awards
- Orders for injunctions or other court directives
Are Bankruptcy Records in Wisconsin Publicly Accessible?
Yes, bankruptcy records in Wisconsin are publicly accessible. Requesters must provide specific details such as the case number, debtor's name, or the court where the bankruptcy was filed to obtain these records. Bankruptcy records are managed by the US Bankruptcy Courts and can be accessed through various means.
How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Wisconsin
To search for bankruptcy records in Wisconsin, visit the US Bankruptcy Courts' websites and use the Case Locator tool. This tool allows users to search for case information using various criteria. Another option is the PACER system, which requires registration and charges $0.10 per page for non-specific searches.
The Multi-court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS) provides basic case information free of charge. Users can access details like case number, debtor's name, filing date, and case status 24/7.
Different Types of Courts in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Supreme Court: The highest court, providing guiding rules for the court system.
- Wisconsin Court of Appeals: Reviews decisions of Circuit Courts; has four districts.
- Wisconsin Circuit Courts: Trial courts for civil and criminal cases; 253 branches across 72 counties.
- Municipal Courts: Handle traffic, parking, and ordinance matters; 230 courts in Wisconsin.
Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Small Claims Courts are divisions of Civil Courts that handle lawsuits involving property or money disputes. If the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000, it is considered a large claim and falls under the jurisdiction of Civil Courts. Small claims courts resolve disputes more quickly and inexpensively, with relaxed rules and often without the need for attorneys.
Typical small claims cases include evictions, return of earnest money, property repossessions, and claims for money or damages up to $10,000. Small claims courts cannot award more than $10,000 plus costs, even if the claim exceeds this amount.