Columbia County Jail Criminal Court Process

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Columbia County

Criminal Court Process for Columbia County Wisconsin

Portage, at the narrow strip of land between the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, is the county seat of Columbia County and the home of its courthouse on DeWitt Street. The Columbia County Circuit Court has three branches there and hears every state criminal case, while ordinance tickets, including most first-offense OWI citations, are handled by the Portage, Wisconsin Dells and Eastern Columbia County municipal courts or, in communities without one, by the circuit court. The elected Columbia County District Attorney prosecutes. Adults who are arrested and not released are held at the Columbia County Jail, part of the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Center in Portage.

  • Columbia County Circuit Court, Columbia County Courthouse, 400 DeWitt Street, Portage, WI 53901 (mail: P.O. Box 587); Clerk of Circuit Court (608) 742-2191
  • Columbia County District Attorney, 400 DeWitt Street, P.O. Box 638, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 742-9650
  • Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Law Enforcement Center, 711 E. Cook Street, P.O. Box 132, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 742-4166
  • Columbia County Jail, Law Enforcement Center, 711 E. Cook Street, Portage, WI 53901 (jail entrance also listed at 403 Jackson Street), (608) 742-4166; jail line (608) 742-6476
  • Wisconsin State Public Defender, Portage office, 2520 W. Wisconsin Street, Suite 105, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 581-7770
  • Columbia County Department of Health and Human Services (juvenile intake and youth justice), 111 E. Mullett Street, P.O. Box 136, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 742-9227

Which court hears your case. Local ordinance violations and a first OWI, which Wisconsin treats as a civil forfeiture instead of a crime unless a child under 16 was in the car, go to the municipal court for the place where the citation was issued: the Portage court, the Wisconsin Dells court, or the joint court in Wyocena that serves Lodi, Columbus and a dozen other communities. Where a town has no municipal court, the citation goes to the circuit court in Portage. Misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases, such as a second OWI, are filed in the Columbia County Circuit Court and spread across Branches I, II and III. A felony case remains in that circuit court from the first appearance through preliminary hearing, arraignment and trial.

Where pretrial inmates are held. Columbia County runs its own jail and a separate work-release unit, the Columbia County Huber Center, at the Law Enforcement Center on East Cook Street. Defendants awaiting trial on Columbia County charges are generally kept in the jail, and relatives who need to post bail or confirm that someone is in custody can call the Sheriff's Office at (608) 742-4166. Wisconsin allows no commercial bail bonds, so cash must be paid in full at the jail or the clerk's office.

Local courts in Columbia County (circuit court and municipal courts)

Columbia County has one circuit court and three municipal courts. Most of the county's smaller cities and villages have joined a single joint court headquartered in Wyocena, while Portage and Wisconsin Dells keep courts of their own.

Circuit court

Municipal courts

  • Eastern Columbia County Joint Municipal Court, 165 E. Dodge Street, Wyocena, WI 53969 (payments: P.O. Box 108), (608) 429-2323, open Monday through Thursday. Members: the Cities of Lodi and Columbus; the Villages of Arlington, Cambria, Fall River, Friesland, Pardeeville, Poynette, Randolph, Rio and Wyocena; and the Towns of Columbus, Dekorra and Lodi.
  • Portage/Endeavor Municipal Court (City of Portage, shared with the Village of Endeavor in Marquette County), 115 W. Pleasant Street, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 742-2258
  • Wisconsin Dells Municipal Court (City of Wisconsin Dells, most of which lies in Columbia County), 300 La Crosse Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, (608) 254-2442

Towns that belong to none of these courts, such as Caledonia, Pacific or West Point, have their ordinance citations heard in the circuit court in Portage. A municipal court handles forfeiture cases only, so it can fine a defendant, suspend a license or order an assessment, but jail comes into play only as a sanction for not paying. In some situations a defendant may be able to move a municipal case to the circuit court or appeal there; the municipal clerk can explain how and when.

Prosecution, defense, police and juvenile intake

  • Columbia County District Attorney, 400 DeWitt Street, P.O. Box 638, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 742-9650
  • State Public Defender, Portage office, 2520 W. Wisconsin Street, Suite 105, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 581-7770, the trial office serving Columbia County
  • Columbia County Sheriff's Office, 711 E. Cook Street, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 742-4166, which runs the Columbia County Jail
  • Portage Police Department, 117 W. Pleasant Street, Portage, WI 53901, non-emergency (608) 742-2174; dispatch (608) 742-2171
  • Columbus Police Department, 159 S. Ludington Street, Columbus, WI 53925, (920) 623-5919
  • Lodi Police Department, 142 S. Main Street, Lodi, WI 53555, (608) 592-5401
  • Fall River Police Department, 641 S. Main Street, Fall River, WI 53932, (920) 484-3707
  • Wisconsin Dells Police Department, 300 La Crosse Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, (608) 253-1611
  • Columbia County Health and Human Services, 111 E. Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901, (608) 742-9227, whose Division of Children and Families handles youth justice referrals

A person held at the jail has bail set by a circuit court judge or court commissioner in Portage; the municipal courts have no role in custody decisions.

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Misdemeanor (for example, theft, battery, disorderly conduct, a second OWI)

Summer crowds in the Wisconsin Dells area, traffic on Interstates 39 and 90/94, and the bars of Portage and Columbus account for many Columbia County misdemeanor arrests, along with shoplifting and household disputes.

Booking and getting out

Deputies and city officers bring arrested adults to the Columbia County Jail in Portage for booking. A person facing only a misdemeanor is often released the same day with a citation or on a signature bond, which requires no money up front but may set an amount owed if a court date is missed. Arrests for domestic abuse work differently: officers are often required to make an arrest, and a released defendant may not contact the alleged victim or go to the shared home for 72 hours unless the victim waives that in writing. People who remain in custody appear before a judge or court commissioner, commonly by video and generally within 48 hours, and that official decides whether to release them on a signature bond or set cash bail, with conditions such as no drinking or no contact.

The court process

At the initial appearance in Portage, the defendant gets a copy of the complaint and enters a plea. The State Public Defender's Portage office, (608) 581-7770, screens applicants under a strict income and asset test; if someone fails that test but cannot actually afford a lawyer, the judge may appoint one at county expense. The prosecutor and defense lawyer then meet at pretrial conferences. A misdemeanor that goes to trial in Columbia County is decided by a six-person jury, and a defendant who makes a speedy trial demand generally must be tried within 60 days, subject to exceptions.

Sentencing ranges in the Columbia County Circuit Court

  • Class A misdemeanors (battery, criminal trespass to a dwelling, theft of property worth $2,500 or less) can bring 9 months behind bars, a $10,000 fine, or both.
  • Class B misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct, which is frequently charged with a domestic abuse modifier, carry up to 90 days and $1,000.
  • Class C misdemeanors top out at 30 days in custody and a $500 fine in Portage.
  • A second OWI within 10 years requires 5 days to 6 months in jail plus fines, revocation and an ignition interlock. A first OWI remains a forfeiture of $150 to $300 plus costs, with a 6- to 9-month revocation and a required assessment; an interlock is also ordered at a 0.15 test result or after a refusal. A fourth OWI is generally a felony.

Misdemeanor cases may end in dismissal, a deferred prosecution agreement, a fine, probation or jail, and a jail sentence is often served with Huber work-release privileges at the Columbia County Huber Center. Most cases in Portage close within two to six months.

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Felony (for example, burglary, felony theft, drug possession with intent to deliver, substantial battery)

Columbia County felony cases often grow out of interstate traffic stops that turn up drugs, break-ins at lake cottages and rural properties, and thefts from tourist businesses near the Dells. Offenses alleged inside Columbia Correctional Institution, the state prison in Portage, may also be charged here.

The felony track

  1. Arrest and charging. The defendant is held at the Columbia County Jail while the District Attorney reviews reports and files a criminal complaint.
  2. First appearance. A judge or court commissioner explains the charges and sets bail, either a signature bond or cash with conditions. When the charge is a violent crime, the 2023 amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution permits the court to take the risk of serious harm into account in setting conditions and cash bail.
  3. Preliminary hearing. For a defendant held because bail has not been posted, this hearing generally must begin within 10 days, and within 20 days for others. The court decides only whether probable cause exists. Waivers are common.
  4. Information and arraignment. The prosecutor files an information, and the defendant enters a plea to it.
  5. Plea or jury trial. Negotiated pleas end most cases. A Columbia County felony jury has 12 members, and its verdict must be unanimous. A speedy trial demand generally requires a felony trial within 90 days, with exceptions.

What the example charges carry

  • Burglary (Class F): up to 12.5 years and a $25,000 fine.
  • Felony theft: Class I for more than $2,500 up to $5,000 (3.5 years, $10,000), Class H up to $10,000 (6 years, $10,000), and Class G above $10,000 (10 years, $25,000).
  • Substantial battery (Class I): a Columbia County judge may impose as much as 3.5 years. Aggravated battery is Class H, or Class E (up to 15 years and $50,000) with intent to cause great bodily harm.
  • Possession with intent to deliver: the class turns on the drug and its weight, from Class I for small amounts of some substances to Class C for large quantities of others. Class D offenses carry up to 25 years and $100,000.

Wisconsin's truth-in-sentencing law divides a prison term between initial confinement and extended supervision, with no parole for crimes committed after 1999, although a judge may make a person eligible for the Challenge Incarceration Program or Substance Abuse Program. Sentences shorter than a year are served in the county jail; longer ones in the Department of Corrections. Plan on six to twelve months for an ordinary felony case. The Public Defender's Portage office represents qualifying defendants, frequently through appointed private attorneys.

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Violent felony (for example, homicide, sexual assault, armed robbery)

Violent felony charges are relatively uncommon in Columbia County, and the Sheriff's Office or a local department may call in the state Division of Criminal Investigation for a homicide. People charged with these crimes face the strictest release terms, and many stay in the Columbia County Jail for the life of the case because they cannot post the cash bail that is set.

Sentences under Wisconsin law

  • First-degree intentional homicide: a Class A felony with a required sentence of life; at sentencing in Portage, the judge either sets the earliest date for extended supervision or rules out release altogether.
  • Second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide: both Class B, meaning a Columbia County conviction can carry up to 60 years.
  • First-degree sexual assault: Class B as well, with up to 60 years possible and mandatory minimum confinement for some offenses against young children.
  • Armed robbery: Class C, so a conviction in Portage can mean 40 years and a $100,000 fine. Simple robbery is Class E.

There is no death penalty; Wisconsin abolished it in 1853, earlier than almost any other state.

What families should expect

The steps match the felony track, but expect one to two years before trial, given crime-lab analysis, expert testimony and motion hearings. In a county of Columbia County's size, defense counsel may raise whether an impartial jury can be found locally if a case has drawn heavy coverage. Marsy's Law, approved by Wisconsin voters in 2020, guarantees victims notice, the right to attend proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; the District Attorney's victim/witness program can be reached at (608) 742-9650. Defendants who qualify are represented through the State Public Defender, which typically assigns homicide cases to seasoned counsel.

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Juveniles (under 17) arrested in Columbia County

Wisconsin's juvenile court covers children aged 10 through 16; in Columbia County, that means the circuit court in Portage hearing delinquency cases in confidential sessions. Anyone who is 17 at the time of the offense is treated as an adult and, if held, is booked into the Columbia County Jail.

Intake and charging

Police send juvenile referrals to the Columbia County Department of Health and Human Services, 111 E. Mullett Street, Portage, (608) 742-9227, where youth justice intake workers meet with the child and parents. Intake may close the referral, offer a deferred prosecution agreement or recommend that a delinquency petition be filed. The District Attorney makes the final charging decision.

Secure detention and the custody hearing

Columbia County does not run one of Wisconsin's secure juvenile detention centers. A youth who must be locked up is typically taken to a center in another county that accepts Columbia County youth, most often the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center in Madison; the intake worker tells the family where the child has been placed. A custody hearing generally has to be held within 24 hours of the decision to hold the youth, not counting weekends and legal holidays, and the judge or court commissioner then chooses between release home with conditions, a shelter or nonsecure placement, and continued detention. Every child charged with delinquency is entitled to a lawyer, assigned through the State Public Defender.

Possible results

  • A closed referral, a deferred prosecution agreement or a consent decree, each of which can avoid a delinquency finding.
  • Adjudication with supervision at home, restitution, community service, counseling or school conditions.
  • Out-of-home care with relatives, a foster family, a group home or a residential treatment center arranged through Columbia County.
  • For serious offenses, a Type 2 placement, a Type 1 commitment to Lincoln Hills School for boys or Copper Lake School for girls in Irma, or placement in the Serious Juvenile Offender program.

Adult prosecution of a youth

On the District Attorney's request, a juvenile judge may waive a youth 14 or older into adult court, and in narrow circumstances a younger one. Adult court has original jurisdiction, with no waiver hearing needed, when a child 10 or older is accused of attempted or first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide or felony murder, and also for some youths with a prior delinquency adjudication who are accused of specified new crimes. Juvenile records in Wisconsin are generally confidential.

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Federal cases (U.S. District Court) from Columbia County

Columbia County falls in the Western District of Wisconsin, a federal district without separate divisions, so any federal charge from Portage, Lodi, Columbus or the Dells is filed and tried at the federal courthouse in Madison, about 40 miles south.

  • Western District clerk's office, Room 320 of the federal courthouse at 120 North Henry Street, Madison (53703), (608) 264-5156
  • U.S. Attorney for the Western District, prosecuting from Suite 700 at 222 West Washington Avenue in Madison, (608) 264-5158
  • Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin, Madison staff at Suite 1000, 22 East Mifflin Street, (608) 260-9900; Criminal Justice Act panel lawyers are appointed when the office cannot take a case
  • U.S. Pretrial Services and Probation for the Western District, Madison, (608) 264-5165

Which Columbia County cases become federal

Federal charges are the exception. They usually involve drug trafficking organizations using the interstate highways, firearm possession by people with disqualifying convictions, bank robbery, the online sexual exploitation of children, and fraud against banks, investors or federal programs. Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage is a state prison, so crimes there are state matters. Columbia County has no reservation; Ho-Chunk Nation trust lands are scattered across this part of Wisconsin, and because Wisconsin is a Public Law 280 state, crimes on tribal land here generally go to state court, unlike on the Menominee Reservation in the northeast.

Steps in a federal prosecution

A defendant arrested on a federal warrant in Columbia County is brought first to a U.S. magistrate judge in Madison, who reviews the charges and appoints counsel for anyone who cannot afford it. The federal courts do not deal with bail bondsmen. Instead, the magistrate applies the Bail Reform Act, choosing either release with conditions enforced by Pretrial Services or detention until trial, and the government's request for detention is typically argued at a hearing within three court days. A grand jury indictment is generally due within 30 days of an arrest on a complaint. The 70-day trial requirement of the Speedy Trial Act is commonly extended in complex cases. A jury of 12 must reach a unanimous verdict, but pleas resolve most cases.

For sentencing, the court relies on a presentence report prepared by a probation officer and applies the advisory federal Sentencing Guidelines and any mandatory minimum term. Without parole in the federal system, a prisoner from Columbia County serves around 85 percent of the sentence in Bureau of Prisons custody, then a period of supervised release. The Seventh Circuit, based in Chicago, decides appeals from the Western District. Federal charges against a Columbia County juvenile are rare.

Looking up a federal prisoner

Families can check the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator, searching by name or register number, for a Columbia County resident in federal custody. If the person is being held before trial in a local jail that houses federal detainees under a U.S. Marshals agreement, that jail's own inmate roster may list the person too.

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The information on this page describes criminal court procedure in Columbia County, Wisconsin, in general terms and is not legal advice; addresses, phone numbers and jail practices may change. For advice about a particular case, consult a Wisconsin-licensed criminal defense attorney. To apply for a public defender, ask jail staff or call the State Public Defender's Portage office at (608) 581-7770; to find out whether someone is being held, call the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at (608) 742-4166.

Criminal Court Process for Columbia County Wisconsin

Columbia County Wisconsin Criminal Court System – Definitions

It might be helpful to define some words that will be used on this site, when explaining the Wisconsin Court System and how it works. The definitions on this site are for general information and not legal advice. It is always preferred to follow information given by your attorney or local authorities.

If you scroll down below this content, and the listing of the courts in Columbia County, you will find a simple flowchart diagram and a video that will help you visualize the stages of the Criminal Court Process.

Arrest is when Wisconsin, Columbia County or local police take a person into custody and start the legal process. The arrested person may or may not be immediately jailed. 

In less serious crimes, the person may only be given a citation ordering that they appear in municipal or Columbia County court on a certain date. In cases involving more serious crimes, the person is usually placed in the county jail until an arraignment, or a judge decides the next step.

Booking is when the Columbia County sheriff or local police gather information such as the detainee’s name, address and why the person is being arrested. Booking also includes fingerprinting, criminal history, investigation, and verification of identity. Bail for lower-level crimes may be set right after booking so the arrested can “bail or bond out” before being detained.

The prosecution, sometimes called “the government” or “the people” or “the state” is the side that presses the charges and seeks punishment for the offense. These are attorneys that work for the state of Wisconsin, Columbia County or a city or town.  The prosecuting attorney for Columbia County or the district is called the District Attorney or Assistant District Attorney. A U.S. Attorney prosecutes federal cases.  

Jurisdiction is an important term in the court system that means whether a court has the obligation or duty or right to handle a case.  For example, if you run a red light in your town or city, a municipal court would likely have jurisdiction over your case, but the next town or city over would not have jurisdiction over your case.  If you attempted to flee from police when they attempted to stop you after you ran the red light, it becomes a more serious crime, and the municipal court might not have jurisdiction so you might be assigned to a higher-level court that has jurisdiction over the more serious crime.  Jurisdiction varies from state to state and sometimes county to county.

Arraignment is when a judge determines whether the charges are supported by the prosecution’s initial evidence and tells the arrested what they are charged with, and the person says whether they are guilty or not guilty. At this time, the person is called the defendant, and the opposing side is called the prosecution. If there is reason to believe that the arrested is guilty, the judge will set bail conditions or send the defendant to jail or release them ROR (release on recognizances). An arraignment is not a trial, and the defendant is entitled to a trial within a reasonable amount of time after the arraignment.

Bail is money paid that is held by the Columbia County or municipal court to make sure that the arrested does not flee the area before their trial. Bail amounts and other conditions are determined at the arraignment. Once the case is over, the bail money is returned to the defendant. If a person does not pay bail, they remain in the Columbia County Jail until their trial.  

Bail can be denied if the court feels that the arrested would be a danger to others if released. Sometimes the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee so they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.

A bond proceeding is the determination of how much bail is to be paid and usually happens at the same time as an arraignment. During bond proceedings, the defendant can have an attorney present but does not have the right to an attorney. A judge or court officer in the {county extended} or municipal court sets bail. Judges in Wisconsin rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.

Wisconsin is one of a few states that does not allow posting bail for profit, meaning that a court or bondsman cannot charge a percentage of the bond as in other states.  If the defendant fails to appear in court when required to, the police or sheriff’s office will be given a warrant to arrest the defendant.

If the defendant is not released on their own recognizance, the Columbia County court will allow the defendant, family or friend to pay up to 10% of the bail/bond amount.  If the defendant does not appear in court, the court keeps the 10% and the court could demand the full bail amount and place an arrest warrant through the sheriff’s department.

If possible, it is important to have family involvement after being arrested.  Not only can they make calls and communicate on your behalf, but family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. 

A criminal defense attorney (also called lawyer or counsel) is hired or retained to represent the arrested as early as possible after the arrest. If there is a chance that the case might go to trial and the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires that the court provide an attorney. This is called indigent representation and a public defender or assigned attorney would represent the defendant in all proceedings. Indigent representation is only available misdemeanor and felony cases that could result in jail time, juvenile cases, and certain appeal cases. 

If the arrested cannot afford a lawyer, the Wisconsin court would assign indigent representation, usually called a public defender in Wisconsin or a contracted attorney in special cases to represent the person for free or a small fee or a reduced rate. A right to an attorney is in the 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution; that all people that are going to be heard in trial are entitled to be represented by a lawyer and if they cannot afford one, the court will provide one. 

Indigent representation is available for juvenile cases, certain appeals, misdemeanor and felony cases that could result in jail time. In Wisconsin, a violation does not result in jail time, so the State of Wisconsin is not obligated to provide an attorney.  In Wisconsin, all indigent defense is funded by the state and not the county.   The following link will take you to the Wisconsin State Public Defender site.

For less serious cases or civil cases, there are pro bono volunteers who volunteer legal services for free or for a small fee. They often will hold clinics to teach people how to represent themselves in court or expunge their record which means to legally erase or eliminate a criminal or arrest record from public view. The State Bar of Wisconsin offers a webpage regarding pro bono and reduced rate attorney services at the following link.

Many courts will provide forms and help for people who want to represent themselves, called pro se.  Here is a link for legal self-help in Wisconsin.

The following link provides self-help information for juvenile matters.

A district court can refer to the first level of the legal system, or a minor court. District courts are in the community.  A district court can also refer to a U.S. Federal District Court that hears federal cases. There are two U.S. federal district courts in Wisconsin, with offices throughout the state. It is important that you check the address of the court you are to appear in rather than to ask someone because that person might give you directions to the wrong “district” court. Being late to court can land you in custody as well.

Pretrial proceeding is the process where both sides (prosecution and defense) gather information, interview witnesses, request records, videos etc. Pretrial proceedings also include communications with the judge assigned to the case and these appearances are either in person or by on-line conferencing. Some pretrial proceedings may not require a defendant’s appearance, allowing an attorney to appear in their place. The information that is gathered is called discovery and both sides must share the information that they have gathered.  This information does not include conversations between the arrested and their attorney.

Most cases do not go to trial because both sides reach a plea deal, where both sides try to reach a reasonable punishment based on what was learned in the pretrial proceedings.  A plea deal can only happen if the accused person admits they are guilty in exchange for a lighter punishment.  The reason they must admit guilt is because it would not be fair to punish someone who claims they are not guilty.  There are times in plea bargaining when the prosecution agrees to give a lighter sentence in exchange for information leading to the arrest of a more serious criminal related to the crime.  

Trial is where both sides share their information in front of a judge or a judge and jury. After listening to all the evidence, the judge or jury decides the verdict which is whether the person is guilty or not guilty. If a court has only a judge hearing both sides, it is called a bench trial.  If a jury is selected, it is called a jury trial.  If the defendant is found not guilty, they are released.  If they are found to be guilty, the next step is sentencing.

Sentencing is the punishment that the judge decides the person should get. This could be jail or prison time, fines, community service, probation, or a combination.

Appeal is asking for a higher court to hear the case again at an appellate court.  If the accused person thinks something went wrong at trial or has new information that was not available during the trial or that the sentence is too harsh, the defense attorney can ask for an appeal. It is not unusual for an appeal when there is a long jail sentence, but an appeal can be denied if the appellate court feels that the original trial or sentencing was fair.

Wisconsin Misdemeanor vs Felony

In Wisconsin, a misdemeanor is divided into Class A or B or C.  Examples of misdemeanors are trespassing, simple assault, petty theft and shoplifting.  

  • Class A misdemeanors have punishments of jail for up to 9 months and/or pay a fine up to $10,000.   
  • Class B misdemeanors have punishments of jail for up to 90 days and/or pay a fine up to $1000.
  • Class C misdemeanors have punishments up to 30 days and fines up to $500.

A felony crime is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor and are divided into different classes which are general guidelines and are based on the crime, prior criminal history and other factors.  Examples of felony crimes are murder, rape, theft, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, kidnapping and identity theft.  

In Wisconsin, felonies are divided into 9 classes. 

  • Class A being the most serious that results in life imprisonment.  
  • Class B has a maximum sentence of 60 years in state prison. 
  • Class C has a maximum sentence of 40 years in state prison and/or $100,000 fine. 
  • Class D has a maximum sentence of 25 years in state prison and/or $100,000 fine. 
  • Class E has a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison and/or $50,000 fine. 
  • Class F has a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison and/or $25.000. 
  • Class G has a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and/or $25,000 fine. 
  • Class H has a maximum sentence of 6 years in state prison and /or $10,000 fine and 
  • Class I has a maximum sentence of 3 ½ years in state prison and/or a fine of $10,000.

The Columbia County Clerk of Court is an elected official whose responsibilities for Criminal Court’s administrative issues include receiving criminal warrants, receiving bail, creating the trial schedule, receiving fees, fines and maintaining court records.

A warrant is used to get someone to appear in court or to law enforcement.  There must be good reason to believe that the person is involved in a crime. The warrant gives authority to arrest the person and search for evidence for the investigation of the crime. 

A criminal summons is issued to request that a person appear in court at a particular time and date.  It does not involve an arrest.  A traffic ticket, summary citation or lesser misdemeanor could be considered a summons if you are given a court date.

A summary citation, commonly referred to as a ticket, is a criminal summons by a law enforcement officer either in person or via mail accusing the defendant of a minor offense, stating potential fine, listing the court having jurisdiction and instructions for addressing the issue. Defendants may or may not be required to appear in court or handle the matter by entering a plea via mail.

Fines are usually paid to the District Court or clerk of court and payment methods can be found on the District Court or Columbia County Clerk of Court website. If you do not pay your fine on time, you can lose your driver’s license, must pay additional fees or even have a warrant for your arrest.  It is important to read the instructions on the ticket issued by the police officer or court at the time of your arrest. For a parking ticket or summary citation, the fine amount and how to send payment should be on the ticket. 

Wisconsin Criminal Court System - How it Works

Municipal courts are the same as a city or town court and handle violations of city ordinances (city laws), traffic violations, parking violations and criminal misdemeanor offenses such as disorderly conduct, underage drinking and trespassing that occur within the city or towns police jurisdiction. There are 229 municipal courts in Wisconsin and some towns use a court jointly.

Circuit courts handle misdemeanors and felonies from beginning (preliminary hearings) to end (settlement or trial).  Circuit courts also handle some traffic matters and juvenile cases.  

Specialty Courts serve people who would benefit from alcohol, drug and other rehabilitative services.  Wisconsin offers a problem-solving court that oversees specialty courts as drug treatment, OWI, mental health, juvenile, domestic violence and veterans courts. 

The Wisconsin Courts of Appeal will hear cases and correct errors or allow information from the lower courts that lead to the appeal.  They do not hear the case as if it were new.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is like our United States’ Supreme Court because it has a panel of judges that rule on matters that have to do with someone’s constitutional rights or policies and laws. The Wisconsin State Supreme Court deals with the state constitution or laws or policies. Sometimes the Supreme Court will hear criminal cases on appeal when there is a question on the state laws or procedures that lead to the appeal.  

The criminal cases are usually referred from the district courts of appeal.

FEDERAL COURT

Federal Court deals with crimes involving violations of United States laws.  Federal crimes include federal drug trafficking, federal tax evasion and fraud that crossed state lines and include crimes that occur on federal property as post offices or federal buildings.  

Cases involving crimes that involve the FBI or DEA or Immigration agencies are federal crimes. Terrorism is a federal crime. 

There are some differences in the Federal court system as compared to the Wisconsin state court system. For example, the attorneys who work for the courts are called United States Attorneys and Federal judges are called District Court Judges (not to be confused by local state district courts).  

Federal Magistrate Judges hear the case early on, but they do not decide on the cases at a trial like the Federal District Court Judges. In a federal case, a grand jury is used for indictments.

There are two U.S. Federal Judicial Districts in Wisconsin.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Columbia County

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Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.