Kewaunee County Jail Criminal Court Process
Criminal Court Process for Kewaunee County Wisconsin
The City of Kewaunee, on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Kewaunee River, is the county seat and the home of the county's single-judge Kewaunee County Circuit Court. That one branch hears every crime charged in the county, from Algoma and Luxemburg to the farm towns of Casco, Lincoln and Red River. No municipal court operates in Kewaunee County, so local ordinance tickets are also filed with the circuit court. Charges are brought by the elected Kewaunee County District Attorney, and adults who are arrested are held at the Kewaunee County Jail, run by the Sheriff's Office on Juneau Street, a block from the courthouse.
- Kewaunee County Circuit Court and Clerk of Circuit Court, Kewaunee County Courthouse, 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-7144
- Kewaunee County District Attorney, 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-7194; victim/witness coordinator (920) 388-7173
- Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office, 620 Juneau Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-3100
- Kewaunee County Jail, 620 Juneau Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-3100
- Wisconsin State Public Defender, Green Bay office (assigned to Kewaunee County), 139 South Washington Street, Green Bay, WI 54301, (920) 448-5433
- Kewaunee County Department of Human Services (juvenile intake, youth justice), 810 Lincoln Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-7030
Which court hears your case. Because no city, village or town in Kewaunee County has set up a municipal court, ordinance citations and a first-offense OWI (in Wisconsin a civil forfeiture, and a crime only if a child younger than 16 was a passenger) go to the Kewaunee County Circuit Court as non-criminal cases. The same courtroom on Dodge Street handles misdemeanors and criminal traffic charges, and every felony: the initial appearance, the preliminary hearing and any trial take place before the county's one circuit judge or its court commissioner.
Where pretrial inmates are held. The jail behind the Sheriff's Office is small, with 22 beds and three short-term holding cells; it was built in 1968. When the population runs over capacity, the Sheriff sends some prisoners out of county, most often women, and mainly to the Door County Jail in Sturgeon Bay. Families looking for someone, or wanting to post cash bail, should call the Sheriff's Office at (920) 388-3100.
- Local courts in Kewaunee County (circuit court and municipal courts)
- Misdemeanor (for example, theft, battery, disorderly conduct, a second OWI)
- Felony (for example, burglary, felony theft, drug possession with intent to deliver, substantial battery)
- Violent felony (for example, homicide, sexual assault, armed robbery)
- Juveniles (under 17) arrested in Kewaunee County
- Federal cases (U.S. District Court) from Kewaunee County
Local courts in Kewaunee County (circuit court and municipal courts)
The county's circuit court has a single branch, with one elected judge, and sits in the courthouse at 613 Dodge Street, open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
No municipal courts in the county
The Wisconsin Court System's directory of municipal courts lists none for Kewaunee County, and neither the Cities of Algoma and Kewaunee nor the Villages of Luxemburg and Casco operates one. A local ordinance ticket written in Algoma or Luxemburg is therefore filed in the circuit court. Ordinance and first-OWI cases are civil: the penalty is a forfeiture, not jail, and the State Public Defender does not appoint lawyers for them. Where a municipal court exists elsewhere in Wisconsin, a defendant can in limited situations ask to move a case to circuit court; in Kewaunee County the tickets start there.
Courts and prosecution
- Kewaunee County Circuit Court, 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216; Clerk of Circuit Court (920) 388-7144, main courthouse line (920) 388-7142
- Kewaunee County District Attorney, 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-7194
- State Public Defender, Green Bay office, 139 South Washington Street, Green Bay, WI 54301, (920) 448-5433
Law enforcement and youth services
- Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office, 620 Juneau Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-3100; patrols the towns and the villages without their own police
- Kewaunee Police Department, 401 Fifth Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-5010
- Algoma Police Department, 416 Fremont Street, Algoma, WI 54201, (920) 487-3311
- Luxemburg Police Department, 206 Maple Street, Luxemburg, WI 54217, (920) 845-5381
- Kewaunee County Department of Human Services, 810 Lincoln Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, (920) 388-7030
Whoever made the arrest, a person who cannot leave on a signature bond waits at the Kewaunee County Jail for a first court date on Dodge Street.
Misdemeanor (for example, theft, battery, disorderly conduct, a second OWI)
Repeat drunk driving on State Highways 29, 42 and 54, domestic disputes and thefts make up much of Kewaunee County's misdemeanor docket.
Booking and release
An arrested adult is processed at the Kewaunee County Jail on Juneau Street. Plenty of misdemeanor defendants are let go within hours, either with a citation that lists a court date or on a signature bond, a signed promise to come back and follow conditions. Someone held instead sees the judge or court commissioner, generally within 48 hours, often by video from the jail, and learns the charges and the release terms. Cash bail in Wisconsin must be paid in full by the defendant or family at the jail or the clerk's office, since the state does not permit commercial bail bondsmen.
Domestic abuse arrests follow special rules: Wisconsin law requires an arrest in many such incidents, and an arrested person who is released is barred for 72 hours from contacting the alleged victim or going to that person's residence, unless the victim signs a waiver.
Penalties a Kewaunee County misdemeanor can bring
- Theft of $2,500 or less: a Class A misdemeanor, which allows the Kewaunee County judge to impose as much as 9 months in jail and a fine reaching $10,000.
- Battery and criminal trespass to a dwelling: also Class A misdemeanors; a battery against a family member carries a domestic abuse label and required counseling or assessment.
- Disorderly conduct: Class B, which on the Kewaunee docket can mean up to 90 days and a fine of no more than $1,000; it is frequently charged with a domestic abuse modifier.
- Class C misdemeanors: 30 days at most, with a $500 cap on the fine.
- Second OWI within ten years of the first: a crime here, with mandatory confinement of 5 days up to 6 months, a fine, loss of the license, a required alcohol and drug assessment, and an interlock device. A first OWI is civil, carrying a forfeiture of $150 to $300 plus costs, a 6- to 9-month revocation, an assessment and, at a test of 0.15 or above or after a refusal, an interlock; it becomes criminal if a child under 16 was aboard. By the fourth OWI, the charge is generally a felony.
Lawyers, trial and timing
The State Public Defender's Green Bay office represents qualifying defendants. Outcomes include dismissal, a deferred prosecution agreement with the DA, an amended ordinance violation, a fine, probation, or county jail time, which the judge can allow to be served with Huber release for work. A misdemeanor trial in Wisconsin is heard by six jurors. On a written speedy-trial demand, a misdemeanor case is generally supposed to be tried within 60 days, though exceptions apply. Two to six months is a realistic span for most cases.
Felony (for example, burglary, felony theft, drug possession with intent to deliver, substantial battery)
Burglaries of homes and farm buildings, equipment thefts, methamphetamine sales and fourth or later OWIs are among the felonies the District Attorney's office on Dodge Street brings in the circuit court.
How a felony moves through Kewaunee County
- Initial appearance. After the DA files a criminal complaint, the defendant appears, often by video from the Kewaunee County Jail. The court sets bail or a signature bond, along with conditions, and the defendant is reminded to apply for the State Public Defender.
- Preliminary hearing. The judge or commissioner decides whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed a felony. The deadline is 10 days after the initial appearance for a defendant held on bail he or she cannot post, and 20 days for anyone else. Waivers are common.
- Information and arraignment. If the case is bound over, the prosecutor files an information and the defendant enters a plea at arraignment.
- Motions and negotiations. The defense reviews the evidence, may challenge searches or statements, and negotiates with the DA. A speedy-trial demand in a felony generally sets a 90-day limit, with exceptions.
- Resolution. Most cases end by plea. Twelve Kewaunee County residents sit on a felony jury, and all of them must agree on the verdict.
Felony penalties in Kewaunee County Circuit Court
- Burglary (Class F): a maximum of 12.5 years, with a fine that can reach $25,000.
- Felony theft: property worth more than $2,500 but not more than $5,000 is a Class I theft, punishable by up to 3.5 years; above $5,000 and up to $10,000 it is Class H, up to 6 years; beyond $10,000 it is Class G, up to 10 years.
- Possession with intent to deliver: a Kewaunee County drug charge is classed by substance and weight, so a delivery of a few grams and a delivery of an ounce can fall in very different classes.
- A substantial battery conviction in Kewaunee County is a Class I felony with a 3.5-year maximum, and aggravated battery is a Class H felony (6 years) or, when great bodily harm was intended, Class E (15 years).
Prison sentences in Wisconsin are split into initial confinement and extended supervision, a structure called bifurcated sentencing under the truth-in-sentencing law. Parole no longer exists for offenses after 1999, although earned release through the Challenge Incarceration Program or the Substance Abuse Program can be ordered for eligible people. Terms of a year or less stay local; longer ones mean state prison. Expect six months to a year.
Violent felony (for example, homicide, sexual assault, armed robbery)
Homicides and armed robberies are rare in Kewaunee County. A defendant charged with a violent felony usually faces high cash bail; under the 2023 amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution, the court can consider whether release would expose the public to serious harm. Someone who cannot post it stays at the Kewaunee County Jail or, if space runs short, at a jail in a neighboring county.
Maximum sentences for the most serious Kewaunee County charges
- First-degree intentional homicide (Class A): life imprisonment is mandatory, and the judge either sets the earliest date for a petition for extended supervision or orders that the person will never be eligible.
- Class B felonies, which can bring as long as 60 years, include first-degree reckless homicide and second-degree intentional homicide.
- First-degree sexual assault (Class B): up to 60 years, with mandatory minimum confinement for some crimes against young children.
- Armed robbery (Class C): a sentence of up to 40 years plus as much as $100,000 in fines. Robbery without a dangerous weapon is a lesser Class E felony.
Wisconsin abolished the death penalty in 1853.
Timeline and rights
Expert testimony, forensic results and motion hearings often stretch these cases to a year or two. Victims have rights under Marsy's Law to be notified, to attend, and to speak at key hearings; the victim/witness coordinator at (920) 388-7173 is the contact. A defendant who cannot hire a lawyer applies to the State Public Defender's Green Bay office, which assigns an attorney with experience in serious felonies.
Juveniles (under 17) arrested in Kewaunee County
Wisconsin's juvenile court reaches only children from 10 through 16; a 17-year-old in Kewaunee County is charged in adult court like anyone older. Delinquency cases are heard by the circuit court, sitting as the juvenile court, in the Dodge Street courthouse.
Human Services intake
The Kewaunee County Department of Human Services, 810 Lincoln Street, (920) 388-7030, provides juvenile intake through its youth justice staff. After police refer a case, the intake worker interviews the child and parents and can close the referral, offer a deferred prosecution agreement with conditions, or forward it to the Kewaunee County District Attorney to consider a delinquency petition.
When a child is held
Kewaunee County has no secure juvenile detention center. A youth who must be held securely is usually taken to a center in another county under contract, typically the Brown County Juvenile Detention Center in Green Bay. A child in custody must get a prompt hearing on continued custody, generally within 24 hours after the end of the day intake decided to hold the child, with weekends and legal holidays excluded. The State Public Defender represents children in delinquency cases without regard to family income.
Possible results
- A consent decree that pauses the petition while the youth meets conditions
- A delinquency finding with supervision at home, restitution, community service, counseling or electronic monitoring
- Placement with relatives, in foster care, a group home or a residential program
- For serious cases, a Type 2 county-supervised correctional placement, or a Type 1 placement at Lincoln Hills School (boys) or Copper Lake School (girls), the state juvenile facilities near Irma, and in rare cases the Serious Juvenile Offender program
Adult court for juveniles
The DA can ask the court to waive juvenile jurisdiction for a youth, generally aged 14 or older depending on the offense, and the judge decides after a waiver hearing. Some charges start in adult court automatically: a child aged 10 or more accused of first-degree intentional homicide (or attempting it), first-degree reckless homicide or felony murder, as well as some youths previously found delinquent who are accused of certain new crimes. Juvenile files are generally confidential.
Federal cases (U.S. District Court) from Kewaunee County
A federal charge arising in Kewaunee County is filed in the Eastern District of Wisconsin and heard by its Green Bay Division, about 30 miles west of the county seat.
- Federal courthouse and clerk, Green Bay Division, 125 South Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Green Bay, WI 54301, (920) 884-3720
- U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Wisconsin (Green Bay branch office), Suite 301, 205 Doty Street, Green Bay, WI 54301, (920) 884-1066
- Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin handles appointed federal cases from its Green Bay, Milwaukee and Madison offices, and private Criminal Justice Act panel lawyers take conflict cases.
Which Kewaunee County cases end up in federal court
Federal prosecutors tend to take drug distribution networks that cross county or state lines, illegal gun possession by people with felony or domestic violence convictions, bank robbery, child exploitation involving the internet, and frauds involving federal programs or interstate schemes. No Indian reservation lies within Kewaunee County; the nearest, the Oneida Nation's reservation west of Green Bay, falls under Wisconsin's state jurisdiction through Public Law 280, unlike the Menominee Reservation, where serious crimes involving tribal members are federal cases.
Steps in a federal prosecution
The State Public Defender handles only state cases, so a federal defendant from Kewaunee County who cannot pay a lawyer is represented by the Federal Defender or a CJA attorney. After arrest, the accused goes before a U.S. magistrate judge in Green Bay for an initial appearance and, if needed, the appointment of counsel. Federal court uses no cash bail schedule; under the Bail Reform Act the magistrate chooses between release with conditions, overseen by the federal Pretrial Services office in Green Bay, and detention; a detention hearing, when prosecutors request one, is usually scheduled within three court days. An indictment by grand jury must come within 30 days of arrest on a complaint, and the Speedy Trial Act's 70-day limit for trial is commonly extended by the court. Federal juries have 12 members and must agree unanimously, though most defendants plead guilty.
The judge sentences after reviewing a presentence report, the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and any statutory mandatory minimum. Federal prison time carries no parole, and with good-conduct credit a prisoner typically serves around 85 percent before supervised release starts. Appeals from the Green Bay court go to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Finding someone in federal custody
For anyone in Bureau of Prisons custody, look up the person by name or register number with the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator. Before trial, a federal defendant is sometimes kept in a county jail that contracts with the Marshals Service, in which case the person's name may also be on that jail's inmate list. Federal charges against juveniles from Kewaunee County are very uncommon.
This page offers general information about the criminal process in Kewaunee County and is not legal advice; laws, contacts and jail arrangements change. Speak with a Wisconsin-licensed defense lawyer about any actual charge. Applications for a state public defender are taken by the Green Bay trial office at (920) 448-5433; to learn whether someone is being held, phone the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office at (920) 388-3100.
Criminal Court Process for Kewaunee County Wisconsin
Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee 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, Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee 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, Kewaunee County or a city or town. The prosecuting attorney for Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee 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.
