Oneida County Jail Criminal Court Process

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Oneida County

Criminal Court Process for Oneida County Wisconsin

Rhinelander is the county seat of Oneida County, and its courthouse on South Oneida Avenue houses the two-branch Oneida County Circuit Court, which decides every criminal case filed in the county. Wisconsin municipal courts hear only local ordinance tickets, and the state's directory lists none in Oneida County, so most of that work also lands in the circuit court. Charges are brought by the elected Oneida County District Attorney. Adults booked after an arrest anywhere from Minocqua to Three Lakes are held by the Sheriff at the Oneida County Jail on East Winnebago Street in Rhinelander, where cash bail is also accepted.

  • Oneida County Circuit Court (Branches 1 and 2), Oneida County Courthouse, 1 South Oneida Avenue, P.O. Box 400, Rhinelander, WI 54501; Clerk of Circuit Court (715) 369-6120
  • Oneida County District Attorney, Oneida County Courthouse, 1 South Oneida Avenue, P.O. Box 400, Rhinelander, WI 54501, (715) 369-6133
  • Oneida County Sheriff's Office, 2000 East Winnebago Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501, (715) 361-5100
  • Oneida County Jail, 2000 East Winnebago Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501, (715) 361-5180
  • Wisconsin State Public Defender, Rhinelander office (serves Oneida, Vilas, Forest and Florence counties), 158 South Anderson Street, Suite 1, Rhinelander, WI 54501, (715) 750-2170
  • Oneida County Department of Social Services (juvenile intake), Courthouse, 1 South Oneida Avenue, Rhinelander, WI 54501, (715) 362-5695; after hours through the Sheriff at (715) 361-5100

Which court hears your case. An ordinance citation or a first-offense OWI is a civil forfeiture case in Wisconsin, not a crime (the exception is a first OWI with a passenger under 16 in the car). Such a ticket goes to the municipal court of the city, village or town where it was written if that municipality has one; because the state directory shows no municipal court in Oneida County, these cases are generally heard by the Oneida County Circuit Court, but the citation itself names the court. Misdemeanors and criminal traffic charges, including a second OWI, are filed in the circuit court, where both branches share the criminal and traffic calendars along with a court commissioner. Felonies stay in the same court from the initial appearance through the preliminary hearing and any trial.

Where pretrial inmates are held. Deputies, Rhinelander and Minocqua officers, Three Lakes police, the State Patrol and conservation wardens all bring adult arrestees to the Sheriff's jail on Rhinelander's east side, next to the Sheriff's Office. Inmates serving sentences there may be granted Huber release for work or treatment. For custody status, charges or release conditions, call the jail at (715) 361-5180 or the Sheriff's main line at (715) 361-5100.

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

The Wisconsin court system's municipal court directory (its most recent edition is from 2021) names no municipal court for the city of Rhinelander or for Oneida County's towns, including Minocqua, Woodruff, Hazelhurst, Pelican, Newbold, Crescent and Three Lakes. Ordinance and first-offense OWI citations written in the county are therefore generally answered in the circuit court unless a town has created its own court since then, so check the court named on the ticket. Where municipal courts do exist in Wisconsin, they decide only ordinance cases that carry forfeitures, can jail someone only for failing to pay, and in some situations let a defendant ask to have the case moved to circuit court.

Circuit court

  • Oneida County Circuit Court, two branches, Oneida County Courthouse, 1 South Oneida Avenue, P.O. Box 400, Rhinelander, WI 54501. The Clerk of Circuit Court's office, which has deputy clerks assigned to criminal and to traffic files, answers at (715) 369-6120, weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tribal court

  • Lac du Flambeau Tribal Court (Band headquarters community), Peace Pipe Rd., Lac du Flambeau 54538, (715) 588-4200. Lac du Flambeau Band lands reach into western Oneida County; the tribal court applies the Band's own laws, while state criminal charges still go to the circuit court.

Prosecution and defense

  • Oneida County District Attorney, Courthouse, Rhinelander, (715) 369-6133
  • State Public Defender (Rhinelander trial office), Suite 1, 158 S. Anderson St., (715) 750-2170

Law enforcement

  • Oneida County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Oneida County Jail, 2000 East Winnebago Street, Rhinelander, (715) 361-5100
  • Rhinelander Police Department, 201 North Brown Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501, (715) 365-5300
  • Minocqua Police Department, 418 East Chicago Avenue, P.O. Box 346, Minocqua, WI 54548, (715) 356-3234
  • Three Lakes Police Department, 1795 Erie Street, P.O. Box 5, Three Lakes, WI 54562, (715) 546-2211
  • Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police (patrols Band land, including the Oneida County portion), Lac du Flambeau, (715) 588-7717

Juvenile intake

  • Oneida County Department of Social Services, Courthouse, 1 South Oneida Avenue, Rhinelander, (715) 362-5695

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

Oneida County's population swells each summer with cabin owners and visitors to the Minocqua chain of lakes, and the misdemeanor docket in Rhinelander follows the season: shoplifting from resort-town stores, bar fights, disorderly conduct and impaired driving or boating.

From arrest to first court date

For many lower-level offenses an officer simply issues a citation or summons and lets the person go. When someone is booked into the Oneida County Jail instead, the jail may release them on a signature bond under a standard schedule; that is a written promise to return, sometimes with a set sum owed if a court date is missed. A cash amount, if ordered, must be paid in full by the defendant or someone on their behalf, because commercial bail bond businesses are not permitted in Wisconsin. A person arrested for domestic abuse cannot contact the alleged victim for 72 hours after release unless the victim waives that in writing. Anyone still held usually goes before a judge or the court commissioner, often by video from the jail, within about 48 hours.

Getting a lawyer

The State Public Defender's Rhinelander office on South Anderson Street screens Oneida County defendants; jail staff can supply an application, or call (715) 750-2170. The SPD's income-and-asset test is strict. A defendant who fails it but genuinely cannot hire a lawyer can ask the circuit judge to appoint one at county expense.

Possible penalties in Oneida County

  • Theft of property worth $2,500 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, as is ordinary battery: each carries up to 9 months in jail in Rhinelander and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Disorderly conduct, frequently charged with a domestic abuse modifier, is a Class B misdemeanor with a ceiling of 90 days and $1,000.
  • Second OWI within 10 years: a criminal case with mandatory confinement of at least 5 days (up to 6 months), fines, revocation and an ignition interlock. The first offense, by comparison, is a $150 to $300 forfeiture plus costs, a 6- to 9-month revocation, an alcohol or drug assessment, and an interlock when the test showed 0.15 or more or the driver refused.
  • A Class C misdemeanor tops out at 30 days and $500.

A six-member jury decides misdemeanor trials. Common results are dismissal, deferred prosecution, a fine, probation, or jail time with Huber privileges. Expect a case to run two to six months; a defendant who files a speedy trial demand is generally entitled to trial within 60 days.

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

Break-ins at seasonal cabins left empty over the winter, methamphetamine and fentanyl delivery, and fourth or later OWI charges (a fourth offense is generally a felony) make up a large share of Oneida County felony filings.

Step by step

  1. Criminal complaint and initial appearance. The District Attorney files a written complaint. At the first hearing the judge or commissioner confirms there is probable cause, explains the charges and sets release terms, often with cash bail and conditions such as no drinking or no contact. Since a 2023 change to the state constitution, judges may weigh the risk of serious harm to the public when setting conditions for people charged with violent crimes.
  2. Preliminary hearing. Required within 10 days for a defendant who stays in custody because the cash amount has not been posted, or within 20 days for others. The only question is whether probable cause exists that the defendant committed a felony. In Rhinelander it is often waived, sometimes in exchange for a plea offer.
  3. Information and arraignment. After bindover the prosecutor files an information, the formal charging document, and the defendant enters a plea in front of the assigned branch.
  4. Resolution. Plea agreements resolve most cases. If the case is tried, a 12-person jury must agree unanimously, and a speedy trial demand generally requires the trial to start within 90 days.

Maximum penalties for the listed charges

  • Burglary of a home, cabin or business: Class F, punishable by up to 12 years 6 months and $25,000.
  • Felony theft: Class I when the property is worth more than $2,500 (up to 3.5 years), Class H above $5,000 (6 years) and Class G above $10,000, which can mean a decade in prison.
  • Possession with intent to deliver: the felony class rises with the type and weight of drug and can reach Class C.
  • Substantial battery: Class I. Injuries amounting to great bodily harm can bring an aggravated battery charge, Class H or Class E.

A Wisconsin prison sentence is bifurcated into a term of initial confinement and a period of extended supervision; there has been no parole for offenses committed after 1999. A sentence of one year or less is served locally, and longer terms go to the Department of Corrections, where eligible inmates may earn early release through the Challenge Incarceration Program or the Substance Abuse Program. Six to twelve months is a typical span for an Oneida County felony. The State Public Defender's Rhinelander office represents qualifying felony defendants throughout.

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

People charged with the most serious offenses in Oneida County usually remain in the Oneida County Jail through the case unless they can post the cash bail set at the initial appearance, which in these cases tends to be high and comes with strict conditions. The Sheriff's Office and the state Division of Criminal Investigation often handle the investigation together.

Penalty ranges

  • First-degree intentional homicide (Class A): life in prison is mandatory. At sentencing the judge either sets a date when the person may petition for extended supervision or orders life without that possibility.
  • Second-degree intentional homicide, along with first-degree reckless homicide: each Class B, with up to 60 years; reckless homicide is the charge Wisconsin uses in many fatal drug-delivery cases.
  • First-degree sexual assault: Class B, up to 60 years, and certain offenses against young children carry mandatory minimum prison terms.
  • Armed robbery: Class C, up to 40 years; unarmed robbery is a Class E felony carrying up to 15 years.

A death sentence is not possible: Wisconsin abolished capital punishment in 1853.

What to expect

Forensic testing, expert witnesses and motion hearings commonly stretch these prosecutions to one or two years. Crimes on Lac du Flambeau Band land within Oneida County are tried in this circuit court like any other state case, because Wisconsin holds criminal jurisdiction there under Public Law 280. A defendant who qualifies is represented by the State Public Defender, which often assigns its most experienced lawyers or private counsel to homicide cases. Under Marsy's Law, crime victims have state constitutional rights to be notified, to be present and to be heard; the District Attorney's victim/witness staff can be reached at (715) 369-6133.

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Juveniles (under 17) arrested in Oneida County

Under Wisconsin law a 17-year-old charged with a crime goes to adult court. Children aged 10 through 16 come before the Oneida County Circuit Court sitting as the juvenile court, and the juvenile clerk works in the Register in Probate's office at the courthouse.

Intake

Police send juvenile referrals to the Oneida County Department of Social Services at the courthouse, (715) 362-5695; after hours, intake is reached through the Sheriff at (715) 361-5100. The intake worker may close the case, arrange a deferred prosecution agreement, or recommend that the District Attorney file a delinquency petition. If the child is placed in secure custody, a judge or commissioner generally must hold a custody hearing within 24 hours after the intake decision, not counting weekends and legal holidays.

Secure detention

Oneida County has no juvenile detention center of its own. A youth who must be locked up is typically taken to a center in another county under contract, such as the Marathon County Juvenile Detention Center in Wausau; intake staff will tell the family where the child is.

Possible outcomes

  • Deferred prosecution or a consent decree, which pause the case while the youth follows conditions.
  • Supervision at home with counseling, restitution, community service, school attendance or electronic monitoring.
  • Out-of-home placement in foster care, a group home or a residential treatment center, or Type 2 placement.
  • Type 1 placement in a state juvenile correctional facility, Lincoln Hills School for boys or Copper Lake School for girls, both near Irma.
  • The Serious Juvenile Offender program for the gravest offenses.

When a youth is tried as an adult

Prosecutors may petition to waive juvenile jurisdiction for a youth 14 or older accused of certain offenses, and in limited cases for younger children. Adult court has original jurisdiction, as a rule, over a child 10 or older accused of attempted or completed first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide or felony murder, and over some youths with a prior delinquency adjudication who are accused of specified new crimes. The State Public Defender's Rhinelander office represents children in juvenile delinquency matters. Juvenile court records are generally confidential.

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

Oneida County is in the Western District of Wisconsin. Federal charges from Rhinelander, Minocqua or anywhere else in the county are filed with the district's only clerk's office, in Madison, and the hearings take place there, roughly 200 miles south.

  • Clerk of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, Madison courthouse at 120 North Henry Street (Room 320), (608) 264-5156
  • United States Attorney for the Western District, the office that would prosecute an Oneida County federal case, Suite 700 at 222 West Washington Avenue in Madison, (608) 264-5158
  • Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin, Madison staff office on the tenth floor (Suite 1000) of 22 East Mifflin Street, (608) 260-9900; conflict cases are assigned to private Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys
  • U.S. Pretrial Services and Probation, Suite 340 in the same West Washington Avenue building (number 222), (608) 264-5165

Which Oneida County cases become federal

Most arrests in the county stay in state court with the State Public Defender handling indigent defense. The federal prosecutors in Madison generally take Oneida County matters involving interstate drug distribution, guns possessed by people barred from having them, bank robbery, online child exploitation and large fraud schemes. Parts of the county fall within the Nicolet side of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and offenses on that federal land may be prosecuted federally, although state charges are often possible as well. Lac du Flambeau Band land in the western part of the county is under Wisconsin's Public Law 280 criminal jurisdiction, so crimes there are usually charged in state court, with the tribal court handling tribal-law matters; the Menominee Reservation, far to the southeast, is the only place in Wisconsin where federal courts take that role.

The federal process

After an arrest or indictment, the defendant first sees a U.S. magistrate judge, who appoints counsel when needed. Federal court does not use cash bail the way state court does: under the Bail Reform Act the judge either releases the person on conditions supervised by Pretrial Services or orders detention, and a detention hearing usually takes place within three court days of the government's request. A grand jury indictment must follow within 30 days of an arrest on a complaint. The Speedy Trial Act sets a 70-day trial clock, though continuances are common.

Guilty pleas resolve most federal cases; any trial goes to 12 jurors, who must all agree. Sentencing comes after a probation officer writes a presentence report; the Oneida County defendant's range is then set using the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and any required minimum term. There is no federal parole, so prisoners serve roughly 85 percent of their sentence in the Bureau of Prisons before beginning supervised release. A conviction can be appealed to the Seventh Circuit, which sits in Chicago and covers Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

Locating a federal defendant

Look the person up by name or register number with the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator. A defendant awaiting federal trial in a county jail under a Marshals Service contract may also be listed on that jail's inmate roster. Federal prosecution of juveniles is rare.

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This guide gives general information about criminal cases in Oneida County, Wisconsin, and is not legal advice; procedures, staff and phone numbers change. For help with a specific case, talk with a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer. To apply for a public defender, call the State Public Defender's Rhinelander office at (715) 750-2170; to ask whether someone is in custody, call the Sheriff's jail staff at (715) 361-5180.

Criminal Court Process for Oneida County Wisconsin

Oneida 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 Oneida 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, Oneida 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 Oneida 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 Oneida 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, Oneida County or a city or town.  The prosecuting attorney for Oneida 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 Oneida 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 Oneida 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 Oneida 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 Oneida 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 Oneida 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 Oneida 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.