Polk County Jail Criminal Court Process

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Polk County

Criminal Court Process for Polk County Wisconsin

Polk County stretches from the St. Croix River bluffs at Osceola and St. Croix Falls east to Amery and Clear Lake, with the county seat in the village of Balsam Lake. Criminal cases go to the two-branch Polk County Circuit Court in the Justice Center on West Main Street in Balsam Lake, while four municipal courts handle local ordinance tickets in Amery, Osceola, St. Croix Falls and Turtle Lake. State charges are brought by the elected Polk County District Attorney, whose office is in the same building. The Sheriff books and holds arrested adults at the Polk County Jail, also inside the Justice Center, which is where cash bail is paid.

  • Polk County Circuit Court, Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810; Clerk of Circuit Court (715) 485-9299
  • Polk County District Attorney, Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 700, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, (715) 485-9231
  • Polk County Sheriff's Office, Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 900, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, (715) 485-8300
  • Polk County Jail, Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 900, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, (715) 485-8370
  • Wisconsin State Public Defender, Hudson office (assigned to Polk County), 2100 O'Neil Road, Suite 400, Hudson, WI 54016, (715) 650-9777
  • Polk County Human Services Department (juvenile intake), 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 50, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, (715) 485-8400

Which court hears your case. A local ordinance violation or a first-offense OWI, which Wisconsin treats as a civil forfeiture unless a child under 16 was in the car, is heard by the municipal court serving the place where it happened: the Amery Area court for Amery, Clear Lake, Clayton and the town of Black Brook, the Osceola court for Osceola and Dresser, or the St. Croix Falls or Turtle Lake courts. In Balsam Lake, Luck, Frederic, Milltown, Centuria and the towns, such tickets are generally heard by the circuit court unless the community has a court of its own. Misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses go to the Polk County Circuit Court, where two judges split the criminal calendar, and felonies are handled there from the first appearance and preliminary hearing to trial.

Where pretrial inmates are held. Every adult arrested by deputies, the State Patrol or the county's many village police departments is brought to the Sheriff's jail at the Justice Center in Balsam Lake. Sentenced inmates may be allowed out for work under Huber release. The jail line, (715) 485-8370, can tell relatives whether someone is in custody and how release can be arranged.

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

Two of Polk County's four municipal courts are joint courts that cover more than one community. All four are limited to ordinance cases, where the only penalty is a forfeiture and jail can follow only from a failure to pay. A defendant in some ordinance cases may be able to have the matter transferred to the circuit court, for example through a timely jury request; ask the municipal clerk about the rules for the specific ticket. The Turtle Lake court also serves the village and town of Almena in neighboring Barron County. Addresses below come from the state's 2021 municipal court directory, so confirm before going in person.

Circuit court

  • Polk County Circuit Court, Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. Branches 1 and 2; Clerk of Circuit Court (715) 485-9299

Municipal courts

  • Amery Area Municipal Court (city of Amery, villages of Clear Lake and Clayton, and the town of Black Brook), 104 Maple Street West, Suite A, Amery, WI 54001, (715) 268-6567
  • Osceola Municipal Court (villages of Osceola and Dresser), P.O. Box 217, Osceola, WI 54020, (715) 294-2090
  • St. Croix Falls Municipal Court (city of St. Croix Falls), 710 Highway 35 South, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024, (715) 483-1533
  • Turtle Lake Municipal Court (village of Turtle Lake, which straddles the Polk-Barron line, plus Almena), mailing address P.O. Box 11, Turtle Lake 54889, (715) 986-2241

Prosecution, defense, police and intake

  • District Attorney, Justice Center, Suite 700, Balsam Lake, (715) 485-9231
  • Appointed counsel: the Hudson trial office of the State Public Defender, Suite 400, 2100 O'Neil Road, (715) 650-9777
  • Polk County Sheriff's Office, which runs the Polk County Jail, Justice Center, Suite 900, Balsam Lake, (715) 485-8300
  • Amery Police Department, 104 Maple Street West, Suite C, Amery, WI 54001, (715) 268-7411
  • Osceola Police Department, 310 Chieftain Street, Osceola, WI 54020, (715) 294-3628
  • Balsam Lake-Centuria Police Department, 404 Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, (715) 485-3544
  • Clear Lake Police Department, 350 Fourth Avenue, Clear Lake, WI 54005, (715) 263-2156
  • Clayton Police Department, 133 Clayton Avenue East, Clayton, WI 54004, (715) 948-2121
  • Dresser Police Department, 102 Main Street West, Dresser, WI 54009, (715) 755-2941
  • Frederic Police Department, 110 Oak Street East, Frederic, WI 54837, (715) 327-8851
  • Luck Police Department, 401 Main Street South, Luck, WI 54853, (715) 472-9191
  • Milltown Police Department, 97 Main Street West, Milltown, WI 54858, (715) 825-3500
  • St. Croix Falls Police Department, city of St. Croix Falls; reach it through the Sheriff's dispatch at (715) 485-8300
  • Juvenile intake: Polk County Human Services, 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 50, Balsam Lake, (715) 485-8400; after hours through the Sheriff's Office

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

In Polk County, with its dozens of lakes and summer cabin traffic, misdemeanor files tend to involve impaired driving on Highways 8, 35 and 46, boating and alcohol incidents, retail theft and household disputes.

What follows an arrest

Village officers and deputies often release people on a citation for low-level offenses. Anyone arrested goes to the Polk County Jail in Balsam Lake to be booked. A signature bond is the usual release in misdemeanor cases: the person signs a promise to appear, and an amount may become payable if they do not. A cash amount, when the court requires one, is paid in full at the jail or the clerk's office by the defendant or relatives; Wisconsin bars commercial bonding companies. After a domestic abuse arrest in Polk County, the released person must avoid contact with the alleged victim for 72 hours, a rule the victim can waive in writing.

First appearance and counsel

A person who remains locked up typically sees a Polk County judge or court commissioner within about 48 hours, often by video from the jail, for the reading of the charges and release conditions. Applications for a public defender go to the State Public Defender's Hudson office, (715) 650-9777, and can be begun at the jail. Those who are over the state's tight income limit but still cannot hire a lawyer may ask the court about appointing counsel at county expense.

Maximum penalties for the examples

  • Theft of no more than $2,500: Class A misdemeanor, up to 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine in Balsam Lake.
  • Battery: Class A; when charged as domestic abuse, it also brings a surcharge and a federal firearm prohibition.
  • Disorderly conduct: Class B, with a limit of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
  • Second OWI within 10 years: 5 days to 6 months of required jail time, a fine, revocation and an ignition interlock. A first OWI is a forfeiture of $150 to $300 plus costs, with 6 to 9 months of revocation, an alcohol and drug assessment and an interlock for a 0.15 or higher test or a refusal.
  • Class C misdemeanors: up to 30 days and a fine of $500.

A misdemeanor may end in dismissal, deferred prosecution, a fine, probation or county jail with Huber release. A six-person jury decides any trial. Most cases take two to six months; a speedy trial demand generally obligates the court to start trial within 60 days.

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

Methamphetamine distribution, burglaries of seasonal homes and lake cabins, and repeat drunk driving (a fourth OWI is generally a felony) make up much of the felony work in Polk County. The District Attorney's Office in the Justice Center reviews each referral before filing.

The felony track in Balsam Lake

  1. Complaint and initial appearance: the court reviews the complaint and sets a signature bond or cash bail with conditions. A 2023 amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution lets the judge consider the potential for serious harm when the charge is violent.
  2. Preliminary hearing: held within 10 days when the defendant is in custody and cannot post the amount set, or within 20 days otherwise. It tests only probable cause and is frequently waived.
  3. Information and arraignment: the DA files the information and the defendant enters a plea before Branch 1 or Branch 2.
  4. Resolution: most felonies end in plea agreements; a trial requires a unanimous jury of 12. After a speedy trial demand, trial should start within 90 days.
  5. Sentencing: often preceded by a presentence investigation report.

Example felony classes

  • Burglary: Class F, which in Polk County carries up to 12.5 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Felony theft: over $2,500 to $5,000 is Class I; over $5,000 to $10,000 is Class H; more than $10,000 is Class G (maximums of 3.5, 6 and 10 years).
  • Possession with intent to deliver: the class depends on which controlled substance and how much.
  • Substantial battery: Class I, with a maximum of 3.5 years and $10,000; aggravated battery is charged as Class H or E.

Under truth in sentencing, a prison term combines initial confinement with extended supervision, and parole does not exist for offenses committed after 1999. Anyone sentenced to a year or less serves that time in the county lockup in Balsam Lake. If the judge finds a defendant eligible, completing the Challenge Incarceration Program or Substance Abuse Program can shorten confinement. Felony cases in Polk County generally run six to twelve months.

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

The Sheriff's Office leads most major violent-crime investigations in rural Polk County, with village departments and state agents assisting when needed. Prosecutions are handled by the District Attorney in Balsam Lake.

Custody

People charged with homicide, sexual assault or armed robbery are usually held at the Polk County Jail through at least the initial appearance. A judge may set a high cash bail with strict conditions and, under the 2023 constitutional change, can weigh the risk that the defendant would cause serious bodily harm. The State Public Defender's Hudson office, (715) 650-9777, determines eligibility for an appointed lawyer.

Penalties

  • First-degree intentional homicide: Class A with a mandatory life sentence; the Polk County judge sets a date for possible release to extended supervision or orders life without it.
  • Second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide: both Class B felonies with 60-year maximum terms.
  • First-degree sexual assault: Class B, up to 60 years, with mandatory minimums in some cases involving young children.
  • Armed robbery: Class C, carrying up to 40 years and a $100,000 fine; robbery without a weapon is Class E.

Wisconsin ended the death penalty in 1853. Violent felony cases move through the same preliminary hearing and arraignment stages as other felonies, but forensic work and motions often push them to one or two years. Victims hold constitutional rights under Marsy's Law, approved by voters in 2020, including notice of proceedings and the chance to speak at sentencing. Appeals go to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, with possible review by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

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Juveniles (under 17) arrested in Polk County

Polk County's circuit court also sits as the juvenile court for delinquency cases involving children ages 10 through 16. Once a person turns 17, Wisconsin prosecutes new crimes in adult court.

Juvenile intake

Officers who take a child into custody call the intake worker at Polk County Human Services in Balsam Lake, (715) 485-8400 during the day, or through the Sheriff's Office at night and on weekends. The worker can send the child home, close the referral, arrange a deferred prosecution agreement, or pass the case to the District Attorney to consider a delinquency petition. When intake keeps a youth in custody, the law calls for a custody hearing within 24 hours of that decision, with weekends and legal holidays excluded.

Secure detention

Polk County has no juvenile detention center. A youth who needs secure detention is usually transported to a facility in another county that holds Polk County youths under contract, such as the Northwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Eau Claire. Parents can learn the location from Human Services.

How juvenile cases are resolved

  • A deferred prosecution agreement at intake or a consent decree in court.
  • Supervision at home with conditions such as counseling, schooling, restitution and community service.
  • Placement in a foster home, group home or residential treatment, or a Type 2 placement.
  • Type 1 placement at Lincoln Hills School for boys or Copper Lake School for girls, or the Serious Juvenile Offender program, reserved for grave cases.

When a juvenile can face adult charges

The District Attorney may ask to waive a youth 14 or older into adult court for many offenses, and in limited cases a younger child can be waived. Adult court holds original jurisdiction over children 10 and older charged with attempted or completed first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide or felony murder, and over some youths with prior delinquency adjudications who are accused of certain additional crimes. The State Public Defender represents children in juvenile cases. Juvenile records are generally closed to the public.

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

Polk County falls within the Western District of Wisconsin. Federal charges arising in the county are filed and tried in Madison.

  • Clerk's Office, Western District of Wisconsin, at 120 North Henry Street (Room 320) in Madison, (608) 264-5156
  • U.S. Attorney's Office serving western Wisconsin, Suite 700, 222 West Washington Avenue, Madison, (608) 264-5158
  • Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin (Madison), 22 East Mifflin Street, Suite 1000, Madison, WI 53703, (608) 260-9900; a private Criminal Justice Act panel lawyer is appointed when the office has a conflict

Federal jurisdiction in Polk County

Typical federal cases include drug trafficking conspiracies, gun possession by felons and other prohibited people, bank robbery, child exploitation and fraud. The headquarters of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is in St. Croix Falls, and the river along the county's western edge is federally managed, so crimes on Riverway land may be charged federally, though the state can also prosecute. Communities of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin are in and near northern Polk County. Wisconsin is a Public Law 280 state, so the Polk County Circuit Court generally has criminal jurisdiction over tribal lands here, alongside the tribe's own court; the Menominee Reservation in the east of the state is the federal exception.

How federal prosecutions proceed

A defendant arrested on federal charges first goes before a U.S. magistrate judge, who goes over the accusations and names a lawyer for any defendant who meets the financial test. Instead of cash bail, the Bail Reform Act calls for release on conditions supervised by Pretrial Services or for detention, decided at a hearing usually held within three court days of the government's motion. An arrest on a complaint must be followed by a grand jury indictment within 30 days, and the Speedy Trial Act sets a 70-day limit for trial that is often extended.

Most federal defendants plead guilty; those who go to trial face 12 jurors, who must be unanimous. The judge sentences after a presentence report, using the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and any mandatory minimum term. Because federal parole was abolished, a prisoner serves roughly 85 percent of the term in the Bureau of Prisons before supervised release begins. Appeals go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Looking up a federal inmate

To learn where a federal prisoner from Polk County is held, try the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator, which accepts a name or a register number. A detainee kept in a county jail for the Marshals before trial might also be listed on that jail's own roster. Juvenile cases are seldom brought in federal court.

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The information on this page describes the general criminal process in Polk County, Wisconsin, and is not legal advice; procedures, offices and phone numbers can change. Speak with a criminal defense attorney licensed in Wisconsin about any particular case. Public defender applications are handled by the State Public Defender's Hudson office at (715) 650-9777; to ask whether someone is in custody, call the Polk County Jail at (715) 485-8370 or the Sheriff's Office at (715) 485-8300.

Criminal Court Process for Polk County Wisconsin

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

Courts

AMERY MUNICIPAL COURT
118 CENTER ST W
AMERY WI, 54001
715-268-6567
VILLAGE-OSCEOLA MUNI COURT
310 CHIEFTAIN ST
OSCEOLA WI, 54020
715-294-3498
ST CROIX FALLS MUNICIPAL COURT
710 S HIGHWAY 35
ST CROIX FALLS WI, 54024
715-483-1533

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Polk County

Human-verified information Manually curated

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.