Tag: wisconsin circuit court efile

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CCAP Wisconsin Court Records

Wisconsin Circuit Courts

The Wisconsin Circuit Courts were established as trial-based courts to resolve disputes, criminal violations, and traffic matters in the state of Wisconsin. These courts are considered to be the originating court of jurisdiction.

Wisconsin Circuit Courts are divided into 9 judicial districts. There are a total of 249 Wisconsin circuit court judges assigned to cover the 72 counties in the state. A large number of these judges oversee the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Obtain Wisconsin Circuit Court Documents

The Wisconsin Circuit courts use a consolidated court access program to allow individuals to view and obtain court case records and documents. There is a web portal that provides remote access to the documents as long as you have an internet connection.

These documents can be viewed and printed directly from the portal without visiting a county courthouse. There are public terminals available in the courthouses for the general public to access the portal. This is reserved for individuals that lack internet access.

Wisconsin circuit courts web portal contains information for all court cases filed in the state of Wisconsin. The user-friendly interface allows you to research court cases by name, citation, and/or the court case number. You have the option to narrow down your search results if they are too broad.

Information that is displayed on the portal is the same information that you will find in the courthouse. The only exception is cases that exceed the display period, family court cases, juvenile cases, and cases that are sealed. More information regarding the types of cases that are found on the portal is available in the online tutorial guide. This guide discusses how to search for court records and how to read court documents.

Wisconsin Circuit Courts
Wisconsin Circuit Courts

Information Retrieved From Wisconsin Circuit Courts

As mentioned previously, you have the option to print the court records directly from the portal.

The information that you can obtain from the portal include the following:

  • Case information including the case number, charges, and disposition
  • The date the case was filed and the status of the case
  • The location where the case was filed along with the judicial officer overseeing the case
  • Case notes, documents, events, and hearings that are entered in the consolidated access program

Any information that is not found on the portal can be requested from the county clerk’s office. The instructions for requesting court records is located on the portal.

Contacting Wisconsin Circuit Courts

Every county in Wisconsin has elected officials known as the clerks of the court that are responsible for the daily administrative operations of the courts. Questions about specific cases are referred to the county clerk’s office where the case was filed. This information can be found on the County Clerk’s directory on the web portal. The directory is broken down by judicial districts and each county clerk’s office has a website containing information for that county.

The county clerk’s offices for the circuit courts are maintained and regulated by the Wisconsin Supreme court. The courts consider the record custodians for court documents and must adhere to the Wisconsin state statute.

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CCAP Wisconsin Court Records

WI Court Access

Individuals that need to perform background checks or access court records in Wisconsin are able to do so using the WI court access program. This program allows you to access the court records online using the consolidated court’s unified case records system. You can access this program and website remotely from any location if you have internet access. Otherwise, you will need to visit a Wisconsin County circuit courthouse and use the public terminal.

About WI Court Access

This system is a unified court system program that allows access to case records filed in circuit court. The case records that are on file include every type of court case filed in a Wisconsin court with the exception of cases that are deemed not available to the public. Cases that are not available for public inspection using this system, include the following:

  • Adoption cases
  • Guardianship cases
  • Civil commitments
  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Termination of parental rights
  • Child protection

The head of the committee that oversees the circuit court system believes that the public should know about criminal records. Therefore, sealing or expunging a criminal record in the state of Wisconsin is not easy.

WI Court Access
WI Court Access

Using WI Court Access

This system is not used for just access case records. Individuals can use this system to file cases electronically or to research legal matters. There are legal resources and tools that are available on the website to answer questions regarding criminal issues, divorce, probate, and other legal matters.

This court system program is used throughout different agencies in Wisconsin to exchange information electronically. Information that is exchanged includes the following:

  • Information with the District Attorney’s office regarding criminal and juvenile circuit court cases.
  • Tax warrant issues
  • Traffic case information with the state patrol and Department of Transportation
  • Criminal and forfeiture cases with the Crime Information Bureau

This system is used for jury management and is linked to the Division of Motor Vehicles information database. This assists the circuit courts with processing juror information and selecting a panel of potential jurors for court cases filed in circuit courts.

Questions About WI Court Access

The system is maintained in Madison, Wisconsin by the director of the state courts and the director of state courts offices. They are responsible for updating the WI court access program and ensuring that the system runs smoothly. Therefore, any technical questions regarding the system should be addressed to the WI court access technical support group.

Questions regarding information found using this system should be directed to the circuit clerk of the court’s office. The circuit court clerk’s office in each Wisconsin county is the official recordkeeper of cases filed in their county. If you are unsure how to contact the circuit court clerk’s office, you can use the directory found on the website. The directory will include a list of the main departments for the court and information for the clerk of court for that county.

If you need copies of court case records you will need to call or visit the courthouse and speak with a court clerk for assistance.

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CCAP Wisconsin Court Records

WI Circuit Court Access

In 1992, various agencies in Wisconsin were faced with an overwhelming number of requests for court records. This is what initiated the implementation of the WI circuit court access system that would take over 15 years to complete. County by county implemented this online system in their courthouses and by 2008, the last county joined.

WI Circuit Court Access Purpose

The purpose of the system is to provide a unified system where anyone can access court records including government and law enforcement agencies. There is an oversight and creation committee that is designated to oversee the system and maintain the website. The committee operates under the director of state courts.

This committee handles all issues that pertain to the policies of the circuit court access program.

Using WI Circuit Court Access Program

The circuit court access program is accessible through the following link https://wcca.wicourts.gov/. When using the website, it is important to read the complete terms and conditions of the search portal.

All information that is contained on the website is what is entered in the computer systems at the courthouse and filed in the records department. There is a subscription option that individuals can register for to retrieve information from the circuit court access interface. The subscription option allows users to use automated processes to download information and monitor the system. This option is designed for individuals that want a technical interface rather than a browser interface.

WI Circuit Court Access
WI Circuit Court Access

There is a handbook for using the program and understanding legal terms on the website. The handbook includes a glossary of commonly used legal terms and abbreviations to help users have a better understanding of the information that they are accessing through the portal.

This portal is not just for researching and accessing court records. If you have fees and fines to pay related to a court case, you can use the portal to pay these fees. You can also access calendars for law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and the courts.

You can use the portal to access the live stream court proceedings. The link is located under the calendar navigation toolbar that is on the search portal.

Information About WI Circuit Court Access

This system provides access to a number of court forms that are needed to file a court case. There are various types of court forms that are used when filing court cases. These forms make it possible for individuals to file court cases electronically.

The portal can be used as a resource for understanding the process of filing a court case and understanding what happens when a case is filed in court. The website is easy to explore and contains a plethora of resources for learning about the Wisconsin judicial system and understanding how the court system operates.

If you don’t understand or need clarification about the information on the portal, or if you have questions regarding court documents, you can use the directory on the portal to find contact information for the circuit courts in Wisconsin. You will need to contact the clerk of the court’s office for assistance.

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CCAP Wisconsin Court Records

Wisconsin Simple Case Search

There are a number of ways that you can obtain court case records in the state of Wisconsin. One of the most common ways is by performing a Wisconsin simple case search. This type of search can be conducted online by visiting the consolidated court programs website.

Understanding Wisconsin Simple Case Search

When you conduct a simple case search, you are able to retrieve court documents that have been filed in a courthouse in Wisconsin. This is helpful if you are not sure where the case was filed or if you want to search for all counties in Wisconsin.

The website allows you to search for civil and criminal cases, produce reports, and search attorney’s calendars. The search can be conducted remotely from a device that can access the internet or by using a public terminal located in a Wisconsin courthouse.

Using Wisconsin Simple Case Search

To use the simple case search, you will need to access the following link https://www.wicourts.gov/. Once you have accessed the link you will need to click on the case search drop-down menu located on the navigation bar at the top of the web page. You will select circuit court and you will be directed to the terms and conditions of the website. You will need to click the button “I Agree” to proceed.

This will bring you to the case search page. You will need to click the “search” dropdown menu and select simple. This is also the default search type when you get to the search page.

Wisconsin Simple Case Search
Wisconsin Simple Case Search

When using the simple case search you can search by party name, business name, case number. For a party name search, you can enter a partial name as long as you enter at least 3 letters for both the first and last name followed by the asterisk symbol.

You will have the option to conduct a countywide simple case search or a statewide simple case search. If you want to refine your search results, you can add the date of birth or middle name. You also have the option to display results that include or exclude these search criteria.

Once you have entered all of your search criteria, you will click on the search button. Once the search is complete, your search results will be displayed. You will need to scroll through the search results to find the court record that you are looking for.

Click on the link for the case number and this will display the case summary screen. If the case is still open you will receive a message informing you that the case has not been concluded.

You will have access to the title of the case, the case number, case status, all parties involved in the case, all court events, notes and documents that have been entered in the case, and the charges for the case.

Questions About Wisconsin Simple Case Search

If you have questions about performing a simple case search, there is a link on the website that you can click on for technical support.

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CCAP Wisconsin Court Records

Wisconsin Public Records

In most states, individuals can access public records of others through a number of different channels. Wisconsin public records are available to anyone wishing to obtain information on another individual through the courthouse and the Department of Justice. Information contained in these records is extracted from various government entities located in Wisconsin.

What are Wisconsin Public Records?

Public records consist of arrests, convictions, and cases filed in a court of law against an individual. Wisconsin adopted a law that allows these records to be available for the public to obtain copies and view them.

There are certain records that are not available to the public. This includes cases involving juveniles, expunged or sealed cases, and depending on the circumstances dismissed cases. The Wisconsin public library provides further details about what information is available through public records and background checks. You can also find links on the public library’s website to different agencies that provide information that is available to the public.

Are Wisconsin Public Records Accessible Online?

If you wish to view these records online, you must submit a request through the Department of Justice’s website. There is a link on the site that will direct you to request a background check.

You can also visit the Wisconsin court’s website and access court records online. You can view cases through the unified court system by visiting one of the courthouses in Wisconsin or by using a laptop or desktop and remotely accessing the court records through the website.

Wisconsin Public Records
Wisconsin Public Records

Are Wisconsin Public Records Free?

Wisconsin public records can be obtained at no cost by contacting the court or jails. This is not the same as a background check, however, it is information that the public is able to view. To perform a background check on an individual, you would need to pay a fee when completing the online request.

Information that is obtained from the courts may not include all arrests in Wisconsin. You can perform a search for all court cases in Wisconsin but it may not include all the arrests that have occurred. Law enforcement agencies are the only entities that can provide accurate arrest records to the public.

If individuals wish to obtain birth, marriage, or death records that occurred in Wisconsin, they would need to contact the Office of Vital Statistics. There are forms and links on the public library website that you can use to access these types of public records.

Wisconsin Public Records Disclaimer

Information that is obtained through public records or an online background check is subject to verification. There are circumstances where the individual that is being searched and the information that is provided may not be accurate. To verify the accuracy of the information that you have received, you would need to contact the courts or the law enforcement agency that provided the information to you.

It is important to remember that information in public records can be removed or challenged by contacting the appropriate agency. More information can be obtained from the Department of Justice.

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CCAP Wisconsin Court Records

Wisconsin Criminal Records

There are several reasons that a person may need to access Wisconsin criminal records. The main reasons these records are requested include pre-employment screening and rental screening. However, these aren’t the only reasons to access criminal records.

When an employer uses information obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Justice to do a criminal background check, only convictions can be used to disqualify an individual. This is regulated by the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law.

Obtaining Wisconsin Criminal Records

The Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and maintains the centralized criminal history database for the state of Wisconsin. Individuals that would like to request criminal records would need to submit a request using the Wisconsin Online Record Check System(WORCS) website.

This website allows the general public to request Wisconsin criminal records for a fee. You have the option to submit a request by registering on the website or by using the public user option. If you need to obtain criminal records regularly, it is recommended to create an account as a registered user. As a registered user, you will be able to access information by logging into your dashboard.

The fee for an online criminal background check is $7.00. If you request a mail records result you would need to add $5.00 as a processing fee.

Wisconsin Criminal Records
Wisconsin Criminal Records

Information Found on Wisconsin Criminal Records

The information that is found on the criminal history report is gathered from arresting law enforcement agencies, prosecuting agencies, courts, state criminal history repository, and federal criminal history repository entities. Criminal records are triggered by these entities when an individual receives a citation, violates a law, or is arrested.

When requesting a criminal record, you must verify that it belongs to the person that you are investigating, especially if you are doing a name search. The information contained in the Wisconsin Criminal Records report is deemed accurate as of the date of the request.

Landlords and employers are only able to submit a name-based check which is less accurate than a fingerprint-based check. If the information does not belong to the subject of the search, the process for clarifying the information is to complete and submit the Wisconsin Criminal History Challenge Form along with fingerprints. More information can be found on the website.

Questions about Wisconsin Criminal Records

Answers to questions regarding the results of criminal records requests or submitting a request can be found on the WORCS website. There is a section on the website that provides training material on how to read a criminal record, how to remove information from a criminal record, how to challenge a criminal record, as well as a notice for employers to read.

If you still have questions after reading over the training material and the brochures found on the website, you can contact the Criminal History Unit.

Contact information for the Criminal History Unit:

Criminal History Unit: 608-266-7314

Background Check: CIBRecordCheck@doj.state.wi.us

Criminal History record: CIBCriminalHistory@doj.state.wi.us

The Crime Information Bureau’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday between the hours of 8 am-4 pm.

For technical support, you would need to contact the administrator.

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CCAP Wisconsin Court Records

About Wisconsin Court Access

The Wisconsin Court Access is an online circuit court system created in 1999, to access cases filed in Wisconsin Circuit Courts. The Wisconsin Court Access allows the general public, court officials, the media, attorneys, and law enforcement to access court records in a unified and consolidated system.

Case information is uploaded to the system regularly with the exception of scheduled periodic maintenance to the system. The information that is available in the system is a digital copy of the records found in the county courts. The county courts for each county are the recordkeepers for the cases filed in that county, yet the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Committee is responsible for maintaining the online search portal.

Using Wisconsin Court Access

If you wish to use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access online search portal, you would need to go to the WCCA website. Once you have accessed the WCCA website, you will need to agree to the terms and conditions found on the website to proceed with a search.

When using the online search portal you can search for cases by name, case number, and/or citation number. You can also perform advanced searches to narrow down your search results. This allows you to enter the following additional information:

  • The date the court case was filed.
  • The case status
  • The case disposition date
  • Date of birth
  • Attorney name
  • Business name
  • Offense date
Wisconsin Court Access
Wisconsin Court Access

You also have the option to perform a statewide or countywide search. It is recommended to search statewide if you are unsure of what county the case was filed in. After 2 years, if certain types of cases were dismissed, the information is removed from the online search portal. However, the information would still be available in the county clerk’s office where the case was filed. To access dismissed court cases after 2 years, you would need to contact the county clerk’s office where the case was filed.

Questions About WCCA

If you have questions about court cases that you access on the Wisconsin Court Access online search portal, you would need to contact the county clerk’s office. If the question is a technical question regarding the WCCA website, you can send a message through the contact us link found on the WCCA website.

There is a set of FAQs found on the website that can answer general questions that you may have. This includes understanding the abbreviations used on the court documents, how to perform a search, what types of cases you have access to, and what information you will find on the Wisconsin Court Access online search portal.

In general, you can access criminal, traffic, civil, family, and probate cases in compliance with the Wisconsin open records law. This law states that circuit court records are made available for inspection by the general public.

If changes are made to the portal, the WCCA committee will inform the public of these changes by placing a notice on the website. The most recent changes made to the site were made in 2018. These are made to the site are to make the site more user-friendly for the public.

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CCAP Wisconsin Court Records

WI CCAP Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

For individuals wanting to look up information on Wisconsin Circuit Court cases or cases in the WI CCAP Wisconsin Circuit Court Access database, you would need to access through the WCCA. The information contained in this database is public information that is available to the general public under the Wisconsin open records law.

The open records law has been in effect for nearly 4 decades. The law states that the public is allowed access to the records contained in the database. If you are an employer that needs the information you would need to contact the Department of Justice. The information contained on this website can pull records for the wrong individual.

Understanding CCAP

The CCAP is the Consolidated Court Automation Programs, which is the software that allows users to access Wisconsin court records. The WI CCAP Wisconsin Circuit Court Access database holds information from every county in Wisconsin.

Information is entered into the system from clerks, registers, judges, and other court staff using a CCAP computer. They have access to these computers in the judge’s chambers, clerk offices, and all courtrooms. If you don’t have internet access and you need to access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access database, there are terminals available for public use.

Accessing CCAP and WCCA

Internet access is needed to access the database. Public information regarding criminal, civil, traffic, juvenile, and Department of Revenue tax issued warrants can be found on the WCCA.

The database is accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court website. Once you click on the link to search court records you will be redirected to the terms and conditions of the website. To begin utilizing the search tools you’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions.

Performing Searches on the WCCA

When searching for cases in the WCCA you can do a simple search using the first and last name, date of birth, case number, county or statewide, and/or business name, or perform advance searches by citation number or judgment information. It is not necessary to fill in every blank when performing a search, however, the more information you provide the more narrow the search results will be.

You can filter results by date filed, county, status, date of birth, case number, and defendant name.

The database contains a case summary, charges, defendant information, court notes, citations, dispositions, and money received towards any court assessed fines and fees. Felony and misdemeanor cases, small claims, traffic and ordinance violations, and domestic injunctions that have been dismissed or have a disposition of acquitted more than 2 years, will not appear.

Updates and Miscellaneous

Updates are made to the CCAP software annually to include changes made to state law, features within the software, and to fix any “bugs” with the software.

The WCCA database performs nightly maintenance on the system between 3 am and 4 am. During this time access to WCCA is unavailable and any case information that didn’t update prior to this time will update to the WCCA after the maintenance is performed.

The Wisconsin Circuit Courts have been using an electronic filing system for over 25 years, older cases converted to the newer software have limited information available. Information not available to be viewed on WCCA is not for public view.

If you find information on the WCCA that you believe is incorrect, you would need to speak with a clerk of the circuit court. They are responsible for the recordkeeping of the information contained on the site. Otherwise, the information available from the WI CCAP Wisconsin Circuit Court Access program is deemed accurate.