If you need to locate WI court records, the first place you should start is with the county clerk’s office or the courthouse. It can be easier to find WI court records by searching through county court records instead of using the statewide consolidated court’s program.
If you need to lookup multiple counties or you are unsure of the county where the court case was filed, the statewide consolidated portal is the best option for you. This portal will provide you with information for any case filed in any county in Wisconsin.
Using the WI Court Records Statewide Portal
The statewide portal is used by the general public and anyone wishing to access court records. The portal has been updated over the last few years and it contains the records of court cases filed in Wisconsin according to the display period guidelines. The guidelines are available on the portal and it breaks down the length of time each type of courthouse is accessible using the portal.
If you need to access court records beyond the online portal display period, you will need to visit the courthouse where the case was filed and request the court records with a clerk of the court official.
What is included in WI Court Records?
The type of information that is included in the WI court records will depend on the type of court record that you are researching. In general, most court records will contain the following information:
- Court case number
- Documents and notes files at each court date
- Personal information of the parties involved in the court case.
- The outcome of the court case
- Attorney information
- Schedule of the events and hearings for each court case.
If the court record that you are researching is a criminal case, you may have access to the witness statements, list of evidence and the documents filed by the courts. If you have questions about what type of information you can access you can contact the clerk’s office for assistance.
Other Resources
Researching court records or obtaining information can be found through other resources aside from the portal and the clerk of the court’s office. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau provides additional information that may not be found in court case records.
There are limitations on accessing information in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Courthouses have limited hours and some administrative offices are not open to the public or you have to make an appointment to visit the courthouse. Each courthouse has its own guidelines for in-person access or walk-ins. Therefore you will need to contact the courthouse in advance.
Other Information You Need to Know
There is an online portal available to access WI court records. The portal can be accessed remotely from any device that has internet access. You do not have to use a courthouse terminal to access the portal for court records.
For all other questions or concerns refer to the information found on the court records portal or contact the courthouse where the case was filed.