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Racine County Court Records

What Is Racine County Court Records

Court records in Racine County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.40, which establishes the duties of the clerk of circuit court regarding record maintenance. Court records typically include:

  • Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
  • Docket sheets chronicling case events and proceedings
  • Court orders and judgments
  • Hearing and trial transcripts
  • Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
  • Sentencing information in criminal matters
  • Financial records related to court fees, fines, and restitution

Court records differ from other public records such as vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), which are maintained by separate county departments. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system serves as the primary repository for court records in Racine County.

Multiple courts within Racine County maintain official records, including:

  • Racine County Circuit Court (handling felonies, misdemeanors, civil matters)
  • Racine County Family Court (divorce, child custody, support matters)
  • Racine County Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
  • Municipal Courts (ordinance violations, traffic citations)

These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic matters in accordance with the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules governing judicial administration.

Are Court Records Public In Racine County

Court records in Racine County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Wisconsin's Open Records Law, Wisconsin Statute § 19.31-19.39, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, should be available for public inspection. Additionally, the Wisconsin Constitution Article I, Section 8 guarantees that justice shall be administered openly.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

  • Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
  • Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
  • Court judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets detailing case events and scheduling
  • Court calendars and hearing schedules

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of Wisconsin (which includes Racine County) are maintained separately through the federal PACER system, not by Racine County.

Access to court records in Wisconsin is further governed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72 regarding retention and maintenance of court records. While the presumption favors public access, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, including:

  • Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Adoption records
  • Cases involving minors as victims
  • Records containing sensitive personal information

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website provides the primary mechanism for public access to court records in Racine County, implementing the state's commitment to transparency in judicial proceedings.

How To Find Court Records in Racine County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Racine County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Wisconsin court system currently provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

Online Access:

  • Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal
  • Search by party name, case number, or citation number
  • Review case summaries, court dates, and basic case information
  • Note that complete case files may not be available online

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours
  • Complete a records request form specifying the desired documents
  • Present valid identification if requesting certified copies
  • Pay applicable fees for copies or certification

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court

Written Requests:

  • Submit a written request to the Clerk of Circuit Court
  • Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
  • Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
  • Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 814.61(10), the Clerk of Circuit Court charges fees for searching and copying records. Current fees include:

  • $5.00 for record searches (per name or case number)
  • $1.25 per page for photocopies
  • $5.00 for certification of documents

For specialized court records such as municipal court cases, requesters should contact the specific municipal court directly. The Racine Municipal Court maintains separate records for city ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses.

Racine Municipal Court
800 Center Street, Room 115
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9172
Racine Municipal Court

How To Look Up Court Records in Racine County Online?

Racine County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by Wisconsin's judicial system. These digital resources provide varying levels of access to court documents and case information:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA):

  • Navigate to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
  • Accept the terms and conditions for public access
  • Select search criteria (name, case number, citation number)
  • For name searches, enter last name and first name
  • Refine results by county (select Racine) or case type if needed
  • Review case summaries, including charges, dispositions, and scheduled events
  • Note that complete case files and documents are not available through this system

Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access:

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court Electronic Records:

  • The Clerk's office provides limited electronic access through the Racine County website
  • Some documents may be available for download after registration
  • Follow the instructions for creating an account and requesting specific records
  • Pay applicable fees for document access using the online payment system

For municipal court records in Racine County, users must access separate systems:

City of Racine Municipal Court Records:

  • Visit the City of Racine Municipal Court website
  • Follow the link to the online case lookup system
  • Search by name or citation number
  • View basic case information and payment options

When using these online systems, users should be aware that pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, certain information may be redacted or restricted from public view to protect privacy interests or comply with statutory limitations on disclosure.

How To Search Racine County Court Records for Free?

Wisconsin law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), which states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, several free options exist for searching and viewing Racine County court records:

Free Online Resources:

Free In-Person Inspection:

  • Visit the Racine County Courthouse during regular business hours
  • Request to view specific case files at public access terminals
  • Examine documents on-site without charge
  • Take notes from records without incurring fees

Racine County Law Library:

  • Located within the Racine County Courthouse
  • Provides public access computers for legal research
  • Offers assistance in locating court records and legal materials
  • Available during regular courthouse hours

Racine County Law Library
Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue, 8th Floor
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3171
Racine County Law Library

While searching records is free, requesters should note that pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 814.61(10), fees apply for copies ($1.25 per page), certified copies ($5.00 plus copy fees), and document authentication. Additionally, complex searches requiring staff assistance may incur a $5.00 search fee per name or case number.

What's Included in a Racine County Court Record?

Racine County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2), which outlines the clerk's record-keeping responsibilities, court files typically include:

Criminal Case Records:

  • Criminal complaint or information
  • Arrest warrants and search warrants
  • Bail/bond information
  • Plea agreements
  • Pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted)
  • Judgment of conviction
  • Sentencing information
  • Probation/parole terms
  • Restitution orders
  • Appeal documentation

Civil Case Records:

  • Initial complaint or petition
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Defendant's answer or response
  • Motions and supporting memoranda
  • Court orders and decisions
  • Exhibits and evidence logs
  • Judgment information
  • Financial records (settlements, damages awarded)
  • Appeal documentation

Family Court Records:

  • Divorce/separation petitions
  • Child custody and placement orders
  • Child support calculations and orders
  • Property division agreements
  • Maintenance (alimony) determinations
  • Paternity establishment documents
  • Name change orders
  • Domestic violence restraining orders

Probate Records:

  • Wills and codicils
  • Inventories of estate assets
  • Letters of administration
  • Claims against estates
  • Guardianship appointments
  • Conservatorship documents
  • Estate accounting reports
  • Final distribution orders

Small Claims Records:

  • Statement of claim
  • Proof of service
  • Defendant's response
  • Judgment information
  • Garnishment and execution documents

Each court record also contains a case register or docket sheet that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial decisions. Court records may also include transcripts of proceedings, though these are typically prepared only upon request and payment of transcription fees.

How Long Does Racine County Keep Court Records?

Racine County adheres to the Wisconsin Court Records Retention Schedule established by Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, which mandates specific retention periods for various court documents. These retention periods ensure proper preservation of legal records while allowing for eventual disposition of outdated materials:

Permanent Retention:

  • Judgments and judgment dockets
  • Case indices
  • Criminal case files for Class A felonies
  • Homicide case files
  • Adoption records
  • Probate case files involving wills
  • Guardianship and conservatorship files
  • Civil commitment records
  • Paternity determination records

75-Year Retention:

  • Felony case files (except Class A felonies and homicides)
  • Divorce and family case files

50-Year Retention:

  • Civil case files with judgments affecting real estate
  • Probate case files without wills

20-Year Retention:

  • Misdemeanor case files
  • Traffic case files involving alcohol or serious injuries
  • Civil case files not affecting real estate

7-Year Retention:

  • Small claims case files
  • Traffic and ordinance violation files (non-alcohol related)

2-Year Retention:

  • Court notices and correspondence
  • Exhibits (after final disposition, if not returned)
  • Audio and video recordings of proceedings

The Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court implements this retention schedule in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2)(c), which authorizes the clerk to destroy obsolete records after the prescribed retention period. Before destruction, microfilming or digital preservation may be employed for records with historical or research value.

Records scheduled for destruction may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society if deemed to have historical significance. Additionally, the Racine County Historical Society may request preservation of locally significant court records before scheduled destruction.

Types of Courts In Racine County

Racine County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within Wisconsin's unified court structure. Each court handles specific types of cases according to jurisdictional authority:

Racine County Circuit Court
Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Circuit Court is divided into specialized branches:

  • Branch 1: Criminal Division
  • Branch 2: Civil Division
  • Branch 3: Family Division
  • Branch 4: Criminal Division
  • Branch 5: Civil Division
  • Branch 6: Family Division
  • Branch 7: Criminal Division
  • Branch 8: Juvenile Division
  • Branch 9: Criminal Division
  • Branch 10: Civil Division

Racine Municipal Court
800 Center Street, Room 115
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9172
Racine Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Village of Mount Pleasant Municipal Court
8811 Campus Drive
Mount Pleasant, WI 53406
(262) 664-7800
Mount Pleasant Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Village of Caledonia Municipal Court
5043 Chester Lane
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 835-6415
Caledonia Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District II
(Handles appeals from Racine County)
2727 N. Grandview Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 521-5230
Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Wisconsin Supreme Court
(Final appellate authority)
16 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
(608) 266-1880
Wisconsin Supreme Court

The court hierarchy follows a structured progression: Municipal Courts handle ordinance violations and minor offenses; Circuit Courts serve as courts of general jurisdiction for most legal matters; the Court of Appeals reviews Circuit Court decisions; and the Wisconsin Supreme Court provides final appellate review of significant legal questions.

What Types of Cases Do Racine County Courts Hear?

Racine County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as established by Wisconsin statutes:

Racine County Circuit Court:

Criminal Division (Branches 1, 4, 7, 9):

  • Felony prosecutions (all classes)
  • Misdemeanor cases
  • Criminal traffic offenses (OWI/DUI)
  • Preliminary hearings
  • Bail/bond determinations
  • Probation/parole revocation hearings
  • Post-conviction relief motions

Civil Division (Branches 2, 5, 10):

  • Civil lawsuits exceeding $10,000
  • Personal injury claims
  • Contract disputes
  • Property litigation
  • Foreclosure proceedings
  • Civil commitments
  • Restraining orders and injunctions
  • Administrative appeals
  • Small claims cases ($10,000 or less)
  • Eviction proceedings

Family Division (Branches 3, 6):

  • Divorce and legal separation
  • Child custody and placement
  • Child support establishment and enforcement
  • Paternity determinations
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Name changes
  • Domestic abuse injunctions
  • Termination of parental rights

Juvenile Division (Branch 8):

  • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
  • Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
  • Juvenile ordinance violations
  • Truancy cases
  • Juvenile guardianships

Municipal Courts:

Racine Municipal Court:

  • City ordinance violations
  • First-offense OWI/DUI (if adopted by municipality)
  • Parking citations
  • Building code violations
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Underage alcohol consumption
  • Animal control violations
  • Truancy (concurrent with Circuit Court)

Village Municipal Courts (Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, etc.):

  • Village ordinance violations
  • Traffic citations issued by village police
  • Local code enforcement
  • Nuisance abatement
  • Municipal forfeitures

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by Wisconsin Statute § 753.03 for Circuit Courts and Wisconsin Statute § 755.045 for Municipal Courts. Cases may move between courts through appeals or transfers when jurisdictional issues arise.

For matters involving federal law, cases would be heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee, rather than in Racine County courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Racine County

Court dockets in Racine County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions in active cases. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

  • Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
  • Accept the terms and conditions
  • Search by case number, party name, or attorney
  • Select Racine County from the jurisdiction options
  • Review case events, scheduled hearings, and filing history
  • Note that municipal court dockets are not included in this system

Daily Court Calendars:

  • Access the daily court schedule through the Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court website
  • Select "Court Calendars" from the navigation menu
  • Choose the specific branch or judge
  • View cases scheduled for the current or upcoming dates
  • Calendars typically show hearing times, case numbers, and party names

In-Person Docket Review:

  • Visit the Racine County Courthouse during business hours
  • Proceed to the Clerk of Circuit Court office
  • Request to view the court calendar or specific case docket
  • Use public access terminals to search electronic records
  • Ask court staff for assistance locating specific docket information

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court

Municipal Court Dockets:

  • For Racine Municipal Court dockets, visit the City of Racine Municipal Court website
  • Use the online case search function with citation number or name
  • Contact the court clerk directly for docket information not available online
  • Other municipal courts in the county maintain separate docket systems

Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 70.38, court officials must make reasonable efforts to provide public access to court schedules and dockets. While basic docket information is freely available, detailed case documents referenced in docket entries may require separate requests and applicable fees.

Which Courts in Racine County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Wisconsin's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings, while "courts not of record" typically maintain only summary records of dispositions. According to Wisconsin Statute § 753.01, circuit courts are established as courts of record, while Wisconsin Statute § 755.01 establishes municipal courts, which may function as courts not of record.

Municipal Courts (Courts Not of Record):

These municipal courts typically:

  • Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
  • Maintain only summary records of dispositions and judgments
  • Record basic case information rather than complete testimony
  • May create audio recordings of proceedings, but not formal transcripts
  • Allow appeals to circuit court as "de novo" proceedings (completely new hearings)

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a municipal court (not of record), the case receives a completely new hearing in circuit court under Wisconsin Statute § 800.14, rather than a review of the existing record as occurs with appeals from courts of record.

All other courts in Racine County, including all branches of the Circuit Court, are courts of record that maintain complete transcripts and detailed documentation of all proceedings.

Lookup Court Records in Racine County

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