Ozaukee County Public Records /Ozaukee County Court Records

Ozaukee County Court Records

What Is Ozaukee County Court Records

Court records in Ozaukee County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, which establishes the state's commitment to providing public access to government records.

Ozaukee County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Court dockets chronicling case events and scheduling
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
Financial records including filing fees, fines, and restitution

These judicial documents differ from other public records maintained by the county, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax assessment records, which are maintained by separate county departments.

The Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of court records for proceedings conducted in:

Ozaukee County Circuit Court (handling civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters)
Small Claims Court (operating as a division of Circuit Court)
Family Court (operating as a division of Circuit Court)
Probate Court (operating as a division of Circuit Court)

Municipal courts within Ozaukee County maintain separate records for ordinance violations and minor offenses occurring within their respective jurisdictions.

Are Court Records Public In Ozaukee County

Court records in Ozaukee County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Wisconsin's Open Records Law, codified in Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be available for public inspection and copying.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has further reinforced this principle through Supreme Court Rule 72.01, which specifically addresses court record retention and access. Under current law, the following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (including small claims matters)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Traffic and ordinance violation records
Probate proceedings
Family court matters (with certain privacy protections)
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders

However, certain records are subject to statutory confidentiality provisions or may be sealed by judicial order. These include:

Juvenile proceedings (pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 938.396)
Mental health commitment records
Adoption proceedings
Certain family court matters involving minors
Records sealed by judicial order for compelling privacy or safety concerns
Grand jury proceedings
Cases involving confidential informants

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (which has jurisdiction over Ozaukee County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in Ozaukee County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Ozaukee County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate various research needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-8409
Clerk of Circuit Court

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

The process for obtaining court records involves:

Completing a Record Request Form with specific case information
Submitting the request to the Clerk's office either in person, by mail, or electronically
Paying applicable fees for document retrieval and copying
Receiving documents either in person, by mail, or electronically (when available)

For expedited service, requestors should provide:

Complete case number (if known)
Names of parties involved
Approximate date of filing or case activity
Specific documents needed from the case file

Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.03, the Clerk of Circuit Court charges statutory fees for document reproduction, currently set at $1.25 per page for regular copies and $5.00 for certified copies of specific documents. Additional research fees may apply for requests requiring extensive staff time.

How To Look Up Court Records in Ozaukee County Online?

Ozaukee County provides digital access to court records through several online platforms, enabling remote research of judicial proceedings. The primary electronic resources include:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - This statewide portal, commonly known as CCAP, serves as the central online repository for circuit court records across Wisconsin, including Ozaukee County. The system provides access to:
- Case summaries and party information
- Chronological case histories
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judgment information
- Case status updates
To utilize this resource, navigate to Wisconsin Circuit Court Access and:
- Select search parameters (name, case number, citation number)
- Enter relevant information
- Review search results
- Select specific cases to view detailed information
Wisconsin Court System eFiling - For attorneys and registered users, the Wisconsin eFiling system provides access to electronically filed documents. This system allows:
- Document submission to the court
- Access to filed documents
- Case monitoring capabilities
- Electronic service of documents
Ozaukee County Clerk of Courts Records Portal - The county maintains a dedicated records access portal with links to available online resources and information about obtaining records not available electronically.

When using these online systems, users should note that certain case types and documents remain confidential under Wisconsin law and are not accessible through public portals. Additionally, some older records may not be digitized and require in-person requests.

How To Search Ozaukee 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 reproduction fees apply for copies, several no-cost options exist for accessing Ozaukee County court records.

Free access methods include:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - This comprehensive online database provides free public access to circuit court records statewide, including all Ozaukee County cases not statutorily confidential. The system is available at https://wcca.wicourts.gov and requires no registration, subscription, or payment.
In-Person Inspection - Members of the public may visit the Ozaukee County Courthouse during regular business hours to review non-confidential court records without charge. Computer terminals are available in the Clerk of Courts office for accessing digital records, while physical files may be requested for on-site examination.

Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-8409
Public access hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Public Law Library Access - The Ozaukee County Law Library provides public computer terminals with access to court records databases. The library is located within the courthouse complex and is available during regular courthouse hours.

While these methods provide free access to review records, users should note that fees still apply for obtaining copies of documents. Current reproduction fees are $1.25 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified documents, as established by the Wisconsin Court System fee schedule.

What's Included in a Ozaukee County Court Record?

Ozaukee County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type and complexity. Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, court records typically include:

For Civil Cases:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
Motions and supporting memoranda
Court orders and rulings
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
Final judgment or dismissal order
Post-judgment motions and orders
Appeal documentation (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

Criminal complaint or information
Arrest warrant or summons
Bail/bond documentation
Defendant's initial appearance record
Preliminary hearing transcript (felony cases)
Plea agreements
Pre-trial motions and orders
Jury selection records (if applicable)
Exhibit logs and admitted evidence
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation/supervision terms
Restitution orders

For Family Court Matters:

Petition for divorce/legal separation
Financial disclosure statements
Marital settlement agreements
Child custody and placement provisions
Child support calculations and orders
Maintenance (alimony) determinations
Property division documentation
Paternity determinations (when applicable)
Post-judgment modification requests

For Probate Proceedings:

Will (if testate) or intestacy petition
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Personal representative appointments
Notices to creditors and heirs
Distribution plans
Final accounting documents
Estate closing orders

Each court record also contains a case docket, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case, providing a complete procedural history of the matter.

How Long Does Ozaukee County Keep Court Records?

Ozaukee County adheres to the Wisconsin Court Records Retention Schedule established by Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, which mandates specific timeframes for maintaining various judicial documents. These retention periods ensure proper preservation of legal records while managing storage constraints.

The current retention schedule includes:

For Civil Cases:

Small claims case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Money judgment records: 20 years after entry (may be extended upon request)
Other civil case files: 20 years after entry of final order
Civil commitment records: 7 years after discharge

For Criminal Cases:

Felony case files: 75 years after entry of final judgment
Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Traffic and ordinance violations: 8 years after entry of final judgment
Homicide cases: Permanent retention

For Family Court Matters:

Divorce/legal separation files: 30 years after entry of judgment
Paternity determination records: 50 years after judgment
Child support payment records: Until the youngest child reaches age 33
Adoption records: Permanent retention

For Probate Proceedings:

Formal and informal probate files: 75 years after final judgment
Guardianship files: 7 years after termination of guardianship
Conservatorship files: 7 years after termination

Court dockets, indexes, and judgment records are typically maintained for longer periods than case files, with many being preserved permanently due to their historical and legal significance. The Clerk of Circuit Court may transfer older records to microfilm or digital formats for space conservation while maintaining accessibility.

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.03, though records with historical significance may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society for permanent preservation rather than destruction.

Types of Courts In Ozaukee County

Ozaukee County's judicial system consists of several court types operating within a hierarchical structure. Each court maintains jurisdiction over specific case types as established by Wisconsin law.

Ozaukee County Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-8409
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Ozaukee County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court serves as the county's court of general jurisdiction, handling civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters. Ozaukee County is part of Wisconsin's Third Judicial Administrative District and currently has three circuit court branches, each presided over by an elected judge serving six-year terms.

Municipal Courts
Ozaukee County contains several municipal courts with limited jurisdiction over ordinance violations, traffic matters, and minor offenses occurring within their respective municipal boundaries:

City of Cedarburg Municipal Court
W63 N645 Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 375-7606
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

City of Mequon Municipal Court
11333 N. Cedarburg Road
Mequon, WI 53092
(262) 242-3100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Village of Grafton Municipal Court
860 Badger Circle
Grafton, WI 53024
(262) 375-5300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Village of Thiensville Municipal Court
250 Elm Street
Thiensville, WI 53092
(262) 242-3720
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Appeals from Ozaukee County Circuit Court decisions are heard by:

Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District II
2727 N. Grandview Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 521-5230
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The final appellate authority is:

Wisconsin Supreme Court
16 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
(608) 266-1880
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This hierarchical structure provides multiple levels of judicial review, ensuring legal matters receive appropriate consideration based on their complexity and significance.

What Types of Cases Do Ozaukee County Courts Hear?

Ozaukee County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Wisconsin statutes. The distribution of case types among the county's courts ensures efficient administration of justice.

The Ozaukee County Circuit Court, as the county's court of general jurisdiction, handles:

Civil Cases:

Personal injury claims exceeding $10,000
Contract disputes and business litigation
Real estate and property matters
Civil rights violations
Administrative appeals
Complex tort litigation

Criminal Cases:

Felony prosecutions (all classes)
Misdemeanor offenses
Criminal traffic violations (OWI/DUI)
Preliminary hearings and arraignments
Bail/bond determinations
Sentencing proceedings
Probation revocation hearings

Family Court Matters:

Divorce and legal separation proceedings
Child custody and placement determinations
Child support establishment and enforcement
Paternity actions
Adoption proceedings
Name changes
Domestic violence restraining orders

Probate Proceedings:

Will probate and intestate succession
Estate administration
Guardianships (minor and adult)
Conservatorships
Mental health commitments
Protective placements

Small Claims Court (as a division of Circuit Court):

Civil actions not exceeding $10,000
Eviction proceedings
Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)
Consumer claims

Juvenile Court (as a specialized division):

Delinquency proceedings
Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
Juvenile ordinance violations
Termination of parental rights

Municipal Courts in Ozaukee County have limited jurisdiction over:

Municipal ordinance violations
First-offense OWI/DUI (in some municipalities)
Parking infractions
Building code violations
Animal control violations
Juvenile curfew violations
Minor traffic offenses

Case assignment within the Circuit Court is managed through a rotation system among the three branches, with certain specializations based on judicial expertise and caseload management considerations.

How To Find a Court Docket In Ozaukee County

Court dockets in Ozaukee County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for all cases. These essential records help the public track case progression and court activities. Multiple methods exist for accessing docket information.

The most efficient methods for locating court dockets include:

Online Access via Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - This statewide portal provides comprehensive docket information for all circuit court cases in Ozaukee County. To access dockets:
- Visit Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
- Select search criteria (name, case number, citation)
- Review case listings in search results
- Select specific cases to view detailed docket entries
- Note scheduled hearings and filing deadlines
In-Person Terminal Access - Public access terminals are available at:

Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-8409
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

These terminals provide access to the same WCCA database but with assistance available from court staff if needed.
Daily Court Calendar - For upcoming hearings, the Ozaukee County Circuit Court publishes daily calendars showing scheduled proceedings:
- Available in printed form at the courthouse
- Posted on bulletin boards near courtrooms
- Accessible through the Ozaukee County Court website
Written Request - For historical docket information or cases not available electronically, submit a written request:
- Complete the Record Request Form
- Provide case number or party names
- Specify docket information needed
- Submit to the Clerk of Circuit Court with applicable fees

For municipal court dockets, contact the specific municipal court directly, as these records are maintained separately from the circuit court system and may not be available through WCCA.

When searching for docket information, providing specific case numbers significantly expedites the process. For cases without known numbers, searches using party names, filing dates, or case types can help locate the relevant dockets.

Which Courts in Ozaukee County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Wisconsin's judicial system, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" is established by Wisconsin Statute § 753.01, which designates circuit courts as courts of record. This classification determines whether proceedings are formally transcribed and preserved for potential appellate review.

Within Ozaukee County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:

Municipal Courts - All municipal courts operating in Ozaukee County municipalities are courts not of record, including:
- City of Cedarburg Municipal Court
- City of Mequon Municipal Court
- Village of Grafton Municipal Court
- Village of Thiensville Municipal Court

As courts not of record, these municipal judicial bodies:

Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
Maintain simplified record-keeping systems
Process primarily ordinance violations and minor offenses
Conduct less formal hearings than circuit courts
Issue decisions that, if appealed, result in de novo review (completely new proceedings) at the circuit court level

The practical implications of this classification include:

Appeals from municipal courts to Ozaukee County Circuit Court are heard "de novo" (as new cases), rather than reviewing the lower court's record
Defendants dissatisfied with municipal court outcomes have the right to a completely new hearing in circuit court
The absence of formal transcripts means proceedings cannot be reviewed for procedural or evidentiary errors
Simplified procedures allow for more expeditious resolution of minor matters

By contrast, the Ozaukee County Circuit Court is a court of record, maintaining comprehensive documentation of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. This ensures that appellate courts can review the exact record of proceedings when evaluating appeals.